The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and silky blended cottage cheese makes this soup a game changer for healthy comfort food lovers. It’s indulgent in taste yet surprisingly balanced in nutrition, packing 20 grams of protein per serving.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply warming up after a cold day. With the richness of cheddar, the subtle smokiness from paprika, and a velvety texture, it delivers all the comfort of a classic broccoli cheddar soup without the heavy cream. A true win for both your taste buds and your wellness goals.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 large yellow onion, diced
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2 large carrots, peeled and diced
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1 stalk celery, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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3 cups vegetable broth (preferably “not chicken” style)
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4 cups chopped broccoli
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2 cups 1% milk
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4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
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1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
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Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
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Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Stir in smoked paprika and flour, coating vegetables well.
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Pour in broth, add broccoli, and bring to a simmer.
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Simmer 8–9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
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Add milk and heat gently without boiling.
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Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
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Blend 1 cup of soup in a blender (venting steam) or use an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: ~300 kcal | Servings: 4
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Comfort Food Reinvented
When you think of broccoli cheddar soup, what comes to mind? Probably a creamy, cheesy bowl of indulgence that’s perfect for chilly evenings, often paired with a slice of crusty bread. It’s one of those iconic comfort foods warm, filling, and irresistibly rich. The catch? Traditional versions are usually loaded with heavy cream and large amounts of cheese, which can make it high in saturated fat and not particularly protein-rich.
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a game-changer. It keeps everything you love about the classic the creamy texture, the sharp cheddar flavor, the tender bites of broccoli but gives it a healthier twist. The secret? Cottage cheese. Yes, cottage cheese may not be the first thing you think of in a soup, but here, it blends seamlessly into the broth, boosting protein content and creaminess without weighing the soup down. The result is a cozy meal with an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving, making it just as satisfying for your appetite as it is for your taste buds.
Why Cottage Cheese Works Wonders in Soup
Many people are surprised at how well cottage cheese works in hot dishes. Traditionally associated with breakfast bowls or snack plates, cottage cheese is actually a versatile cooking ingredient. When blended, it transforms into a smooth, creamy base that mimics the texture of heavy cream without the extra saturated fat. In this soup, it serves two key purposes:
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Protein Boost – Cottage cheese naturally contains a high amount of protein, making it ideal for anyone looking to increase their daily intake.
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Creaminess Without Guilt – Blended cottage cheese gives the soup its velvety body, replacing some of the dairy fat from heavy cream with a lighter but equally rich texture.
This trick also makes the soup feel heartier important when you’re enjoying it as a full meal rather than just a starter.
A Balanced Comfort Food
Balancing indulgence with nutrition is often a challenge in the kitchen. This recipe strikes that balance beautifully:
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Vegetable-rich – With fresh broccoli, carrots, and celery, you’re getting plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
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Moderate Cheese – Using extra-sharp cheddar means you can use less without sacrificing flavor.
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Lower Fat, Higher Protein – Swapping out heavy cream for milk and cottage cheese lightens the calorie load while adding more protein.
For anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet without giving up comfort food favorites, this is a must-try.
Flavor Profile
The flavor of this soup is rich, savory, and just a little smoky thanks to the paprika. The cheddar gives it a distinct tangy sharpness, while the vegetables contribute natural sweetness and depth. The broccoli itself brings its earthy, slightly bitter notes, which are mellowed beautifully by the creaminess of the base.
The paprika deserves a special mention. It’s not overpowering but adds an aromatic warmth that makes the soup taste more layered than a standard broccoli cheddar recipe. If you’ve only ever had the classic without spices, you’ll find this touch elevates the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
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With Bread: A slice of crusty sourdough or a warm whole-grain roll makes the perfect companion. For a protein-packed twist, try pairing it with a slice of high-protein bread.
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In a Bread Bowl: For presentation flair (and extra coziness), serve it in a hollowed-out bread loaf.
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With a Salad: A crisp side salad such as apple walnut kale salad or a vegan chopped salad balances the creaminess with freshness.
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As a Starter: Serve smaller portions before a main dish like roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty grain-based entrée.
Customizing the Soup
One of the joys of homemade soup is its adaptability. This high protein broccoli cheddar soup can be tweaked in several ways depending on dietary needs and preferences:
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for thickening instead of all-purpose flour.
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Extra Vegetables: Add zucchini, cauliflower, or spinach for more nutrients and texture.
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Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
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Different Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, try a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or a smoked cheddar for a new flavor dimension.
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Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to suit your needs.
Why This Soup is Great for Meal Prep
This recipe is an excellent choice for batch cooking. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally.
One important tip: don’t freeze it. Dairy-based soups often separate when frozen, which can result in a grainy texture when reheated. If you’re set on freezing a portion, consider freezing the vegetable-and-broth base without the dairy, then adding milk, cottage cheese, and cheddar when reheating.
Nutrition Benefits at a Glance
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High in Protein – Keeps you feeling full longer and supports muscle maintenance.
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Rich in Vitamins – Broccoli brings vitamins C and K, carrots bring vitamin A, and milk adds calcium.
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Lower Fat Content – Replacing heavy cream with milk and cottage cheese reduces saturated fat.
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Fiber-Rich – The vegetables contribute valuable dietary fiber for digestion.
This makes the soup a great option for those following a balanced eating plan, high-protein diet, or simply wanting more wholesome comfort food.
The Comfort Factor
It’s no exaggeration to say that this soup checks every box when it comes to comfort food. It’s warming, hearty, and satisfying, but without the post-meal heaviness that often comes with richer soups. You get that familiar, cozy flavor of broccoli cheddar but in a lighter form that still feels indulgent.
Food is about more than just nutrition it’s also about emotional satisfaction. This dish delivers both. It’s the kind of recipe you can serve to family and friends without anyone realizing it’s been made with a healthier approach.
Conclusion:
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is proof that healthy recipes don’t need to compromise on flavor or texture. By making smart ingredient swaps like blending cottage cheese for creaminess and extra protein you can transform a traditionally indulgent dish into a balanced meal.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for guests, and nourishing enough to fit into almost any eating plan. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a cozy bowl of comfort, or simply trying to get more vegetables and protein into your diet, this soup is a perfect choice.
Every spoonful offers warmth, flavor, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re enjoying something that’s both delicious and good for you. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a regular feature in your kitchen a comfort food classic with a modern, health-conscious twist.