If you think comfort food and healthy eating can’t go hand in hand, get ready to be delighted by this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s a creamy, dreamy bowl packed with vivid green broccoli, richly sharp cheddar, and a secretly protein-boosted base thanks to cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Every spoonful is wonderfully smooth and cheesy, but with all the nourishment (and staying power) you want from a balanced meal. Whether you’re chasing a cozy lunch or prepping wholesome dinners ahead, this soup is a bowl of pure happiness!

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something memorable. Each brings its own special flavor, texture, or color, working together to create a soup that’s equal parts inviting and nourishing.

Olive oil: A tablespoon brings out the sweetness in the onions and forms a savory base.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, it infuses the soup with a gentle, aromatic depth.
Garlic: Just two cloves add that unmistakable warm, savory kick we all crave in comfort food.
Broccoli florets: Chopped small so they become ultra-tender and easy to blend for a silky texture.
Carrot: Grated to almost melt into the soup, it brings a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful, light base that lets veggies and cheese shine.
Low-fat cottage cheese: The secret weapon for protein and extra creaminess without extra heaviness.
Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the soup luscious and tangy, while adding another protein boost.
Reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese: Melts in for pure, classic cheddar flavor—don’t skimp on the sharpness!
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch lifts the cheese and veggies with warmth and flair.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste so everything pops just right.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): A quick stir-in for those who want their soup extra-thick and hearty.

How to Make High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a big, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in those diced onions and let them sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and go a little translucent. Add the minced garlic and give it another minute; your kitchen will instantly smell irresistible!

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

Now it’s time for the star veggies. Add the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot to the pot, pouring in all the broth. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down and let it gently simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the broccoli is very tender. This ensures you’ll get that creamy finish later without bits of undercooked broccoli.

Step 3: Blend the Protein Base

While the vegetables are simmering, grab your blender and add the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Blend them together until completely smooth and creamy. This quick step is what gives High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup its signature rich texture (with all that bonus protein).

Step 4: Puree the Soup

Take the pot off the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s as smooth or as chunky as you like. No immersion blender? No problem—just work in batches with a regular blender, but be careful with the heat!

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Finish

Stir the blended cottage cheese and Greek yogurt right into the pot, then add your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring over low heat until the cheese melts and everything becomes with creamy goodness. Add the pinch of nutmeg and season generously with salt and black pepper. For a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir that slurry into the soup and cook it a minute or two more, until beautifully thickened. Ladle hot into bowls and get ready for serious comfort!

How to Serve High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

The right toppings can lift High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup from cozy to restaurant-worthy in a flash! Sprinkle extra shredded sharp cheddar, a few snipped fresh chives, or cracked black pepper on top just before serving. For crunch, toss on a handful of toasted pepitas or crumbled whole-wheat crackers.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a simple green salad, the classic crusty bread, or even roasted chickpeas for more texture and protein. It also makes an excellent light main course alongside a baked potato or a plate of apple slices for a sweet, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in little bread bowls, crisped up in the oven, or serve as an amuse-bouche in small espresso cups for an appetizer. For meal prep, portion into wide-mouth jars—so cute and convenient for grab-and-go lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps beautifully! Simply let leftovers cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If the soup thickens as it sits, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave some space for expansion). It’ll keep sweetly in the freezer for up to 2 months—just note that the texture may become a little less creamy after thawing, but a quick blend will fix that.

Reheating

To enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. For individual portions, the microwave works great too—zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds. If it gets too thick, add a tiny bit more broth or water.

FAQs

How do I make the soup vegetarian?

To make High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian, simply opt for a quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Everything else stays the same for the same creamy, savory experience.

Will full-fat dairy work in this recipe?

Yes, you can use full-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, and cheddar for an even richer flavor and silkier texture. The extra fat adds decadence, so go for it if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence!

Can I add more protein?

Definitely! Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans during the last few minutes of simmering for an extra protein kick. It’s a fantastic way to turn this soup into a super-hearty meal.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Make sure to add the shredded cheddar gradually over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid high heat, since cheese can seize or get grainy if the soup is boiling. If you can, shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melting.

Is this soup low-carb?

Yes! Thanks to all the veggies and protein-rich ingredients, High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is naturally low in carbs, yet keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and truly nourishing, you can’t go wrong with High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and always a little bit special. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—here’s to cozy, wholesome meals!

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and nutritious High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s loaded with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 medium carrot, grated
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Cheese Blend:

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 ½ cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli, carrot, and broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender.
Blend Cheese Mixture: Blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Puree Soup: Use immersion blender to blend soup. Add cheese mixture and cheddar, stir until melted.
Season and Thicken: Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper. For thickening, add cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Heat and serve hot.