Hearty High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, hearty soups often steal the spotlight during chilly evenings, and this high protein broccoli cheddar soup recipe delivers a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish.

Packed with nutrients and rich flavors, the soup blends tender broccoli florets with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.

protein-rich ingredients elevate this traditional recipe beyond a simple side dish.

The smooth, velvety texture promises a luxurious dining experience that will warm you from the inside out.

Each spoonful combines wholesome vegetables with robust cheese, creating a balanced and nourishing meal.

Nutritious and delicious, this soup turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure that you’ll want to savor again and again.

What Makes Broccoli Cheddar Soup Protein-Rich

• Packed with cottage cheese and cheddar, this soup delivers a substantial protein punch perfect for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
• Broccoli and base vegetables blend seamlessly into a creamy soup, making it an excellent way to enjoy nutritious ingredients without compromising on flavor.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in just a few straightforward steps, making it ideal for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Transforms a classic comfort dish into a healthier version that doesn't sacrifice taste, offering a guilt-free alternative to traditional heavy soups.

Ingredients for Protein-Packed Soup

• Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that provides texture and vibrant color to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich creaminess to the soup.
• Cottage Cheese: A high-protein cheese that helps create a smooth and creamy base.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: A classic flavor-building trio that creates a delicious aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Flour: A key ingredient that helps thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
• Smoked Paprika: A spice that adds a subtle smoky hint and complexity to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: A liquid base that provides additional flavor and helps cook the vegetables.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth soup consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Extra Cheddar Cheese: A delightful topping that adds extra cheesy goodness.

How to Make High-Protein Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

• Onion (diced)
• Carrot (diced)
• Celery (diced)

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour and smoked paprika over the sautéed vegetables.

Stir thoroughly to coat evenly, ensuring no dry spots remain.

Cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and develop deeper flavors.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour vegetable broth into the pot, mixing well.

Add chopped broccoli and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 8-9 minutes until broccoli becomes tender but maintains its vibrant green color.

Avoid overcooking to preserve texture and nutrition.

Step 4: Incorporate Dairy Elements

Lower heat to minimum.

Slowly pour milk into the pot, stirring gently.

• Blended cottage cheese
• Shredded cheddar

Stir continuously until cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth consistency.

Prevent boiling to avoid milk curdling.

Step 5: Enhance Soup Texture

Transfer one cup of soup to a blender and puree until completely smooth.

Alternatively, use an immersion blender to pulse directly in the pot.

Reincorporate the blended portion back into the soup, creating a luxurious, creamy texture with delightful vegetable chunks.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve piping hot, optionally garnishing with additional shredded cheddar on top for extra indulgence.

Tips for a Creamy, Cheesy Bowl

• Sauté base vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) until they caramelize slightly, releasing deeper, richer flavors into the soup.
• Whisk flour carefully into vegetables, ensuring even coating to create a smooth base without unwanted flour clumps.
• Cook broccoli just until tender to maintain vibrant green color and prevent nutrient loss during preparation.
• Blend cottage cheese completely for maximum protein integration and silky smooth soup consistency without visible curds.
• Adjust soup thickness by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating perfect personalized texture.

Reheat and Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of milk or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Great Pairings for Cheddar Soup

• Cheese Lover's Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the soup's richness, complementing its creamy texture with bright acidity.
• Crunchy Side Companion: Toast rustic sourdough bread or hearty whole grain croutons to add delightful textural contrast and soak up the cheesy broth.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits or roasted chicken strips to elevate the protein content and introduce a smoky, savory dimension.
• Fresh Herbal Finish: Garnish with chopped chives, fresh parsley, or green onions to brighten the soup's flavor profile and add a pop of color and freshness.

Soup Variations With Broccoli and Cheddar

• Protein-Packed Veggie Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower for a different nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetable option that maintains similar texture and high protein content.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and use almond milk to create a vegan-friendly soup that keeps the creamy consistency and protein levels.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Edition: Remove flour, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional vegetables, and increase heavy cream to maintain thickness while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Add fresh basil, oregano, and swap smoked paprika for dried herbs, incorporating sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired protein soup with complex flavor profiles.

FAQs

• Why use cottage cheese in this soup?

Blended cottage cheese adds protein and creates a creamy texture without adding heavy cream. It’s a healthier alternative that boosts the nutritional value of the soup while keeping it smooth and delicious.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and doesn’t contain any meat ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarian diets.

• How can I increase the protein content even more?

You can add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans to the soup after blending. Another option is to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds on top for an extra protein boost.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers a protein-packed punch of flavor, blending classic comfort with nutritional power. Hearty spoonfuls will warm your soul and nourish your body with this delightful meal that brings together wholesome ingredients and rich, cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 4 ounces (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 1 cup blended low-fat cottage cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 10 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Dust vegetables with flour and smoked paprika, stirring to create an even coating. Toast ingredients for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour’s metallic taste.
3. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, incorporating all ingredients. Introduce chopped broccoli and allow mixture to simmer. Cook for 8-9 minutes until broccoli becomes tender while maintaining vibrant green color.
4. Lower heat to minimum. Gently incorporate milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a uniform consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent milk separation.
5. Create enhanced creaminess by extracting one cup of soup and blending until smooth. Alternatively, use immersion blender to pulse directly in pot. Reintegrate blended portion, maintaining vegetable texture.
6. Evaluate seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with additional cheddar if desired. Serve immediately while soup remains warm and velvety.

Notes

• Maximize protein by using Greek yogurt or additional cottage cheese as a creamy substitute for some milk.
• Roast broccoli beforehand to enhance its nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the soup’s taste profile.
• Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version that maintains rich, cheesy undertones.
• Keep broccoli crisp by blanching quickly in salted water before adding to soup, preserving bright green color and nutritional integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 189
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg