High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers everything you love about classic broccoli cheese soup—creamy texture, rich flavor, and cozy comfort—but with a nutritious upgrade. Thanks to blended cottage cheese and lower-fat dairy, each serving packs 20 grams of protein while staying light, wholesome, and satisfying.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, meal-prep lunch, or cold-weather comfort meal you can feel good about enjoying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein & secretly healthy: Cottage cheese blends in seamlessly for a protein boost.
• Classic comfort, lighter feel: Rich and cozy without being heavy.
• One-pot recipe: Easy cleanup and simple steps.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A great meat-free protein option.
• Customizable: Add more veggies, spice, or swap dairy to suit your needs.

Ingredients

• 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 (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth (start with 3; add more if needed)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Build the Base

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened.

2. Add Flavor

Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add smoked paprika and flour, stirring until vegetables are coated. Cook 1 minute more.

3. Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli.
Bring to a simmer and cook 8–9 minutes until the broccoli softens.

4. Add the Creaminess

Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the milk and warm gently—do not boil.
Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar.
Stir until melted and smooth.

5. Blend for Perfect Texture

Blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot for a thicker, creamier consistency.
Alternatively, gently blend with an immersion blender.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips

• Don’t overheat: High heat can cause milk to curdle. Keep it low and slow.
• Thicker soup: Use less broth or purée more of the mixture.
• Extra creamy: Add a small handful of extra cheddar at the end.
• More protein: Add an extra ½ cup blended cottage cheese.

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat (avoid boiling).
• Freezing is possible, but dairy may separate—blend after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—frozen works perfectly. No need to thaw.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or corn starch (mixed with a little cold water).

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk, vegan cheese, and a high-protein plant yogurt instead of cottage cheese.

Can I add protein without dairy?
Blend in white beans or silken tofu for a similar creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy, creamy classic made better with nutritious upgrades and balanced ingredients. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, protein-packed for satisfying meals, and comforting enough to become a new staple in your soup rotation.

Serve it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese, or a big side salad for a complete, delicious meal.

📖 Recipe