If you’re on the hunt for a comforting bowl of goodness that doesn’t skimp on nutrition, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome veggies, it strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and health-conscious eating. With a rich blend of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and an unexpected protein boost from cottage cheese, this soup transforms a classic favorite into a satisfying meal that fuels your day and warms your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe keeps things straightforward with fresh and accessible ingredients, each adding its own magic to the final flavor and texture. From creamy dairy components to bright, crunchy vegetables, every item plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and nourishing bowl.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle richness to the base of the soup.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Builds a sweet and savory foundation full of depth.
- 2 large carrots, diced: Brings natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 stalk celery, diced: Adds a mild, earthy crunch for complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and a gentle punch to brighten flavors.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: Infuses the soup with savory moisture and a clean veggie base.
- 4 cups chopped broccoli: The star of the show offers fiber, vitamins, and that distinctive green vibrancy.
- 2 cups 1% milk: Keeps the soup creamy without overloading on fat.
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded: Delivers sharp, melty cheese flavor that’s utterly comforting.
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese: A clever protein boost that adds creaminess while keeping calories in check.
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables
Start by melting that tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large pot. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 10 minutes until they become tender and release their natural sweetness. This step builds an irresistible flavor base that’s key to the soup’s depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for a minute more. The goal here is to soften the garlic’s sharpness while preserving its fragrant quality, which adds a bright backdrop to all the savory flavors that follow.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Broccoli
Pour in your vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli straight to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This stage starts to tenderize the broccoli, softening it into that familiar comfort texture while letting all the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Covered
Let the mixture simmer for about 8 to 9 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender. You want it soft enough to blend smoothly, but still vibrant and fresh in color, striking that perfect balance between cooked and crisp.
Step 5: Stir in Dairy and Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the milk, warming it through without boiling to avoid curdling. Then add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. This combination melts into a silky, protein-rich creaminess that takes your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 6: Blend for Creaminess
For that luscious soup texture, blend a portion of the soup using a blender or immersion blender. This technique adds smoothness while leaving some of the broccoli pieces intact for a lovely bit of bite and texture.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Last but not least, season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go to perfectly balance all the rich, cheesy, and veggie flavors. Now it’s ready to be ladled into bowls and savored.
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar or a few fresh broccoli florets on top for eye-catching appeal. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scattering of chopped chives also adds freshness and a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty whole grain bread or a light garden salad to make a well-rounded meal. Garlic toast or warm pita wedges work beautifully if you want something that complements the creamy texture and bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or dinner parties, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or small mason jars for an inviting, rustic look. You can also swirl in a bit of pesto or drizzle truffle oil just before serving to add an unexpected gourmet touch and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days while maintaining its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Just give it a good stir before warming.
Freezing
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes quite well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to restore the soup’s creamy consistency. Avoid boiling as the dairy might separate. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You absolutely can! While cheddar gives the classic flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or smoked gouda for a rich, smoky twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that creamy texture.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and dairy products. To make it vegan, substitute the dairy with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese, though the texture and protein content will differ.
How can I boost the protein even further?
Adding cottage cheese already gives a great protein bump. For more, consider stirring in cooked quinoa or some cooked lentils before serving. You could also top it with roasted chickpeas for crunch and extra nutrition.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and broccoli. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add dairy towards the end and blend as described for creamy perfection.
What’s the best way to make the soup thicker?
Blending a larger portion of the soup will naturally thicken it. If you want more body, a simple slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water added during cooking can do the trick. Just cook a few more minutes to activate the thickener.
Final Thoughts
If you love hearty, wholesome meals that make you feel good inside and out, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and packed with nutrition — perfect for any day you need a little extra comfort and care. Once you make it, I promise this soup will become a regular in your recipe collection, brightening up chilly evenings and busy weekdays alike.
Print
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl packed with nutrient-rich broccoli, savory cheddar cheese, and protein-boosting low-fat cottage cheese. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner, it combines fresh vegetables and dairy for a flavorful, satisfying soup that’s easy to prepare and warms you up on chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups 1% milk
Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour (amount not specified, estimated 2 tablespoons)
- Smoked paprika (amount not specified, estimated 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat until bubbly, preparing the base for sautéing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot, cooking for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Flour and Paprika: Sprinkle flour and smoked paprika over the vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly and help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Add Milk: Reduce the heat and stir in the 1% milk, warming the soup through gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Add Cheeses: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth and stir it into the soup along with the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheeses are melted and integrated.
- Blend Soup: Use a blender or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for body.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Notes
- To keep the soup gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
- For a richer flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.
