High Protein Low Calorie Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Looking for a cozy soup that is creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and higher in protein? This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an easy homemade recipe that puts a lighter spin on classic broccoli cheddar soup.
Made with tender broccoli, carrots, celery, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, and blended cottage cheese, this soup has a creamy texture without relying entirely on heavy cream.
Each 2-cup serving contains approximately 22 grams of protein and 366 calories, making it a comforting option for a protein-focused lunch or dinner.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
High in protein with approximately 22g per serving
Around 366 calories per 2-cup serving
Made with plenty of broccoli and vegetables
Creamy texture from blended cottage cheese
Cheesy and flavorful thanks to sharp cheddar
Easy to prepare in one large pot
Great for a cozy lunch or weeknight dinner
Can be adapted with gluten-free flour or your preferred milk
Ingredients
For the Soup
2 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups vegetable broth
5 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups 1% milk
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
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How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1. Cook the vegetables
Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the seasonings
Add the garlic powder and cook for about 1 minute.
Stir in the smoked paprika and flour. Cook for another minute, stirring well so the vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Add the broth and broccoli
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring.
Add the chopped broccoli and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Cook for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
4. Add the milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk.
Warm the soup gently without bringing it to a rapid boil.
5. Add cottage cheese and cheddar
Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded sharp cheddar.
Allow the cheese to melt gently into the soup while stirring occasionally.
Avoid high heat at this stage because excessive heat can cause the dairy ingredients to separate or curdle.
6. Blend for a creamy texture
For a smoother consistency, remove approximately 1 cup of soup and carefully blend it.
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir.
You can also use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother broccoli cheddar soup.
7. Season and serve
Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings or a side of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per 2-cup serving:
Calories: 366
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 18g
The recipe makes approximately 8 cups of soup.
Nutrition information can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Use sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides plenty of cheesy flavor without needing a large amount of cheese.
Blend the cottage cheese: Blending the cottage cheese before adding it creates a smoother and creamier texture.
Don't boil after adding the dairy: Keep the heat low once the milk, cottage cheese, and cheddar are added to help maintain a smooth consistency.
Adjust the texture: Blend more of the soup for a creamier consistency, or leave more broccoli and vegetables intact for a chunkier soup.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This soup can be enjoyed on its own as a filling meal or paired with a simple side.
Try serving it with:
Whole-grain toast
A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
A turkey or chicken sandwich
High-protein bread
A simple side salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Is broccoli cheddar soup high in protein?
Traditional broccoli cheddar soup isn't always particularly high in protein. This version includes blended cottage cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese, helping provide approximately 22 grams of protein per 2-cup serving.
Can I use 2% or whole milk?
Yes. You can substitute 2% or whole milk for 1% milk. Keep in mind that changing the ingredients will change the nutritional information.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be used when fresh broccoli isn't available. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the broccoli pieces.
How do I make the soup smoother?
Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot. For an even smoother texture, use an immersion blender.
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Because this recipe contains dairy, avoid reheating it over very high heat.
Final Thoughts
This healthy broccoli cheddar soup is a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort-food favorite with a higher-protein twist. The combination of broccoli, vegetables, sharp cheddar, milk, and blended cottage cheese creates a creamy and satisfying soup that's perfect for a cozy lunch, dinner, or meal-prep day.
If you're looking for an easy high protein soup recipe that's comforting without being overly heavy, save this recipe for your next soup night!