Some nights, you just need a bowl that hugs you back. This high protein broccoli cheddar soup is trending for good reason and we’re here for it! Creamy, rich, and surprisingly nutritious, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal fuss and satisfying flavor.
Think classic diner-style broccoli cheddar soup but better for you. Made with sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and a flavorful veggie broth base, this recipe packs in protein while steering clear of heaviness. It’s one of those healthy filling soup ideas that’ll nourish you without feeling bland or boring. Full details below!
After experimenting with versions for months, I’ve landed on a protein-packed upgrade that even my picky eaters love. A small twist turns this soup into something so much more comforting, rich, and secretly good for you.
Why This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Will Become Your Go-To
This soup instantly takes me back to cozy afternoons in my grandmother Julia’s kitchen. With mismatched bowls and warm stories served alongside, broccoli cheddar soup was always on the table. My version holds onto the comfort but kicks things up with modern ingredients that fuel your body.
The not-so-secret ingredient? Blended cottage cheese. It might sound odd at first, but once blended smooth, it adds a rich creaminess and protein without altering the flavor. Even my cheese-loving husband can’t tell it’s in there he just knows it’s delicious.
- 20 grams of protein per serving far more than your average version
- Finished in 35 minutes ideal for quick weeknight dinners
- Packed with veggies broccoli, carrots, and onions for texture and taste
- Freezer-friendly make a double batch and save time later
The Magic Behind This Veggie Broth Recipe
This high protein broccoli cheddar soup avoids the heavy, flour-thickened feel of many classic versions. Instead, we’re layering flavor through smart techniques and a clean veggie broth base.
A broth made with “not-chicken” vegetable stock brings complex depth without overpowering the soup. We build on that with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery that go-to mirepoix base my grandmother always believed was where every great soup begins.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Blended cottage cheese | Adds 15g protein + creamy texture | Blend completely for the smoothest consistency |
| Smoked paprika | Adds smoky, savory depth | Use a small pinch for balance too much can overpower |
| 1% milk | Light creaminess without the fat | Add on low heat to avoid curdling |
| Fresh broccoli | Better texture and color than frozen | Chop evenly for consistent cooking |
Step-by-Step: Making Magic Happen
This no-fuss soup follows a familiar yet forgiving builder’s formula sauté your base, add broth, simmer veggies, and stir in the creamy elements. As it simmers, it fills the kitchen with nostalgic, buttery warmth.
Start by sauteing the chopped onions, celery, and carrots over medium heat until softened. I still remember the way my grandmother’s whole house would fill with this exact aroma the beginning of something cozy.
- Sauté the base: Cook onions, carrots, and celery in butter for about 10 minutes
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and flour to thicken
- Build the soup: Add broth and broccoli; simmer until the florets are fork-tender
- Make it creamy: Stir in milk, cheese, and blended cottage cheese over low heat
- Blend partially: Blend ~1 cup of soup to give body while keeping texture
Timing Your Soup Perfect
| Step | Time | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté vegetables | 10 minutes | Onions become translucent, carrots soften |
| Add garlic & flour | 2 minutes | Flour no longer raw; garlic is fragrant |
| Simmer broccoli | 8-9 minutes | Broccoli is vibrant green and tender |
| Add dairy | 5 minutes | Just warmed through; do not boil |
Troubleshooting Your Soup (Because Life Happens)
Even with the best planning, kitchen hiccups happen. Whether your cheese clumps or the texture isn’t quite right, there’s always a fix. Here’s how to troubleshoot like a soup pro:
Curdled milk? It’s likely from high heat. Immediately reduce to low, then whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk or a splash of broth. To avoid it altogether, always temper dairy before adding it and stir often.
- Too thick: Thin gradually with warm broth or milk
- Too thin: Whisk 1 tablespoon flour with cold milk and add gradually
- Clumpy cheese: Stir in slowly off the heat for best melting
- Bland flavor: Add extra salt, black pepper, nutritional yeast, or lemon juice
Easy Swaps for Every Kitchen
Recipes are roadmaps – not rules. If you’re out of something or have food preferences, this soup adapts beautifully. My go-to tweaks change with the seasons and my fridge contents.
| Instead Of | Try This | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend | 1:1 swap texture stays the same |
| Cheddar cheese | Gruyere or sharp white cheddar | Add Parmesan for extra sharpness |
| Fresh broccoli | Thawed frozen broccoli | Reduce simmer time by 2-3 minutes |
| 1% milk | Half-and-half or unsweetened oat milk | Dairy-free options work well |
| Cottage cheese | Blended Greek yogurt | Same protein benefits, slightly tangier taste |
Serving and Storage That Actually Works
This soup somehow tastes better the next day after the flavors deepen. It’s ideal for meal prepping or leftover lunches a total fridge MVP. Just store in airtight glass containers for best freshness.
Pair with crusty sourdough bread, multigrain crackers, or even over roast or baked potatoes for variety. We love it alongside a grilled cheese double the comfort, double the joy.
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Cool completely before storing in airtight containers |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge; reheat gently with added milk |
Expert Insight: The Power of Protein in Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Boosting protein in comfort foods like broccoli cheddar soup helps you stay full longer and recover better post-workout. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or even protein powder can enhance nutrition without compromising texture. It takes your simple soup to satisfying meal status with every bite.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Slowly Perfecting My High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Getting this soup just right took a few delicious missteps like the time I overdid the cheese and ended up with a fondue instead of dinner! But after refining it over months, I now have a version that balances nutrition, flavor, and texture and always brings comfort.
FAQs ( High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup )
Your New Favorite Bowl of Comfort
This high protein broccoli cheddar soup truly brings together the best of both worlds indulgently creamy and genuinely nourishing. Thanks to blended cottage cheese and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bowl delivers on flavor and fullness.
Feel free to riff on it: swap out the cheddar for Gruyere, stir in white beans for extra plant-based protein, or serve over roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty twist. It’s an incredibly flexible veggie broth recipe that you’ll want on repeat all week long.
I’d absolutely love to know how it turns out for you. Do you have a favorite soup memory or family trick worth sharing? Tag me with your recreations and don’t forget to send this healthy filling soup to someone who needs a cozy night in.
PrintHIGH PROTEIN BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
This rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is secretly healthy, with 20 grams of protein per serving! It’s the perfect comfort food recipe!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth I like the not-chicken style
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded about 1 cup
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese blended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion carrot and celery and cook for 10 minutes stirring frequently.
- Add the garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one minute.
- Add the smoked paprika and flour and cook for one minute stirring until the vegetables are coated with flour.
- Add the broth and broccoli and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the broccoli for 8-9 minutes until softened.
- Add the milk and cook over low heat until the soup is warm.
- Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheese and stir until melted. Be careful not to turn the heat up too high or the milk will curdle.
- Transfer one cup of soup to a blender and blend allowing steam to escape through the vent. Transfer the blended soup back to the pot. Alternatively you can use an immersion blender to gently blend the soup.
- Add salt to taste if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 343
- Sugar: 15.9g
- Sodium: 1032.9mg
- Fat: 15.4g
- Carbohydrates: 32.7g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Protein: 20.9g
- Cholesterol: 48.6mg
