Hearty High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this high protein broccoli cheddar soup that delivers incredible nutrition and flavor in every delightful spoonful.

Loaded with tender broccoli florets and rich, melty cheese, this soup breaks through traditional recipe boundaries.

protein-packed ingredients blend seamlessly to create a creamy, satisfying meal that nourishes and delights the senses.

Each carefully crafted bite offers a perfect balance of wholesome vegetables and robust protein sources.

The velvety texture and deep, cheesy notes make this soup a standout dish for health-conscious food lovers.

Cold days or busy weeknights call for a quick, nutritious solution that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform your meal routine with a soup that truly delivers on both flavor and nutrition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

• Onion: Builds a robust, aromatic foundation with sweet undertones that infuses depth into the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color while providing subtle earthy notes.
• Celery: Contributes a delicate, fresh crunch and subtle herbal essence to the vegetable base.
• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire soup's complexity.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky warmth and deep reddish undertones.
• Flour: Acts as primary thickening agent, ensuring soup maintains creamy consistency.

• Cottage Cheese: Delivers high protein content with silky, light texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully for creamy texture.
• Milk: Softens soup's intensity and creates smooth, gentle liquid base.

• Vegetable Broth: Offers light, savory foundation and enhances overall nutritional value.
• Broccoli: Brings vibrant green color, substantial texture, and powerful nutrients.

• Salt: Balances and intensifies all flavor profiles.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity.

Tools for Cooking Protein-Packed Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup with plenty of space.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and broccoli.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable dicing and chopping.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: Crucial for creating a creamy soup texture.
• Cheese Grater: Used for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of spices and seasonings.

Directions for Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vegetable Foundation

Start by gathering your favorite pot and creating a flavorful base with diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let these veggies dance and soften over medium heat, releasing their delicious aromas.

• Garlic and Spice Awakening

Introduce minced garlic and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile. A quick dusting of flour will help thicken the soup and create a silky texture.

• Broccoli Broth Symphony

Pour in vegetable broth and add vibrant green broccoli florets. Allow the ingredients to simmer and mingle, transforming into a harmonious blend of nutrition and comfort.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently stir in milk and dairy companions like cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. The key is keeping the heat low to prevent any dairy drama or unwanted curdling.

• Texture Magic

For an extra luxurious experience, use a blender to partially puree the soup. This technique creates a dreamy, velvety consistency that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Final Flourish

Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Each spoonful should be a celebration of flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Tips to Boost Protein and Creaminess

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or add cooked chicken, quinoa, or white beans for extra protein punch.
• Experiment with cauliflower, kale, or spinach instead of broccoli to create exciting flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked chipotle powder, or include a splash of hot sauce for a warming kick that elevates the soup's depth.
• Create a smoother consistency by fully blending the soup or keep it chunky for a more rustic feel. Top with crispy bacon bits, toasted pumpkin seeds, or fresh herb garnishes for added crunch and flavor complexity.
• refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup Hot

• Cozy Soup Companions: Serve this hearty broccoli cheddar soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up all those delicious cheesy flavors.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair the soup with grilled chicken strips or crispy baked tofu cubes on the side to boost protein content and create a more filling meal.
• Vegetable Accent Toppings: Sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives on top for added crunch and an extra layer of exciting texture that complements the creamy soup base.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich and creamy soup, creating a well-rounded and nutritious dining experience.

Storing Leftovers of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each reheated serving even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Smart Portioning: Divide the soup into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or convenient weeknight dinners. Mason jars work perfectly for single servings.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or milk if the soup seems too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent separation of dairy ingredients.

Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting high protein broccoli cheddar soup delivers creamy nutrition packed with wholesome ingredients. Cheese lovers and wellness enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this nourishing recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli (chopped)
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz (113 g) cheddar cheese (shredded, about 1 cup)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably not-chicken style)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 2 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then introduce onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Add minced garlic and smoked paprika, stirring for 60 seconds to release intense flavors. Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour vegetable broth into the pot and incorporate chopped broccoli. Simmer gently for 8 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to meld harmoniously.
4. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and slowly stream milk into the soup, maintaining a gentle warmth without reaching a boil. Gradually fold in cottage cheese and cheddar, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
5. Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency. Alternatively, carefully extract and blend one cup of soup before reincorporating.
6. Final Seasoning: Conduct a comprehensive taste evaluation, adjusting salt and pepper levels to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, protein-packed culinary creation.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling Carefully: Maintain low heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Vegetable Prep Matters: Uniformly dice onions, carrots, and celery to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Boost Protein Smartly: Cottage cheese adds extra protein and creaminess without compromising the soup’s rich taste and texture.
• Blending Technique: Partially puree the soup to create a luxurious, velvety consistency while keeping some vegetable chunks for added texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg