The Creamiest High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Ever

Whipping up a deliciously creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup can transform your dinner routine in minutes.

Packed with nutrients, this recipe brings comfort and wellness to your table.

Crisp broccoli florets mingle with sharp cheddar, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Protein-rich ingredients make this soup a satisfying meal for anyone seeking a hearty and nutritious option.

Greek yogurt and lean chicken add substantial protein without compromising flavor.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, melted cheddar that weaves through each spoonful.

You’ll find this soup incredibly simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.

Dive into this warming bowl that promises both taste and nutritional balance.

What’s Inside High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Cottage Cheese: Provides a creamy, protein-rich base that enhances the soup's texture and nutritional value.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and contributes to the soup's creamy consistency.

• Broccoli, Onion, Carrots, Celery: These vegetables create a nutritious foundation with complementary flavors and textures.
• Garlic: Offers a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.

• Vegetable Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a creamy texture.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the soup a consistent, smooth texture.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Contribute essential seasoning and depth of flavor to the soup.

How To Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Garlic and Spices

Add minced garlic and cook until its wonderful aroma fills the kitchen. Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, stirring thoroughly to create a flavorful base. Let the mixture cook for another minute to develop rich depth.

Step 3: Introduce Broccoli and Broth

Pour vegetable broth into the pot and add chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the broccoli becomes tender and bright green, which takes around 8-9 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Milk
• Blended cottage cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Gently mix until the cheese melts completely. Avoid boiling to prevent milk from curdling.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Soup Consistency

Remove one cup of soup and blend until smooth, allowing steam to escape. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, maintaining some vegetable chunks for texture. Return blended portion to the pot and stir.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy the comforting, protein-packed meal.

Good Tips For High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Boost Vegetable Softness: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and tender texture throughout the soup.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Lower heat when adding cheese and stir constantly to create smooth, silky consistency without separation.
• Enhance Protein Content: Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or add cooked chicken for extra protein boost without compromising flavor.
• Blend Safely: When using a standard blender, remove lid's center cap and cover with a towel to allow steam escape and prevent potential splatter.
• Texture Variation: Use immersion blender for controlled blending, keeping some broccoli chunks for added nutritional value and interesting mouthfeel.

Ways To Switch Up High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vegan Broccoli Cheese Alternative: Replace cottage cheese and cheddar with nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based cheese shreds for a dairy-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Boost: Substitute carrots with cauliflower, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra protein through chicken or bone broth for low-carb adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, ensuring the soup remains thick while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and thyme, swap vegetable broth with chicken stock, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

Perfect Sides For High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Crusty Artisan Bread Dunk: Grab a slice of rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, cheesy soup. The crispy exterior and soft interior create a delectable texture contrast that elevates each spoonful.
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a bright Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the soup's creamy richness. These wines offer a refreshing acidity that balances the cheese's bold flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken Side: Add grilled or roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary alongside the soup.

Storing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Made Easy

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy soups for best texture.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.

Questions About High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from cottage cheese and cheddar, plus nutrients from broccoli, carrots, and celery. The recipe offers a nutritious alternative to traditional high-fat soups.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your vegetable broth and cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I boost the protein content even more?

Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder during the last step of cooking, or include some cooked white beans or lentils when adding the broccoli.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become richer overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

Why High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is A Smart Pick

• Boost Protein Power: Packed with cottage cheese and cheddar, this soup delivers a substantial protein punch that keeps you satisfied and supports muscle health.
• Veggie Veggie Revolution: Loaded with broccoli, carrots, and celery, the recipe sneaks in multiple nutritious vegetables for a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Simple technique of partially blending allows you to control the soup's texture, making it adaptable for different preferences from chunky to smooth.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and warm, this soup provides a comforting dining experience perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-warming meal.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, comforting High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers a nutritious punch with minimal effort. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavor, you’ll savor each spoonful of this satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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Protein-Rich Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup (225 grams) low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) 1% milk
• 4 cups (400 grams) chopped broccoli

Vegetable Base:

• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 2 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious stockpot, dissolve butter over medium heat until it shimmers and coats the bottom of the pan. Add finely diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for approximately 10 minutes while stirring periodically until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Introduce minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Dust smoked paprika and flour across the vegetable mixture, thoroughly coating and stirring to create a uniform base. Toast the flour for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Stream vegetable broth into the pot and incorporate chopped broccoli. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, maintaining medium-low heat for 8-9 minutes until broccoli becomes fork-tender but retains vibrant green color.
4. Reduce heat to low. Gently fold in milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Ensure cheese melts smoothly without allowing the mixture to boil, which could cause milk separation.
5. Extract one cup of soup and purée in a blender, carefully venting steam to prevent pressure buildup. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a luxurious texture with some vegetable chunks remaining.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal preference. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu cubes for extra nutrition and texture variation.
• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for different protein sources and creamy consistency.
• Create a dairy-free version using nutritional yeast and plant-based milk to maintain rich flavor while accommodating vegan diets.
• Prevent cheese from breaking by removing pot from direct heat before adding dairy and stirring gently to maintain smooth, velvety texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 195 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg