High Protein Broccoli Soup Recipe

Creamy High Protein Broccoli Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Steaming hot bowls of high protein broccoli soup have a magical way of comforting weary souls on chilly evenings.

Packed with vibrant green florets and rich, creamy goodness, this soup delivers serious nutrition in every spoonful.

protein-packed ingredients blend seamlessly to create a velvety texture that satisfies and nourishes.

Lean proteins like chicken or tofu can easily elevate this classic soup from simple to extraordinary.

The recipe comes together quickly with minimal kitchen skills required.

Each hearty serving promises a delicious solution to your hunger and health goals.

Warm up and fuel your body with this delectable, nutrient-dense meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Ingredients

Main Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: The star vegetable that provides texture and nutrition to the soup.
  • Onion, Carrot, Celery: A classic flavor base that creates a deep, aromatic foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and intense flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.
Dairy and Protein Components:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and adds depth to the soup.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Cottage Cheese: Adds extra protein and creates a smooth, creamy texture when blended.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully into the soup.
Seasoning and Thickening Agents:
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky flavor and adds complexity to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Broth: Provides a liquid base and adds depth of flavor to the soup.

Steps for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium warmth.

Gently sauté these vegetables until they become tender and fragrant:
  • Onion
  • Carrot
  • Celery

Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its delightful aroma.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour into the vegetable mixture.

Stir continuously for one minute, ensuring every vegetable gets evenly coated with the spice and flour blend.

Step 3: Cook Broccoli Goodness

Pour broth into the pot and add fresh broccoli florets.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Allow broccoli to cook for 8-9 minutes until it becomes perfectly tender but retains a slight crispness.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Elements

Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in milk.

Gradually add:
  • Blended cottage cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Continuously stir until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Consistency

Select your preferred blending method:
  • Remove one cup of soup and blend separately, then return to pot
  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend soup

Season with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.

Serve hot and enjoy your protein-packed soup.

Tips for Cheesy Broccoli Soup

  • Add grilled chicken or cooked shrimp for extra protein without changing the soup's creamy texture.
  • Use an immersion blender to control soup consistency, leaving some broccoli chunks for a hearty feel.
  • Swap flour with cornstarch or use cauliflower instead of potatoes to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Mix sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the soup's taste.
  • Choose bright green, firm broccoli with tight florets to ensure maximum nutrition and vibrant color.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based version that keeps protein high.
  • Keto Friendly Fusion: Swap carrots and onions for cauliflower base, use heavy cream instead of milk, and increase cheese quantity for low-carb adaptation.
  • Vegetable Power Boost: Add spinach or kale during broccoli cooking stage to increase nutrient density and create additional green vegetable layers.
  • Protein Powerhouse: Incorporate cooked chicken or white beans during final blending to elevate protein content and create more substantial meal option.

Serving High Protein Broccoli Soup Warm

  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside crusty whole grain bread or toasted sourdough slices for a satisfying complete meal that soaks up the creamy soup perfectly.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or roasted turkey chunks to elevate protein content and add delightful texture variation.
  • Gourmet Garnish Options: Sprinkle fresh chives, crispy shallots, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy contrast and added nutritional boost that makes each spoonful exciting.
  • Wellness Side Kick: Pair with a light mixed green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup and create a well-rounded nutritious dining experience.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Storage Tips

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Cottage cheese and milk-based soups may slightly separate when thawed, so whisk well when reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
  • Add fresh cheese or a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy consistency and refresh flavors.

FAQs

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from cottage cheese and cheddar, plus nutrients from broccoli, carrots, and celery. Each serving provides a balanced meal with vegetables and dairy protein.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The protein from cottage cheese and cheddar keeps the dish high in protein.

  • How healthy is this soup?

Very healthy. It contains low-fat dairy, fiber-rich broccoli, and uses minimal butter. The cottage cheese adds extra protein without excessive calories.

  • What makes this soup creamy without heavy cream?

The secret is blended cottage cheese, which creates a creamy texture with less fat. Cheddar cheese also contributes to the rich, smooth consistency.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Benefits

  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Delivers a substantial protein boost through cottage cheese and cheddar, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Comes together effortlessly in minimal steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious nutrition without complicated techniques.
  • Veggie-Loaded Comfort: Transforms humble broccoli into a creamy, cheesy experience that sneaks extra vegetables into your diet while tasting incredibly indulgent.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Offers flexible options like adjusting cheese types, adding protein, or swapping vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
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High Protein Broccoli Soup Recipe

High Protein Broccoli Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli protein soup delivers comfort and nutrition in one delightful bowl. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavor, this easy recipe satisfies hunger while nourishing your body with essential nutrients.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
  • 2 cups 1% milk

Vegetable Ingredients:

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

Liquid, Thickening & Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style recommended)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in melted butter over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic and smoked paprika, continuing to cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavor profile.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux and ensure even coating for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and add fresh broccoli florets, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and allowing the vegetables to cook for 8-9 minutes until they reach a tender consistency.
  5. Reduce heat to low and slowly introduce milk, creating a smooth base for the soup.
  6. Gradually fold in blended cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, stirring consistently until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly into the liquid.
  7. For a rich, creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for added texture.
  8. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

Notes

  • Customize Protein Boost easily by adding cooked chicken, ham, or tofu for extra nutrition and texture variation.
  • partially blend for chunky soup or fully blend for smooth consistency, depending on personal preference.
  • Low-Carb Swap flour with cauliflower or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content and make the recipe more keto-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative substitute dairy ingredients with nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and cashew cream for a vegan version.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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