There’s a specific kind of craving that hits when the weather cools down. It’s not salad. It’s not grilled chicken. It’s something warm. Creamy. Cheesy. The kind of bowl you wrap both hands around before taking the first spoonful. That’s usually where broccoli cheddar soup enters the picture.

But traditional broccoli cheddar soup? It can be heavy. Cream-heavy. Butter-heavy. Delicious, yes. Balanced… not always.

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps everything you love — the velvety texture, the sharp cheddar flavor, the tender broccoli — and upgrades it with more protein and better structure. It’s satisfying without feeling like a brick in your stomach. It’s creamy without needing a full carton of heavy cream. And it still tastes indulgent.

If you’ve been looking for high-protein soup recipes, healthy broccoli cheddar soup, macro-friendly comfort food, or meal prep soups that actually taste good, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

Because comfort food can be smart. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Why This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Different

The secret? Protein-forward ingredients that don’t compromise texture.

Instead of relying entirely on cream, this version uses Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese to add thickness and richness — plus extra protein. The base is still built properly: sautéed aromatics, a light roux for body, broth for depth. Nothing skimpy. Just balanced.

The cheddar still melts in and delivers that sharp, slightly salty punch. The broccoli stays vibrant. The texture stays smooth and velvety.

It feels like classic broccoli cheddar soup. But it fuels you better.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes

Simple ingredients. Smart swaps.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flavor. This creates a light roux that helps thicken the soup.

Slowly whisk in the broth, then add the milk. Stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the chopped broccoli and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still bright green.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted.

Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese. This prevents curdling and keeps the texture smooth.

Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup if you prefer a creamier consistency, or leave it slightly chunky.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm.

Flavor and Texture Expectations

The soup should be creamy but not overly thick. The cheddar flavor comes through clearly without overpowering. The broccoli adds freshness and slight texture.

You’ll notice the richness — but it won’t feel heavy. The protein boost makes it surprisingly satisfying.

It’s comforting without being indulgent in a way that makes you sluggish.

Make It Your Own

Add shredded chicken for even more protein.
Use white cheddar for a sharper flavor.
Stir in cooked quinoa for extra texture.
Add carrots for sweetness and color.
Top with extra cheese and cracked black pepper.

The base recipe is flexible.

Meal Prep and Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding yogurt to maintain smoothness.

This soup also freezes well, though the texture may change slightly — stir well after reheating.

Why This Soup Works for Busy Weeks

It’s one pot. It reheats beautifully. It pairs well with grilled cheese or crusty bread — or stands alone as a high-protein meal.

It feels indulgent, but it supports your goals. That balance makes it sustainable.

And that’s the difference.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup gives you everything you want from classic comfort food — creamy texture, bold cheddar flavor, tender broccoli — with a smarter nutritional profile.

Warm. Savory. Satisfying.

Comfort food that doesn’t slow you down.

And honestly, that’s a win.