Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup on a cozy day. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — everything you want in a comfort meal.

If you love creamy, cheesy soups but want something that actually keeps you full, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is about to become your new favorite.

It’s cozy, wholesome, and packed with protein thanks to blended cottage cheese and a little magic from low-fat milk.

I first made this soup on a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting but not heavy.

The usual broccoli cheddar soup can be a bit on the indulgent side, so I wanted to make a lighter, high-protein version that still had that creamy, cheesy flavor we all crave.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, craving something warm after a long day, or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic, this healthy broccoli cheddar soup will hit the spot every time.

It’s simple to make, packed with real ingredients, and tastes even better the next day — trust me, you’ll be ladling out seconds before you know it.

🥦 What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food made with tender broccoli, carrots, onions, and a creamy cheese base. It’s thick, rich, and satisfying — like a hug in a bowl. The traditional version gets most of its flavor (and calories) from heavy cream and cheese.

This high protein broccoli cheddar soup keeps the flavor but swaps the excess cream for blended cottage cheese and 1% milk, giving it a protein boost without losing that rich, cheesy taste.

❤️ Why You’ll Want This Recipe on Repeat?

• It’s healthy, filling, and loaded with protein.
• No fancy tools — just a pot and a blender.
• Tastes like restaurant-style broccoli cheddar soup but lighter.
• Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

🥣 Recipe Overview

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and wholesome comfort food recipe made with fresh broccoli, carrots, onions, and a blend of cheddar and cottage cheese for extra protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Soup
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: ~250 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Equipment:

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender
• Ladle

🧄 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, julienned or finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground garlic
• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the Not-Chicken style)
• 1 large broccoli head, chopped (florets and stalks)
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 100g cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
• 4 tablespoons milk (for blending)
• Salt & pepper to taste

📝 Ingredient Notes

• Broccoli: Use both florets and stalks for texture and flavor. The stalks soften beautifully in the soup.
• Cottage Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that gives the soup a creamy texture and a protein punch. Blend it until smooth.
• Cheddar: Go for a sharp cheddar for the best flavor. A little goes a long way.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup. You can swap it with cornstarch if gluten-free.
• Vegetable Broth: I like using “Not-Chicken” style broth for a richer flavor.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies:

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Make the Base:

Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes until it forms a paste. Add smoked paprika and ground garlic.

3. Add Broth & Broccoli:

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add chopped broccoli, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender.

4. Blend Cottage Cheese:

While the soup cooks, blend cottage cheese with 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy.

5. Add Milk & Cheese:

Lower the heat and stir in milk, blended cottage cheese, and grated cheddar. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Adjust Texture:

If you like it smooth, blend half or all of the soup. If you prefer it chunky, leave some broccoli bits as they are.

7. Serve Hot:

Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper.

🧮 Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

💡 Tips for the Best Easy Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

✅Don’t rush the sautéing — it builds flavor.

✅Use a sharp cheddar for stronger taste without adding too much cheese.

✅Blend cottage cheese until smooth; it makes all the difference.

✅If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

🍽️ How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

I love serving this with:

• Whole-grain toast or garlic bread
• A light green salad
• Grilled chicken sandwiches
• A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top

It’s also perfect as a side with baked potatoes or roasted veggies.

How to Store and Reheat High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Storage:

• Let the soup cool before storing.
• Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

• Warm gently on the stove over low heat.
• Add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

• Blend cottage cheese before adding — it gives a silky smooth finish.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli; you want it soft but still bright green.
• For thicker soup, simmer a few minutes longer after adding cheese.
• Always taste and adjust salt at the end.

🥦 What to Do with Leftover Broccoli?

If you’ve got extra broccoli on hand, try these:

• Toss it in a broccoli salad with Greek yogurt dressing.
• Make broccoli sandwiches with melted cheddar.
• Add it to omelets or stir-fries for a quick protein-packed meal.

❓ FAQ

✨ Conclusion

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of those simple, satisfying meals that checks every box — comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor. I love making a big pot on Sunday and enjoying it through the week.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram — I’d love to see your version of this cozy soup.