the Best High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrient-rich broccoli, this recipe gives your favorite classic a wholesome boost of protein without losing its cozy flavor. It’s an easy healthy recipe that fits perfectly into a fall dinner idea rotation, offering a warm and satisfying meal that supports your health goals. Simple to make, full of rich flavor, and ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a delicious balance of comfort and nutrition.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder optional
• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch for thickening
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple and requires only a few essential kitchen items.

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Blender or immersion blender
• Ladle

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Add vegetables: Stir in broccoli and shredded carrot. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Slowly pour into the pot while stirring. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Blend for smoothness: Blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender until it reaches your preferred consistency.
5. Add protein and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in cheddar cheese, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and protein powder if using. Mix until the soup is smooth and creamy.
6. Season and finish: Stir in onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs.

Pro Tips

• Extra protein option: Add cooked shredded chicken or a handful of white beans for even more protein and heartiness.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cheese and milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Meal prep tip: This soup stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge and can be reheated over low heat with a splash of milk.
• Serving idea: Serve with whole-grain bread, a baked potato, or a simple side salad for a complete, nourishing meal.

Nutrition Table

Conclusion

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers the perfect balance of creamy comfort and nutritious goodness. It’s rich in flavor, packed with protein, and easy enough for even the busiest days. Every bowl delivers satisfying warmth and a boost of energy, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or weekly meal prep. With this recipe, you can enjoy the indulgent taste of classic broccoli cheddar soup while staying true to your healthy lifestyle.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Enjoy a creamy, cheesy soup packed with nutrient-rich broccoli and a healthy twist of protein for a wholesome and delicious meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 carrot peeled and shredded
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder optional
• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch for thickening
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Stir in broccoli and shredded carrot. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Slowly pour into the pot while stirring. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Lower the heat and stir in cheddar cheese, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and protein powder if using. Mix until the soup is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs.

Notes

Extra protein option: Add cooked shredded chicken or a handful of white beans for even more protein and heartiness. Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cheese and milk for a lighter, lactose-free version. Meal prep tip: This soup stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge and can be reheated over low heat with a splash of milk.

Keyword Broccoli Cheddar, Easy Recipe, Fall Dinner, Healthy Comfort Food, High Protein Soup