High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup has always been a favorite in my kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with vibrant broccoli, it’s the kind of bowl that feels like a hug on a busy day. But as much as I love the classic version, I often found myself wishing it was more filling—something hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. That’s when I began experimenting with ways to make it protein-packed without losing its cozy flavor.
This recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Fresh broccoli, carrots, and onion simmer in a silky broth, then blend with sharp cheddar and a secret ingredient—low-fat cottage cheese—for a major protein boost without heavy cream. Every spoonful is rich, satisfying, and nourishing.
If you love soups like this, you’ll also enjoy my Easy Vegetable Soup or hearty Chicken Lentil Soup, two other family-friendly recipes that pair beautifully with this one.
Print
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nourishing protein thanks to blended cottage cheese. A lighter, healthier twist on the classic, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style works best)
4 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
Sprinkle in flour and smoked paprika. Stir to coat vegetables, then slowly whisk in the vegetable broth to avoid lumps.
Bring to a simmer and add broccoli. Cook 10–12 minutes until tender.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk. Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then stir it into the pot.
Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra protaein, add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or white beans.
- Greek yogurt or ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months — reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: high protein broccoli cheddar soup, healthy broccoli cheese soup, protein-packed soup, cozy soup recipe
Why Choose High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Comfort and Nutrition in One Bowl
There’s a reason broccoli cheddar soup is so beloved—it’s the ultimate comfort food. A steaming bowl with creamy broth and melty cheese instantly feels indulgent. But when you take that familiar favorite and add more protein, it transforms into a meal that doesn’t just comfort, but also sustains you. Extra protein helps stabilize energy, making this soup a satisfying option whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or winding down after a long day.
Protein Benefits in Every Spoonful
Adding protein to a soup might seem like a small change, but it makes a big impact. Protein supports muscle recovery, boosts metabolism, and helps keep hunger at bay longer than carb-heavy meals. This version of broccoli cheddar soup uses cottage cheese blended into the broth, a trick that adds creaminess while nearly doubling the protein without the heaviness of cream. Every spoonful tastes rich and satisfying, but your body gets so much more out of it.
Perfect for Busy Families
One of the best aspects of this high-protein broccoli cheddar soup is its family-friendly nature. Kids love the cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the hearty, nourishing balance. It’s also quick to make in one pot, which means less cleanup on hectic evenings. Pair it with a simple side salad, or serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s both wholesome and cozy.
If you’re looking for more family-approved options, my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is another recipe that offers both comfort and nutrition. Together with this protein-packed broccoli cheddar, you’ll always have a nourishing dinner ready to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh Vegetables for Flavor
This high-protein broccoli cheddar soup starts with onion, carrots, celery, and garlic sautéed in butter for a rich base. Four cups of broccoli florets bring color, nutrients, and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Cottage Cheese and Cheddar as Protein Boosters
The secret to making this soup hearty is cottage cheese, blended smooth for a creamy, protein-packed base without heavy cream. Sharp cheddar adds the classic cheesy richness we all crave.
Creamy Base with Milk and Broth
Butter, flour, and smoked paprika create depth and texture, while vegetable broth and low-fat milk make the soup light yet satisfying. A touch of salt and pepper ties everything together.
This mix of fresh vegetables, protein boosters, and a silky base creates a wholesome soup that’s cozy enough for weeknights yet versatile for meal prep. For another simple comfort bowl, try my Sweet Potato Soup
How to make High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Sauté the Aromatics for Flavor
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them cook until they’re softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is more than just cooking vegetables; it’s about building layers of flavor that will carry through the entire soup. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Build the Creamy Protein-Packed Base
Next, sprinkle in the flour and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. The flour will help thicken the soup later, while the paprika adds a gentle smokiness. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. At this stage, you’ll see the beginnings of that cozy, velvety texture forming.
Add Broccoli and Blend in Cheese
Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the chopped broccoli. Let it cook until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender but not mushy. This is where the soup takes on its hearty personality, filled with nutritious bites of vegetables in every spoonful.
Make it Creamy & Protein-Packed
Lower the heat and stir in the milk. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth, then mix it into the pot for a creamy, protein-rich base without heavy cream. Add the shredded cheddar and let it melt fully, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
In just minutes, simple ingredients transform into a nourishing, satisfying soup. For another cozy option, try my Potato Soup—a hearty favorite that pairs perfectly with this recipe.
Tips to Add Even More Protein to Soup
Dairy Boosters: Cottage Cheese & Greek Yogurt
The beauty of this high-protein broccoli cheddar soup is that it’s already packed with cottage cheese, but you can easily boost it even more. For an extra creamy finish, stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt just before serving. It blends seamlessly into the soup, adding tang along with additional protein. This little trick has saved me many times when I wanted a heartier meal without extra effort.
Lean Protein Additions: Chicken or Turkey
If you’re not a vegetarian, shredded chicken or ground turkey are simple, lean additions that work beautifully here. After simmering the broccoli, stir in cooked chicken breast or turkey to make the soup a complete one-pot meal. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and it turns this cozy bowl into something that’s not only comforting but truly filling.
Plant-Based Protein Options
For a vegetarian protein boost, lentils and beans are excellent choices. Cooked white beans or a cup of tender red lentils blend right into the broth, adding a subtle earthiness without overpowering the cheesy flavor. These options make the soup more substantial while keeping it plant-friendly.
Pairing Ideas for More Protein
Sometimes the easiest way to increase protein is through what you serve alongside your soup. Pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread spread with hummus, or add a side salad topped with nuts, seeds, or chickpeas. A boiled egg on the side also makes a simple, high-protein pairing that rounds out the meal.
These little tweaks give you endless ways to adapt the recipe depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry. They’re also practical if you’re cooking for different diets in the same household—everyone can customize their bowl. That’s one reason I love this soup so much; it’s versatile enough to meet all kinds of needs.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Ideas
Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
This high-protein broccoli cheddar soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because it’s made with milk and cheese, it’s best to keep it chilled rather than leaving it out for long periods. When I make a big pot, I often portion it into single-serving containers so I can grab one for a quick lunch without reheating the entire batch.
Freezing for Later
If you’d like to save some for longer, this soup freezes surprisingly well. The key is blending the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the soup—this prevents separation once frozen. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. I like freezing mine in flat bags so they stack neatly in the freezer and thaw quickly when I need them.
Reheating Without Losing Creaminess
When it comes to reheating, gentle is the way to go. Heat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it looks a little thick after being stored, just add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to that silky texture. Avoid reheating it at too high a temperature, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Meal Prep Made Easy
This soup is a busy weeknight lifesaver. You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for 2–3 days before cooking. Another trick I love is cooking a double batch on Sunday, then freezing half for a future week. It’s like giving your future self a warm, cozy gift. Pair it with a salad or sandwich, and you’ll have ready-to-go meals that feel anything but boring.
FAQs about High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
How do you add protein to broccoli soup?
Blend cottage cheese into the broth for a creamy texture and extra protein. Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or lean meats like chicken or turkey also work well. For a vegetarian option, try beans, lentils, or edamame.
How much protein is in broccoli cheddar soup?
Traditional broccoli cheddar soup has about 8–10 grams of protein per serving. This high-protein version, thanks to cottage cheese, provides around 18–20 grams per bowl, making it a more filling main meal.
How to get extra protein in soup?
Boost protein with dairy like Greek yogurt, ricotta, or cottage cheese. Plant-based options include beans, lentils, or quinoa. For meat eaters, chicken, turkey, or shrimp make easy add-ins.
What type of soup has the most protein?
Soups with lean meats, beans, or legumes—like chicken lentil soup or turkey chili—are among the highest in protein. Lentil-based soups are especially great for vegetarians.
Conclusion & Serving Inspiration
This high-protein broccoli cheddar soup is proof that comfort food can also be nourishing. With fresh vegetables, creamy cheddar, and protein-rich cottage cheese, it’s a bowl that fills you up while fueling your body.
Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with bread or salad, this soup is simple, satisfying, and versatile enough for any night of the week. Save this recipe, pin it for later, and share it with family—it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.