High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Picture this: the comforting aroma of simmering broccoli and sharp cheddar fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy, warm embrace. The vibrant green florets swimming in a creamy, rich broth create a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds. This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is not just a bowl of soup, it’s a celebration of wholesome flavors and nourishing goodness that you can whip up in just over half an hour. The velvety texture and subtle hints of smoked paprika will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, this soup fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry favorites and fresh veggies, no complicated shopping lists or rare items required.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Whip it up after work and enjoy a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that’s both comforting and energizing.
• Impressive Presentation: That vibrant green and melted golden cheddar topping makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen, guaranteed to impress family or guests.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to your taste, dietary needs, or what’s on hand, without losing the soul of this hearty soup.

Why This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Works

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe shines because it balances creaminess and texture beautifully, using blended cottage cheese alongside cheddar to boost protein content without heaviness. The technique of sautéing vegetables until tender unlocks deep flavors, while the addition of smoked paprika offers a subtle smoky depth that elevates the classic broccoli cheddar combination. Finally, blending part of the soup achieves a luscious, velvety texture, while leaving some broccoli chunks for delightful mouthfeel—every spoonful hits just the right note.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy, and flavorful soup you’ll crave on chilly days.

• Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
• Yellow onion: Provides sweet, aromatic depth as the base flavor.
• Carrots: Contribute subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Brings earthy notes and balances the sweetness of the carrots and onions.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with a mellow pungency that brightens the broth.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener to give the soup that luscious body.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky complexity that makes this soup truly stand out.
• Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
• Broccoli: The star of the show—fresh, chopped florets for nutrition and texture.
• 1% Milk: Keeps the soup creamy without excess fat, balancing richness and lightness.
• Cheddar cheese: The classic sharpness and meltiness that define broccoli cheddar soup.
• Low fat cottage cheese: Blended to boost protein and add creaminess without heaviness.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Butter: Substitute with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free variation.
• All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour to make this soup gluten-friendly without affecting texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Swap for a sharp Monterey Jack or a mild gouda for a different flavor twist.
• Vegetable broth: Chicken broth can be used if preferred, just ensure it’s Halal certified.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables are soft and sweet. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sugars, building the flavorful foundation your soup needs.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step—soft and translucent vegetables develop so much more flavor!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flavorings

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant aroma. Sprinkle in smoked paprika along with the flour. Cook while stirring for another minute, coating the veggies so the flour cooks through, which thickens the soup later without any raw flour taste.

💡 Pro Tip: Smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth that elevates the soup beyond ordinary.

Step 3: Add Broth and Broccoli, Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer and let the broccoli soften for 8 to 9 minutes. This tenderizes the broccoli just enough to blend smoothly while still holding a bit of texture.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the simmer gentle for perfectly tender broccoli without turning mushy.

Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheeses

Lower the heat, then add the milk, warming it through gradually. Next, stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and luxuriously creamy. Be careful not to increase the heat too much here to avoid curdling.

💡 Pro Tip: Blending cottage cheese adds protein and a smooth body without heavy cream.

Step 5: Blend and Season

Remove a cup of soup and carefully blend it in a blender, allowing steam to escape. Pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup in place. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

💡 Pro Tip: Partial blending keeps some broccoli texture for a more enjoyable bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Rushing the sauté: Skipping the slow cooking of vegetables results in flat, raw-tasting soup.
• Adding cheese to boiling soup: High heat can cause your cheese to curdle and separate; keep it gentle.
• Over-blending: Pureeing all the soup removes delightful texture and makes it too thick.
• Ignoring seasoning: A bland soup is no one’s favorite; season as you go and taste often.
• Using low-quality cheese: Fresh, good-quality cheddar melts better and adds richer flavor.
• Skipping the smoked paprika: It might seem minor but this spice brings a memorable depth that’s hard to replace.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version of this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, here are some halal-friendly spins to keep things exciting:

Spicy Jalapeño Kick

Add finely diced jalapeño peppers with the garlic for a subtle, warm heat that complements the smoky cheddar beautifully.

Cauliflower Blend

Swap half the broccoli with cauliflower florets to create a slightly milder, creamier soup texture while keeping nutrition high.

Herbed Delight

Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Protein Boost with Chicken

Add cooked, shredded halal chicken breast for an even heartier, protein-rich meal perfect for active days.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese substitutes, and nutritional yeast to recreate this soup entirely plant-based and still deliciously creamy.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Top your soup with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a few chopped fresh chives, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an inviting finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread, garlic naan, or a fresh green salad to add some crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual bread bowls for a rustic touch, or drizzle with a swirl of high-quality olive oil and cracked black pepper for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before reheating as ingredients may settle or thicken.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Warm over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well but may release more water, so adjust cooking time and thickness accordingly.

Is this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative to keep it safe and delicious.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and omit the butter or swap with vegan margarine.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Grate your cheese finely and add it off the heat or over very low heat to help it melt smoothly without clumping.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! It actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can use regular paprika or a pinch of cumin for a different but still delicious smoky flavor.

How can I increase the protein even more?

Add cooked shredded halal chicken, more cottage cheese, or even a scoop of unflavored protein powder suitable for cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavor appeal to children, but feel free to adjust seasoning to suit their palate.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a heartfelt bowl of comfort, packed with nourishing ingredients that fuel your body and soothe your soul. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and subtle smoky undertones create a harmony of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a nutritious lunch, this soup has you covered.

Have you tried this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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