High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, rich comfort food that secretly packs 20 grams of protein per bowl thanks to a genius cottage cheese hack. If you love classic broccoli cheddar but want something that actually fuels your body, this recipe delivers all the cozy vibes without the guilt.

I used to think healthy soups meant sacrificing flavor, until I discovered that blending cottage cheese creates the creamiest texture while boosting protein. This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup comes together in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. The combination of sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and secretly healthy ingredients makes this my go-to when I want comfort food that works for my goals. Every spoonful feels indulgent, but you’re actually loading up on vegetables and quality protein.

What You’ll Need for This Protein-Packed Soup

I always use extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact, and I highly recommend shredding it yourself from a block rather than buying pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can make your soup grainy instead of silky smooth.

• 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 for gluten-free version)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth (I prefer not-chicken style for deeper flavor)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen works great)
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup, Cabot brand is my favorite)
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended until completely smooth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro tip: Start with 3 cups of broth for a thicker, creamier High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. You can always add the 4th cup if you prefer it thinner. Blend your cottage cheese for 30-60 seconds before starting for the smoothest texture.

How to Make This Creamy High Protein Soup

I recommend preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking. Blend your cottage cheese completely smooth in a blender or food processor, and have your shredded cheese ready to go.

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling and fragrant, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, become fragrant, and the onion turns translucent. This creates a flavorful base.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring constantly. You’ll smell that beautiful garlic aroma, but don’t let it brown or it will taste bitter.

Step 3: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring constantly for one minute until the vegetables are evenly coated. The mixture will look pasty and coat the back of your spoon. This roux will thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 4: Pour in 3 cups of the vegetable broth (reserve the 4th cup) and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat slightly and let it bubble gently for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is fork-tender but still bright green.

Step 5: Add the milk and reduce heat to low (around 200-250°F if using a thermometer). Stir gently and let it warm through without boiling, about 3-4 minutes. Boiling milk will curdle and ruin the texture.

Step 6: Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring continuously until both are completely melted and incorporated. Keep the heat low during this step to prevent curdling. The soup should be smooth and creamy now.

Step 7: Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender and pulse 3-4 times for about 5-10 seconds total, leaving the vent open to release steam. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. This creates extra creaminess while keeping some chunky vegetables for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for about 10-15 seconds. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in the remaining cup of broth.

Perfect Pairings for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs beautifully with fresh, crunchy sides that balance the creamy richness.

Apple Walnut Kale Salad: The crisp apples and crunchy walnuts provide textural contrast while the tangy dressing cuts through the soup’s richness perfectly.

Vegan Chopped Salad: Fresh vegetables add a light, refreshing element that makes this meal feel complete and balanced without weighing you down.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: Nothing beats dipping warm, chewy bread into this creamy soup. The tangy sourdough complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.

Garlic Bread: For ultimate comfort food vibes, buttery garlic bread is always a winner with broccoli cheddar soup.

More Comforting High-Protein Soups to Add to the Rotation

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup pairs beautifully with other protein-packed soups that make meal prep a breeze. For those who love hearty, filling options, the Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein with tender ground beef and perfectly cooked rice in a rich tomato broth. When craving bold, southwestern flavors, try the Easy High Protein Creamy Taco Soup with 24 grams of protein and hidden vegetables that nobody will even notice.

If seeking lighter options that still satisfy, the High Protein Tomato Soup uses the same cottage cheese hack to boost protein to 11 grams per serving while maintaining that classic comfort food appeal. These soups complement each other perfectly for weekly meal prep, offering variety in flavors while keeping protein goals on track throughout busy weeks.

Storing Your Leftover Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it tastes best within the first 2 days for optimal creamy texture. I recommend portioning it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

To reheat, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round to ensure even heating. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Questions Answered

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