High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe because it’s not only comforting and full of cozy flavors, but it also packs a serious protein punch. When I first tried to make broccoli cheddar soup, I struggled to find a version that was both creamy and healthy without feeling heavy, and this recipe nails that balance perfectly. You’ll appreciate how it warms you up on chilly days yet keeps things nutritious enough for a satisfying meal.

This soup works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or when you want meal prep that fuels your body. What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe worth trying is the clever use of cottage cheese to boost protein content and create a velvety texture without tons of cream or butter. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll see how the familiar flavors get an impressive, healthy upgrade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays a crucial role—from building the soup’s rich base to adding nutrients and flavor. When shopping, look for fresh produce and a sharp cheddar to get the best taste.

• Butter: Adds a buttery base and helps soften the vegetables for that mellow sweetness.
• Yellow Onion: Provides natural sweetness and depth once sautéed slowly.
• Carrots: Don’t skip these—they add subtle sweetness and great texture contrast.
• Celery: Contributes a mild, aromatic flavor that rounds out your veggies.
• Garlic: Brings that lovely savory punch we all crave in soups.
• All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup so it hugs your spoon beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone that makes this soup really stand out.
• Vegetable Broth: Use a flavorful variety to boost taste without adding meat.
• Broccoli: The star of the soup, full of vitamins and fiber.
• 1% Milk: Keeps the soup creamy without weighing it down too much.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use a sharp cheddar for that perfect cheesy kick.
• Low Fat Cottage Cheese: I blend this to make the soup creamy and protein-packed.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential to bring everything together and enhance all flavors.

Variations

I love how flexible this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is. Feel free to swap ingredients or tweak the flavors to suit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find it’s super forgiving!

• Use Different Cheeses: For a twist, try sharp white cheddar or even a bit of parmesan—I use parmesan when I want extra nuttiness.
• Make It Vegan: Swap dairy milk for unsweetened almond milk, use vegan cheese, and replace butter with olive oil.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat in your soup.
• Protein Power-Up: Stir in some cooked quinoa or shredded chicken if you want an even heartier meal.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Flavor Town

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Then toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until everything is soft and the onion turns translucent. This takes a bit of patience but it’s so worth it because that’s where most of the flavor builds. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—you’ll smell that wonderful aroma jump out at you!

Step 2: Coat and Season

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring everything to coat the veggies evenly. Cook this mixture for about a minute. This is an important step because it activates the flour, helping your soup thicken later on. Don’t rush it or you might get a raw flour taste.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the broccoli cook until tender, about 8 to 9 minutes. You want it soft enough to blend but not mushy—stir occasionally to keep flavors mingling well.

Step 4: Cream It Up and Cheese It Right

Lower the heat and stir in the milk, warming the soup slowly. Next, add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir gently until all the cheese melts into a creamy, smooth texture. Be careful not to crank up the heat here; dairy can curdle if it gets too hot too fast. This is when the magic happens—your soup turns velvety and indulgent without being heavy.

Step 5: Blend for Perfect Texture

Remove about a cup of soup and carefully blend it, either in a traditional blender (vent open to let steam escape) or with an immersion blender right in the pot. Then stir the blended portion back in to add creaminess and body. I love this trick because it keeps some texture while creating that luscious consistency we expect from broccoli cheddar soup.

Step 6: Finish and Taste

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors hit just right for you. Serve hot, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar on top, maybe a few crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent, and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of olive oil or some chopped fresh chives adds a fresh pop and color that really elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop. I also enjoy it with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which balances the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or mini pumpkins—your guests will be impressed! Garnishing with edible flowers or a swirl of pesto can also turn a humble bowl into a showstopper at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to four days. Just giving it a good stir before reheating brings back its luscious texture, and the flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing this soup works well if you skip adding the fresh cheddar until reheating. Freeze in portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. The cottage cheese helps the soup maintain creaminess better than traditional recipes when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creaminess. If it thickens too much, adding a splash of milk or broth helps return it to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of nourishing, delicious, and straightforward to make. I love sharing it with friends who want comfort without compromising health, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do. So go ahead, grab your pot and start simmering—you’re in for a real treat that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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