The Best High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Ever Made

Broccoli cheddar soup redefines ordinary vegetables into a rich, comforting meal that packs serious nutritional power.

Hearty ingredients blend together, creating a velvety texture that warms you from the inside out.

Nutritionists praise this soup for its impressive balance of protein and essential vitamins.

Creamy cheese mingles with tender broccoli, producing a delightful harmony of flavors that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Robust and satisfying, this recipe elevates a classic soup into a nutrient-dense powerhouse that can anchor any meal.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something remarkably delicious and nourishing.

The magic happens when quality components merge with careful technique, turning humble vegetables into a spectacular dining experience.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Every Spoonful

• Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Cut onions, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
• Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Boost Protein Smartly: Use blended cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess without compromising the soup's rich flavor profile.
• Simmer Gently: Keep soup at a low simmer when adding milk to prevent curdling and maintain a silky smooth base.
• Customize Thickness: Adjust soup's consistency by blending a portion or using an immersion blender to create your desired texture, from chunky to ultra-smooth.

Save and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent separation.

Add These to Complete Your Broccoli Cheddar Meal

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Serve this hearty broccoli cheddar soup alongside a warm slice of tangy sourdough bread. The crisp crust and soft interior perfectly complement the creamy soup's rich texture.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness. These light, zesty wines provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, protein-packed broth.
• Combine with Green Side Salad: Create a balanced meal by adding a light mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes will enhance the soup's depth and provide a crisp textural counterpoint.
• Serve with Roasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for a crunchy garnish. These nuts add a nutty flavor and extra protein that elevates the soup's nutritional profile and provides a delightful textural surprise.

Bold Soup Variations to Try Tonight

• Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt Version: Replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and extra protein boost. Add grilled chicken strips for additional protein content.
• Vegan Broccoli Cashew Soup: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based vegetable broth and swap cheddar for vegan cheese alternatives.
• Spicy Southwest Broccoli Soup: Incorporate jalapeños, green chiles, and cumin for a zesty kick. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for enhanced texture and flavor.
• Roasted Vegetable Protein Soup: Roast broccoli, onions, and carrots before adding to the soup for deeper caramelized notes. Include white beans or lentils for extra protein and hearty texture.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Extra Creaminess

• Protein-Packed Power Punch: This soup delivers a robust protein boost from cottage cheese and cheddar, making it a nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Creamy Comfort with Veggie Goodness: The blended technique creates a luxurious, velvety texture while incorporating nutrient-rich broccoli and vegetables, transforming a classic comfort food into a healthier option.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Cooking: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe offers a simple, straightforward cooking method that even novice chefs can master, with minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that guarantee a delicious outcome every time.

Ingredients That Pack Protein into Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Butter: Rich, flavorful fat for sautéing vegetables and building soup base.
• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables providing depth and traditional soup foundation.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance overall taste profile.

• Cottage Cheese: High-protein ingredient that creates creamy texture without heavy cream.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese providing rich flavor and additional protein.
• Milk: Smooth liquid base for creating soup consistency and adding creaminess.

• Vegetable Broth: Light, flavorful liquid creating soup's primary liquid base.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth soup consistency.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky depth and complexity to soup flavor.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable providing texture and core soup ingredient.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

Directions for Making Rich and Nourishing Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Prepare Kitchen Essentials

Gather a large pot, cutting board, knife, wooden spoon, and measuring tools.

Ensure all ingredients are fresh and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Butter
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Melt butter in the pot over medium heat.

Dice vegetables into uniform small pieces.

Cook vegetables for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Flour

Introduce minced garlic and cook for one minute.

Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour, stirring to coat vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Create Soup Base

• Vegetable broth
• Chopped broccoli

Pour vegetable broth into the pot.

Add broccoli pieces.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 8-9 minutes until broccoli becomes tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Elements

• Milk
• Cottage cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Reduce heat to low.

Slowly stir in milk, warming gently without boiling.

Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar.

Stir until cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Enhance Soup Texture

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to partially blend soup.

This creates a thicker, creamier consistency.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot in warm bowls.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty protein-packed broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Creamy Wisconsin cheddar melds with tender broccoli, offering a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights you.

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Ingredients

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Protein-Rich Vegetables:

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
• 2 cups 1% milk

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably not-chicken style)
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Place butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pot.
2. Introduce diced onion, carrots, and celery into the melted butter. Gently sauté the vegetables, stirring consistently until they transform into a soft, translucent mixture, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for roughly one minute.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour over the vegetable medley, stirring thoroughly to ensure each morsel is evenly coated and the raw flour taste dissipates.
5. Stream vegetable broth into the pot and add chopped broccoli. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, maintaining this state for 8-9 minutes until broccoli achieves perfect tenderness.
6. Reduce heat and carefully pour milk into the soup, warming the mixture without permitting it to boil, which could cause milk separation.
7. Gradually fold blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar into the soup, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated. Maintain low temperature to prevent potential curdling.
8. Create a luxuriously creamy texture by either extracting one cup of soup, blending it separately, and reintroducing to the pot, or utilizing an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.
9. Perform a final taste assessment, seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.

Notes

• Maximize protein intake by using blended cottage cheese, which adds creamy texture without excess fat.
• Quick blending technique transforms soup from chunky to silky smooth, enhancing overall eating experience.
• Smoked paprika introduces unexpected depth, elevating standard broccoli soup with subtle smoky undertones.
• Low heat prevents milk and cheese from curdling, ensuring a velvety, professional-quality soup every time.
• Vegetable base of onions, carrots, and celery creates robust flavor foundation before adding broccoli and cheese.
• Immersion blender offers convenient alternative to transferring hot soup, reducing potential mess and cleanup time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg