This High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup pairs sharp cheddar with tender broccoli for a warm, satisfying bowl that also delivers substantial protein. Cottage cheese is blended into the base to increase protein and create a silky texture without relying solely on heavy cream. The result is familiar comfort-food flavor with a more balanced macronutrient profile.
High-Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
If you love anything broccoli-and-cheese, this version keeps the indulgent flavor while improving the protein content. Small adjustments to the typical broccoli cheese soup technique—most notably adding blended cottage cheese and opting for a rich bone broth—raise the protein to roughly 32 grams per serving while keeping the texture luxuriously creamy.
This soup isn’t a low-calorie dish, but it makes an excellent, nutrient-dense option for anyone who needs to increase both calories and protein in a single meal. Many people find it especially useful when they want something easy to eat that still feels nourishing. The recipe is family-friendly and versatile, so you can scale it up or add extras to suit your needs.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- High Protein Content: Cottage cheese and optional additions like cooked chicken boost the protein per serving.
- Velvety Texture: Blending cottage cheese with heavy cream creates a smooth base without solely relying on extra butter or cream.
- Nutritious: Packed with broccoli, the soup provides fiber and vitamins alongside its creamy elements.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish it takes around 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Customizable: Seasonings and mix-ins like crispy bacon, ham, or shredded chicken let you tailor the flavor and macronutrients.
Try our Smoked Broccoli Cheese Soup for a smoky variation.
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Salted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken bone broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pepper
- Broccoli florets
- Cottage cheese
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Serve with Grilled Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a classic pairing.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview of the method so you know what to expect. Follow the full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the end.
- Prepare the Roux: Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, and cook gently until the roux is lightly golden.
- Create the Base: Slowly whisk in bone broth, season with garlic and onion powders plus pepper, and simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and simmer until tender but still bright green.
- Blend Cottage Cheese Mixture: Puree cottage cheese with heavy cream until smooth, temper with a small amount of hot soup liquid, then blend again.
- Combine and Finish: Reduce heat, whisk in the blended cottage cheese mixture, then stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve with a crisp Greek Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Store properly chilled and reheat before serving.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen the texture.
Yes. The soup holds well in the refrigerator for a few days. It does not freeze particularly well because dairy textures can change after freezing, so plan on enjoying it within several days of preparation.
Grilled Dinner Rolls make a great accompaniment.
Recipe Variations
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Swap sharp cheddar for a blend of Gruyère or Parmesan to change the cheese profile.
- Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham for extra protein and texture.
Also try: High-Protein Egg Drop Soup
Serve This With…
- Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or baguette pairs well with the creamy soup and soaks up the broth.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green or vinaigrette-based salad adds freshness and balance.
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside a protein-rich main to boost the meal’s overall protein
More Soup Recipes
Venison Chili-
Venison Stew
-
Smoked White Chicken Chili
Broccoli Recipes
- Broccoli Cheese Orzo
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Beef & Broccoli
- Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
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High Protein Broccoli Cheese Soup
A rich, creamy broccoli and cheddar soup enhanced with blended cottage cheese for additional protein and a luxuriously smooth texture. Easy to make and adaptable to many dietary preferences.
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken bone broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small non-stick skillet or saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, until the roux is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the bone broth, making sure to dissolve any lumps. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer until they are tender but still bright green, about 6–8 minutes depending on the size of the florets.
- Meanwhile, combine the cottage cheese and heavy cream in a blender and puree until completely smooth. Carefully add about ½ cup of the hot soup liquid to the blender to temper the mixture, then blend again until fully smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk the blended cottage cheese mixture into the pot until fully incorporated. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese in small additions, allowing it to melt between additions so the soup becomes silky.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, thin it with additional broth or a splash of milk or water. Serve hot and garnish as desired. For extra protein, add cooked shredded or diced chicken before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 643
Total Fat: 50g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Cholesterol: 143mg
Sodium: 842mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 32g
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