High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you crave in a cozy bowl—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—without leaving you feeling sluggish afterward. Packed with tender broccoli, hearty vegetables, and an impressive dose of protein thanks to both cheddar and blended cottage cheese, you’ll find this recipe both nourishing and indulgent. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely Sunday lunch, and trust me, it’ll have even the staunchest soup skeptics asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup makes a unique contribution, from richness and creaminess to punchy flavor and satisfying bite. Grab these simple, accessible ingredients, and get ready for a soup that feels like a little celebration in a bowl!

• Butter: Adds a rich flavor base and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
• Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth that build the soup’s signature flavor.
• Carrots: Offer subtle sweetness and a pop of color in every spoonful.
• Celery: Lends a gentle aroma and lovely savory foundation.
• Garlic: Gives a little aromatic kick, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour): Thickens the soup, making it lush and creamy.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a gentle smolder and complexity—don’t skip it!
• Vegetable Broth: Forms the savory backdrop; not-chicken broth is ideal if you can find it.
• Broccoli: The star of the show—choose fresh florets for the best texture.
• 1% Milk: Creates creaminess without extra heaviness; swap for your favorite milk if you wish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides that crave-worthy gooey melt and classic flavor.
• Low Fat Cottage Cheese (blended): The secret high-protein weapon—it melts right in for extra creaminess and nutrition.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for rounding out and enhancing every bite.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often so they soften without browning. This gentle sauté creates a savory, aromatic base that gives the High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup its comforting depth from the very first bite.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, and stir well so the vegetables are evenly coated. This step not only awakens the flavors but sets up the perfect thick texture for the soup.

Step 3: Simmer Broccoli in Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cook for 8 to 9 minutes—just until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. This way, you’ll have that classic broccoli flavor and a vibrant color that makes this soup so inviting.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheeses

Lower the heat, stir in the milk, then add both the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring gently as everything melts together—take care not to raise the heat too much now, as a low temperature ensures the milk won’t curdle and the soup stays velvety smooth.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Ladle one cup of the soup into a blender, allowing the steam to escape, and blend until silky. Pour it back into the pot. If you prefer, an immersion blender can blend the soup right in the pot—but blend just enough to leave some lovely bites of broccoli for texture.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you’d like it thinner, add a splash more broth. Once you’re happy with the texture and taste, you’re ready to serve up your steaming, protein-packed bowl!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Try a scatter of extra cheddar, a few reserved broccoli florets, or freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. If you love a bit of color, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions is both pretty and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with toasted whole grain bread, a crisp side salad, or warm, crusty rolls. For an even higher protein meal, add a plate of roasted chickpeas or a generous side of hard-boiled eggs—trust me, you’ll be perfectly satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in big mugs for a casual lunch, or ladle it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a wow-worthy dinner party presentation. If you’re meal prepping, portion it into mason jars for portable, wholesome lunches—High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup travels like a superstar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, so the soup tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when reheating. Cottage cheese helps this soup thaw gracefully without becoming grainy.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a rush, microwaving in short bursts and stirring between intervals works, too—just don’t let it boil, to keep everything creamy and smooth!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely—frozen broccoli is a time-saver and works just as well. Toss it straight into the pot from frozen, and simply add an extra minute or two to the simmering time.

Is there a way to make this soup vegan?

Yes! Swap in plant-based butter, use your favorite dairy-free milk, and choose a vegan cheddar-style cheese. For the protein boost, try blending in silken tofu instead of cottage cheese.

How can I make the soup even thicker?

For an extra-thick High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, reduce the broth by half a cup or let the soup simmer with the lid off for a few extra minutes before adding the cheeses. A little extra shredded cheese will also up the richness!

What’s the best way to blend the cottage cheese?

Use a high-speed blender or food processor to blend cottage cheese until completely smooth before stirring it in. This ensures your soup will be irresistibly creamy, with no curds or lumps—just pure silkiness.

Can I add more protein to this soup?

Of course! Stir in a can of drained white beans or a scoop of unflavored protein powder before blending. Both options will boost the protein content in your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup without affecting the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Give this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup a try next time you crave something comforting that’s also wholesome and filling. You’ll be amazed at how creamy, cheesy, and nourishing it turns out—and even better, it’s a breeze to make. Gather your favorite people and enjoy every last spoonful!

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