Our high protein broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and secretly packed with extra protein thanks to blended cottage cheese. I love making this when I'm craving something warm and satisfying but still want to stay on track with my high protein and macro goals. 35g of protein per serving!
You'll love how this high protein vegetable soup recipe keeps all the cozy comfort of traditional broccoli cheddar soup but makes it lighter, healthier, and even more filling. It's quick to make, rich in flavor, and a great meal-prep lunch option for busy days.
Before Making High Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Blend the cottage cheese first - This gives the soup a perfectly smooth and creamy texture without curdling.
- Use bone broth for extra protein - It adds depth of flavor and increases the overall protein content, but you can use regular chicken broth or
- Fresh vs. frozen broccoli - Both work well. Frozen florets are a great time-saver and cook just as tender.
- Add the cheese at the end - Stir in the shredded cheddar right before serving for the best melt and flavor, we recommend freshly shredded to avoid clumping.
After years of creating high protein recipes for our readers, this one stands out for its creamy texture and nutrient balance. We love how the cottage cheese adds richness and boosts protein without needing heavy cream! As written, this recipe is high protein, low carb, and gluten free. It freezes well for meal prep lunches too.
If you're looking for more high protein vegetable soups, you'll also love our Tomato Soup with Cottage Cheese, High Protein Carrot Soup, and our Healthy Corn Chowder next!
Ingredients Overview
- Broccoli florets: The star of the soup which adds fiber, vitamins, and a hearty texture when blended. We used frozen broccoli but you can use raw.
- Cottage cheese: Blended for a creamy consistency and major protein boost. We recommend 4% cottage cheese, which adds a touch of richness.
- Chicken bone broth: Makes the soup rich and savory while adding protein.
- Onion and garlic: Builds the flavor foundation.
- Cheddar cheese: Optional, but adds a classic cheesy flavor. Use sharp cheddar for the best taste.
- Nutmeg (optional): A small pinch adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1. Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Add a little chicken bone broth to thin it out if needed, then set aside.
Step 2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3. Add the broccoli florets and chicken bone broth to the pot. Simmer gently for about 6 minutes, or until the broccoli is just tender.
Step 4. Carefully blend the broccoli and broth mixture until smooth using an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches).
Step 5. Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, high-protein comfort meal for fall or winter!
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken bone broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Mix in cooked chicken, chicken sausage, or turkey for a higher-protein, heartier meal.
- Add a splash of milk or cream for extra richness.
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a twist on this recipe.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. We love to use these freezer cubes for individual portions.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to maintain a creamy texture. The microwave works great too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great. Just add it directly to the pot and cook until tender before blending.
Does cottage cheese melt like regular cheese?
No, but when blended, it becomes smooth and creamy making it perfect for thickening soups naturally.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less broth or simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid. You can also blend in more cottage cheese for added thickness and protein.
Can I skip the cheddar cheese?
Yes! The soup will still be creamy and flavorful from the cottage cheese and bone broth, or you can swap the cheddar for another cheese.
More High Protein Soups
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Recipe
Easy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
- large stock pot or soup pot
- immersion blender or blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken bone broth
- 2 cups 4% cottage cheese blended
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or more to taste
- pinch of nutmeg optional
- 1-11/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional - stirred in at the end
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese with an immersion blender or in a blender. Add a little broth to thin it out if needed.
- Sauté onion 5 minutes over medium-low to medium heat, then garlic 1 minute. Add broccoli and the bone broth and cook until just tender (about 6 minutes).
- Blend the broccoli and bone broth mixture. Return it to the pot. Stir in the blended cottage cheese and cheddar cheese until it's melted. Add a pinch of nurmeg if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If your cottage cheese foams, just scoop it off with a large spoon.
- This is a light healthy broccoli cheddar soup, you can add more shredded cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Adding sliced or crumbled chicken sausage is a great protein addition.
- Use 3 cups of broth for a thicker soup and 4 cups for a thinner "muggable" soup.
- The video and recipe instructions vary slighty, stirring in blended cottage cheese gives better results than combining all ingredients in a blender together (like the video shows).
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