Low Carb High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup That’s Creamy & Filling

Low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup is what you need when dinner-for-one feels like a sad fridge stare-down. You’ve got half a head of broccoli, some random cheese, and zero energy—sound familiar? Been there. That’s exactly why I whipped this up one night after a long day and a forgotten lunch; it’s warm, creamy, and actually fills you up without leaving a mountain of dishes. You deserve better than another protein bar standing over the sink.

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A warm solo-serving bowl of low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup
Table of Contents

The Low Carb High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup That’ll Save Your Weeknight

When You’re Cooking for One and Just… Done

You’ve had a long day. You don’t want to meal prep, clean a pile of pans, or end up eating cereal again. You want real food. Something hot, cheesy, and filling—but without the crash that comes from a big bowl of carbs.

That’s where this low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup steps in. It’s cozy like takeout, but without the bloat. You throw everything in one pot, give it a stir, and before you know it—you’ve got a creamy, satisfying bowl that actually feeds your body (and your mood).

You’re not here to cook for a crowd. You’re here to eat well—even when it’s just you at the table.

You Get Comfort Without the Carb Bomb

This Low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup skips the flour, skips the guilt, and keeps the creaminess. How? Cottage cheese, a little cream, and a trick with the broccoli itself. Want to level it up with even more protein? Add in some white beans or a scoop of collagen-rich broth—done and done.

This isn’t one of those watery “diet soups” that leaves you raiding the pantry an hour later. It’s thick, rich, and totally solo-meal approved.

If you’re into cozy bowls like this one, you’ll love my version of the best low carb broccoli cheese soup. It’s a simpler, classic take—no beans, no extras, just that rich, cheesy broccoli goodness made for one.

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Bowl of low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup on white kitchen counter

Low Carb High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


  • Author: Meals For One
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving

Description

A creamy, low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup that’s fast, filling, and made for solo meals—no flour, just flavor.


Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 small onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup white beans (optional)

1 1/2 cups bone broth or stock

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp cream cheese (optional)

1 tsp butter or olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft.

2. Add broccoli and broth, simmer until broccoli is fork-tender.

3. (Optional) Blend half the soup for thickness.

4. Stir in cottage cheese, beans, and any protein powder if using.

5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar. Season to taste and serve.

Notes

  • Add Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
  • Stir in cooked chicken or turkey bacon for extra protein.
  • Top with hemp seeds or red pepper flakes for texture and spice.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup, solo soup recipe, keto soup for one

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Gets a High-Protein Makeover

Smart Swaps You Can Make Right Now

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a whole pantry to boost the protein in your low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup. You’ve got options—and most of them are probably in your fridge already. Here’s what you can add:

  • Cottage cheese: Blend it in and it melts like magic. No one will know it’s there—but your muscles will.
  • White beans: Soft, creamy, and protein-rich. Bonus: they help thicken the soup naturally.
  • Collagen or bone broth: Swap water or regular broth for this, and suddenly your soup’s doing more than just tasting good.
  • Shredded chicken: Got leftovers? Toss ’em in.
  • Unflavored protein powder: Yep, just stir a scoop into the pot before serving. No weird taste, just extra protein.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Standard IngredientHigh-Protein Swap
Whole milk or creamCottage cheese or Greek yogurt
Regular brothBone broth or collagen-rich stock
No add-insWhite beans, chicken, or protein powder

You don’t have to add all of them—just pick one or two depending on what you’ve got. It’s soup, not science.

Want to switch things up with more veggies in the mix? Try my low carb broccoli cauliflower cheese soup. It blends two low-carb powerhouses into one creamy, satisfying bowl—and yep, it’s still totally solo-friendly.

How to Keep It Low Carb Without Losing the Creamy Factor

Low carb doesn’t have to mean watery or bland. The trick is skipping thickeners like flour or cornstarch and leaning on texture from whole ingredients.

Here’s how you make it creamy without carb overload:

  • Blend some of your cooked broccoli into the base—it thickens the soup without adding anything else.
  • Add a bit of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. It smooths things out and keeps it keto-friendly.
  • Cheddar melts beautifully—use it as your finish, not the base.

How To Make A Low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup

Step-by-Step: How You Can Make It in 20 Minutes

You don’t need a culinary degree—or even a plan. Just one pot and about 20 minutes. Here’s how you make low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup from what’s already in your kitchen:

  1. Sauté your aromatics. In a saucepan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until soft.
  2. Add chopped broccoli and broth. About 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1½ cups of bone broth or protein-enriched stock. Simmer until the broccoli is fork-tender.
  3. Blend it (optional). For a thicker texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender or mash some with a spoon.
  4. Stir in your protein boosters. Add ½ cup cottage cheese or white beans and stir until smooth. A small scoop of unflavored protein powder can go in now too—no judgment.
  5. Finish with cheese. Toss in ½ cup shredded cheddar. Stir until melty. Salt, pepper, done.

Leftovers? You won’t have many, but it reheats like a dream.

Topping Ideas to Make Your Low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup Even Better

Want to add some crunch, spice, or extra protein? Here’s what you can sprinkle on top of your bowl:

  • Hemp seeds or sunflower seeds for a little crunch and bonus protein.
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat.
  • Dollop of Greek yogurt if you skipped cottage cheese inside.

It’s your bowl—make it taste like you.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Low Carb High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Forgetting the Protein

It’s easy to melt some cheese in broth and call it soup—but if you skip the actual protein sources, you’ll be hungry in an hour. Cottage cheese, white beans, shredded chicken, or protein-rich broth make all the difference. They turn a side dish into a solo meal.

Using Flour or Cornstarch Without Thinking

You might be used to thickening soup with a roux, but even a tablespoon adds unnecessary carbs. Instead, blend some of the broccoli or add a spoonful of cream cheese. You still get the creamy texture—without the carb load.

Overcooking the Broccoli

If the broccoli’s mushy, the flavor goes dull. Keep it bright and tender. If you’re blending part of it, that’s enough to thicken things without turning the whole soup into green paste.

Adding Cheese Too Early

Cheddar can separate or clump if you add it while the soup’s still boiling. Take the pot off heat, then stir in the cheese so it melts smooth and stays creamy.

FAQ

What to add to broccoli cheddar soup for protein?

To boost protein in broccoli cheddar soup, add ingredients like cottage cheese, white beans, shredded chicken, or unflavored protein powder. These mix in easily and keep the soup creamy without altering the flavor.

How much protein is in broccoli cheddar soup?

Traditional versions have around 7–10 grams of protein per serving. This upgraded low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup can offer 20–25 grams per bowl, depending on your add-ins.

Can I use Greek yogurt in broccoli cheddar soup?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a high-protein swap for cream or milk in broccoli cheddar soup. Add it at the end and stir gently to keep it smooth and tangy without curdling.

Is broccoli cheddar soup good for weight loss?

It can be, especially when made low carb and high protein. Using ingredients like broccoli, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese makes it filling and nutrient-dense—perfect for solo meals that support your goals.

Spoonfuls of Comfort, One Bowl at a Time

You don’t need to meal prep for the week or dirty five pans just to feed yourself. This low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup gives you warmth, protein, and comfort—all in one bowl, all in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of solo meal that feels like a win, even on your most tired days.

When you want something cozy that actually does something for your body, this low carb high protein broccoli cheddar soup’s got your back. Next time you’re short on time, short on energy, or just short on ideas—grab the broccoli, grab the cheese, and let it happen.

If you’re into solo-friendly comfort food with real flavor, come hang out with me on Pinterest for more recipes like this one. And if you ever wonder what happens behind the scenes (or what I burn in the kitchen on a Tuesday).

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