There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day—and this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers everything you crave. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with fresh broccoli, and made extra satisfying with a protein boost. This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic Panera-style broccoli cheddar soup, but with added nutrition to keep you full longer. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy one-pot dinner, this soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Protein-packed comfort – Keeps you full and energized while still tasting indulgent.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple steps.
- Nutritious – Loaded with fresh broccoli, carrots, and a balance of creamy cheese.
- Customizable – Adjust the protein source, cheese type, or add extra spices to your liking.
- Great for meal prep – Stays delicious when stored and reheated for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Broccoli – The star ingredient, adding fiber, nutrients, and a fresh bite.
- Carrots – A touch of sweetness and color to balance the richness.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts into the broth, creating that classic creamy flavor.
- Protein base (such as cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or protein powder) – Boosts protein while keeping the soup thick and creamy.
- Onion & garlic – Build a savory foundation of flavor.
- Milk or broth – The liquid base that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, heat a little olive oil or butter. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add veggies – Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
- Build the base – Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend for creaminess – Blend part of the soup for a smooth texture, leaving some chunks for bite.
- Add protein & cheese – Stir in your protein choice (like blended cottage cheese or Greek yogurt) and shredded cheddar. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Season & serve – Adjust with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or nutmeg. Serve hot.
Expert Tip: For extra creaminess, blend the protein base separately before stirring into the soup. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky smooth.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb version – Replace carrots with cauliflower for fewer carbs.
- Extra protein – Stir in shredded chicken or chickpeas for even more protein power.
- Cheese swaps – Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for different flavors.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store – Keep cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll also love trying a few more cozy, flavor-packed soups from my kitchen. Warm up with a creamy and hearty Chicken Pot Pie Soup, brighten your table with the zesty and refreshing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Fresh Citrus Flavor, or enjoy a globally inspired bowl of Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup: A Cozy Delight. Each one is easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for a comforting homemade meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I make it thicker?
Blend more of the soup or add extra cheddar cheese for a creamier, thicker consistency.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works just as well—just add it straight into the pot without thawing.
What’s the best protein add-in?
Blended cottage cheese or Greek yogurt works best for smoothness. Protein powder can also be used if it’s unflavored.
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food made healthier. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to share your bowl of cozy goodness with friends and family. For more wholesome, satisfying recipes, stay tuned to the blog—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese blended until smooth
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Sprinkle in flour, stirring to coat vegetables. Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until broccoli is soft, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and blended cottage cheese. Simmer gently, do not boil.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust thickness by adding more broth if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.