This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cozy, and packed with vegetables — but the best part is that each serving has around 20 grams of protein thanks to blended cottage cheese. It tastes just like classic broccoli cheddar soup but with a healthier twist. Great for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, or warming up on a cold day!
1 tablespoon butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups vegetable broth
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add smoked paprika and flour, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook 1 minute more.
Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook 8–9 minutes, until the broccoli is softened.
Lower the heat. Add milk and warm gently.
Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Blend 1 cup of the soup and pour it back into the pot, OR use an immersion blender to lightly blend until you reach your preferred texture.
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm!
Keep the heat low after adding dairy — this prevents curdling.
Blend cottage cheese until totally smooth for the creamiest texture.
Use sharp cheddar for richer flavor without needing extra cheese.
For thicker soup: Blend more of the mixture or simmer a few extra minutes.
For extra protein: Add a scoop of unflavored whey protein after removing from heat (whisk very well).