Name: High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 4 cups chopped broccoli; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cups 1% milk; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style preferred); Salt & pepper to taste

I absolutely love making this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe whenever I want something comforting yet packed with nutrition. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of vibrant broccoli flavor, but what really makes it special is the added protein from cottage cheese, which gives it a wonderful richness without feeling too heavy. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, and it’s become my go-to whenever I crave a bowl of soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

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

From the first time I made this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, I was hooked by its perfectly balanced flavors. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, smoky paprika, and tender broccoli creates a depth of taste that’s both comforting and a little bit exciting. It’s not your ordinary broccoli cheddar soup — that little twist of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth and complexity I find irresistible.

What really wins me over is how simple it is to prepare. I love dishes that don’t require a ton of fuss, and this soup delivers on that front. The steps are straightforward, but the outcome is so rich and flavorful you’d think it took hours to make. Whether I’m cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or bringing something cozy to share with friends, this recipe fits perfectly — fast to throw together but impressive enough to savor and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A creamy, pale yellow soup filled with finely chopped green broccoli pieces and occasional small orange carrot bits sits in a large white-handled pot on a marble surface. The texture looks smooth but with visible vegetable pieces suspended evenly throughout, forming a single thick layer. Around the pot, there is a small wooden bowl of raw broccoli florets, a glass bowl of white cottage cheese, and a plate with shredded pale yellow cheese, all arranged neatly. A dark green cloth lies to the left of the pot, adding a cozy touch. photo taken with an iphone

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential — each one contributes to the creamy texture, bright color, or bold flavor that makes this soup a standout. You’ll find familiar staples that blend effortlessly to create something truly delicious.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for a flavorful base.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation that enhances the overall taste.
Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Celery: Adds subtle depth and crunch during cooking to balance the softer ingredients.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory aroma that elevates every spoonful.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Creates a silky, thick texture by coating veggies and blending with the broth.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the soup with a subtle smoky warmth that makes it unique.
Vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base while keeping the soup light and fresh.
Chopped broccoli: The star ingredient, lending fresh vegetable goodness and texture.
1% milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the soup’s delicate balance.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious, cheesy goodness that defines this classic soup.
Low fat cottage cheese: The secret protein boost that enhances creaminess while keeping it light.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering and fragrant, setting the stage for building layers of flavor.

Step 2: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables become soft and slightly caramelized, which really intensifies their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute, allowing its savory aroma to bloom without burning.

Step 4: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for one minute, making sure every piece is coated. This step is key because the flour will thicken the soup once the broth is added.

Step 5: Pour in the vegetable broth and toss in the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Let the broccoli simmer for 8 to 9 minutes or until tender but still slightly crisp, giving the soup satisfying texture and vibrant color.

Step 7: Slowly add the milk while stirring, lowering the heat to keep the soup warm but not boil, preserving the smooth texture.

Step 8: Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently over low heat until the cheese melts completely. Be careful to avoid turning up the heat too much here, as high heat can make the milk curdle.

Step 9: Remove a cup of the soup and carefully blend it in a blender, making sure steam can escape to prevent pressure buildup. Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to pulse the soup until partially smooth but still a bit chunky — I love that texture!

Step 10: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to bring out all the flavors. Your soup is now ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week ahead. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, bringing the total to about 35 minutes from start to finish. There is no required resting time, so you can serve it as soon as the soup is warm and cheesy, making it a fantastic choice for quick but nourishing meals.

How to Serve This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A creamy, thick soup fills a white ceramic bowl, featuring finely chopped bright green broccoli and small, round slices of orange carrot dispersed evenly throughout a smooth, pale yellow base dotted with tiny specks of green and orange. The texture is velvety with visible chunks of vegetables, and a metal spoon lifts out a scoop showing the soup’s consistency and a closer view of the colorful ingredients. Around the bowl on a white marble surface are pieces of raw broccoli, a green cloth napkin, and a glimpse of a glass bowl holding white cottage cheese. photo taken with an iphone

When I serve this soup, I like to keep things simple to highlight its creamy texture and rich flavor. A crusty baguette or warm garlic bread on the side makes for an irresistible pairing — perfect for dipping into every velvety spoonful. Roasted nuts or crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.

Presentation-wise, I love garnishing with a little extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for color and a bit of zing. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley bring a burst of freshness that brightens the bowl beautifully. Pouring it into wide, shallow bowls helps cool the soup just enough, so it’s enjoyable without burning your mouth on the first bite.

As for drinks, I often go with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water infused with lemon to balance the richness. This recipe shines at cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, nutritious meal that feels like a treat. I recommend serving it warm to hot — that’s when the flavors sing brightest and the texture is silky smooth.

Variations

I love experimenting with this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe to keep it exciting. If you want a dairy-free twist, swapping the milk for a creamy plant-based alternative and using nutritional yeast instead of cheddar can still give you lots of flavor and a satisfying texture. For a vegan option, I also recommend blending in silken tofu in place of cottage cheese as a protein boost.

If you want to mix up the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that warms you from the inside out. For an extra layer of flavor, roasted garlic instead of raw garlic offers a mellow sweetness. Sometimes I stir in cooked quinoa or shredded chicken to turn it into a fuller meal with different textures and extra nutrients.

When pressed for time, I’ve gently cooked the vegetables in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the process without sacrificing taste. Using an immersion blender lets me control how much I blend, whether I want it silky smooth or with more texture. These tweaks keep the recipe fresh and fit whatever mood I’m in.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this delicious soup store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I like to portion it out in individual-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week. This way, I avoid reheating the whole batch more than once, preserving the soup’s creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Try to leave a little space at the top of your containers as the soup will expand when it freezes. It keeps well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid reheating on too high a heat, since the dairy can separate or curdle. A splash of milk or broth can help restore the creamy consistency if it thickens too much after chilling. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is fine; just do it in short intervals and stir between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace the cheddar and cottage cheese with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Blended silken tofu also gives a wonderful creamy texture and protein boost in place of cottage cheese.

Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely, this soup keeps really well in the fridge for several days and freezes beautifully too. I like to make a big batch and portion it out into single servings for quick meals during busy weeks.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly fine and can save prep time. Just add it to the soup a little earlier and give it a bit more simmering to fully soften.

How do I prevent the milk from curdling?

Keep the heat low once you add the milk and cheeses, and stir gently. Avoid bringing the soup to a boil after adding dairy ingredients to maintain a smooth texture without curdling.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?

I love pairing it with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or even a simple sandwich to round out the meal. Adding toppings like roasted nuts, seeds, or bacon bits also adds protein and crunch for more satisfying bites.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and healthy, easy but indulgent. It brings together nourishing ingredients and cozy flavors in a way that feels like pure comfort food without any guilt. Give it a try and enjoy every warming spoonful — I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!