Healthier Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe {High Protein} 

A creamy, high protein broccoli cheese soup made healthier with cottage cheese, whole milk, and fresh veggies—comforting, nutritious, and easy to make!

There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors that make it perfect for a chilly day. However, traditional broccoli cheddar soup is often loaded with heavy cream and excess cheese, making it less than ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. That’s why this Healthier Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect healthy soup recipe—it delivers all the cheesy goodness you love, but with a high-protein twist to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

By using cottage cheese, sour cream, and whole milk instead of heavy cream, this version keeps the creamy base you love while adding an extra boost of protein. Plus, with plenty of fresh broccoli, carrots, and celery, you’re getting a good dose of veggies in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for meal prep, this soup will be your new go-to!

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Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

There are so many reasons to love this high-protein broccoli cheese soup!

• Protein-Packed & Satisfying – The addition of cottage cheese and cheddar cheese gives this soup a protein boost, making it more filling than traditional versions.
• Lower in Fat, But Still Creamy – Instead of relying on heavy cream, this soup gets its silky texture from whole milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
• Loaded with Veggies – With chunks of broccoli, carrots, celery, and onions, you’ll get a hearty serving of vegetables in every spoonful.
• Easy to Make – This recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Great for Meal Prep – It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it a fantastic option for busy weeks.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients in Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a key role in making it delicious and nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown:

The Base

• Butter & Flour – This combination helps to thicken the soup, giving it a rich and creamy texture. If you prefer, use olive oil in place of the butter.
• Onion & Garlic – Essential for building a deep, savory flavor. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have whole garlic on hand.

The Vegetables

• Broccoli florets – The star of the dish! Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Carrots & Celery – Add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients.

The Liquid

• Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful, savory base. Opt for low sodium to keep things healthier, and swap for bone broth for even more protein. 
• Whole Milk – Keeps the soup creamy without the need for heavy cream.

The Protein & Creaminess

• Cottage Cheese – Blending cottage cheese makes it smooth while adding extra protein.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup its cheesy goodness.
• Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.

Seasoning

• Salt & Pepper – Simple but essential for balancing flavors.

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How to Make Healthier Broccoli Cheese Soup High Protein

1.Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add carrots and celery and cook for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.

2. Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in the flour and mix well, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables. This step helps thicken the soup.

3. Build the Flavor

Add onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

4. Simmer the Broccoli

Toss in the chopped broccoli and pour the chicken broth over everything. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the Creamy Elements

Stir in the blended cottage cheese, sour cream, and whole milk. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer).

6. Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Check Out Another More of my Favorite Soup Recipes

Miso Soup wth Udon Noodles

Viral Pastina

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How to Store This Easy Soup Recipe

This broccoli cheese soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep for big batch cooking. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

In the Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

In the Freezer

• Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: The texture may change slightly after freezing due to the dairy, but stirring well while reheating helps restore creaminess.

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Tips for Making the High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh broccoli, carrots, and celery will give the best flavor and texture. Additional veggies, like cauliflower florets make a great addition, too.
• Blend the Cottage Cheese First – Blending the cottage cheese separately ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your cheesy soup.
• Adjust the Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
• Don’t Overcook the Cheese – Add the cheddar cheese at the end off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• Customize the Flavor – Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or mustard powder for extra depth, and nutritional yeast adds nutrients with a cheesy-flavor.

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This Healthier Broccoli Cheese Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy. With its rich flavor, high protein content, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal you can feel good about eating. Try it out for your next cozy dinner—you won’t be disappointed!

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