High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Cozy & Packed with Protein!

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As the days grow colder and the evenings darker, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hot bowl of soup to wrap your hands around. If you’re seeking something hearty yet healthy, cozy but still nourishing, and creamy without the guilt, this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup checks all the boxes.

This soup recipe reinvents the classic broccoli cheddar by packing in more protein, fewer empty calories, and more wholesome veggies. Ideal for lunch meal preps, comforting dinners, or even a post-workout refuel, this version doesn’t skimp on creaminess or flavor.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy parent, or just someone craving a comforting bowl of soup with a healthy twist, this recipe delivers.

 Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Traditional broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and decadent, but often lacks protein and can be loaded with full-fat dairy. This version keeps all the indulgence and texture but adds:

  • Blended low-fat cottage cheese for a creamy base rich in protein.

  • 1% milk instead of heavy cream to lighten it up without losing richness.

  • Sharp cheddar for that familiar cheesy kick in a smaller portion.

  • Vegetables galore — carrots, onions, celery, and broccoli bring vitamins, fiber, and volume.

Best of all? It’s all made in one pot. Cleanup is minimal, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to maximize both taste and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

  • 1 stalk celery, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 3 cups vegetable broth

  • 4 cups chopped broccoli

  • 2 cups 1% milk

  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth

  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

This soup is a perfect balance of technique and simplicity. Each step enhances the final result:

 Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add:

  • Diced yellow onion

  • Diced carrots

  • Diced celery

Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the vegetables and draw out their natural sweetness. Your kitchen will already start to smell delicious.

 Step 2: Add Garlic & Flour

Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Let this cook for about 1 minute — just until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Then sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour, stirring constantly to coat the veggies. This forms the roux, which will help thicken your soup later.

 Step 3: Pour in Broth & Add Broccoli

Gradually stir in 3 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Next, stir in 4 cups of chopped broccoli. Cover and simmer the soup on medium-low heat for 8–9 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender.

 Step 4: Mix in Dairy

Turn the heat to low and gently stir in:

  • 2 cups of 1% milk

  • 1 cup blended low-fat cottage cheese

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

 Step 5: Blend to Your Preference

Now it’s time to decide how you like your soup:

  • Creamy with texture: Use an immersion blender to lightly blend the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli and vegetables.

  • Silky smooth: Transfer soup in batches to a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth.

Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently if needed.

 Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cheddar or freshly cracked black pepper.

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

 Calories & Nutrition

  • Approximate Calories: ~343 kcal per serving

  • Protein: ~20 grams

  • Fat: 13g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 4g

This recipe strikes a balance between high protein, moderate fat, and healthy carbs — making it a great all-rounder for energy, satisfaction, and recovery.

 Tips for Success

Here are a few practical suggestions to elevate your soup experience:

1. Boost Cheese Flavor

Use extra-sharp cheddar to amplify the cheese flavor without using more cheese. The more aged the cheddar, the more potent the taste.

2. Blend Wisely

If you’re unsure about full-blending, try this:

  • Blend half the soup to maintain a creamy base with chunks of veggie goodness.

  • Fully blend for a velvety soup that’s great for dipping bread.

3. Use Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli yields the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw it first and reduce the simmering time slightly.

4. Make It Vegan

Substitute butter with olive oil, use non-dairy milk, vegan cheese, and blended silken tofu or cashew cream for a plant-based option.

5. Make Ahead & Store

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent separation.

  • Avoid Freezing: Dairy-based soups often split upon thawing, which affects the texture.

 What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

While this soup is hearty enough on its own, these additions make it a full meal:

  • Crusty sourdough bread

  • Whole grain toast with avocado

  • Grilled cheese sandwich

  • Side salad with lemon vinaigrette

  • Roasted chickpeas for a crunchy topping

 Customization Ideas

Want to make this your own? Here are a few creative twists:

Add Protein

  • Shredded rotisserie chicken

  • Cooked white beans

  • Sautéed tofu cubes

Spice It Up

  • A dash of cayenne pepper

  • A few drops of hot sauce

  • Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes

More Veggies

  • Add zucchini or spinach during the simmering step

  • Stir in peas or cauliflower rice

 Why This Soup is Great for Meal Prep

This soup isn’t just tasty — it’s practical.

  • Reheats beautifully without getting too thick or gummy.

  • Stays creamy even after cooling.

  • Can be made ahead in big batches for weekday lunches or dinners.

  • Kids love it, especially with some grilled cheese dippers on the side.

Final Thoughts: Cozy, Healthy & Oh-So-Creamy

This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers a warming, nutritious escape that satisfies cravings without weighing you down. It’s rich, hearty, and has a velvety texture that comes together without any heavy cream or excess fat.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cold-weather cravings, or post-gym nourishment, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

It proves once and for all: you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to stay healthy.

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