If you’ve ever craved a soup that’s comforting, packed with nutrition, and decadently creamy, then you’re going to love this Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Imagine tender broccoli florets simmered to perfection, blended smoothly with cottage cheese to add a luscious creaminess, and finished off with sharp cheddar that melts into every bite. This soup is not only ridiculously tasty but also high in protein and simple enough to whip up on any weeknight. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul while sneaking in some healthy goodness—pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different chopped vegetables and ingredients. There is one large bowl in the center filled with bright green broccoli florets. Surrounding this are smaller bowls containing orange shredded carrots, white cauliflower pieces, diced onions, chopped bacon bits, shredded yellow cheese, chopped green beans, and a small bowl with salt. To the side, there is a measuring cup filled with brown broth. The bowls vary in size and all are plain white, making the colors of the food stand out. The light is soft and bright, emphasizing the freshness and texture of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for the Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple pantry and fridge staples come together to create something truly special.

Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh or frozen, broccoli gives this soup its hearty, green veggie goodness and a satisfying bite.
Cottage cheese (1 cup): The secret to making this soup ultra creamy without heavy cream, plus it boosts the protein.
Shredded cheddar (1 cup): Sharp cheddar cheese adds that irresistible cheesy richness and depth.
Vegetable broth (2 cups): A flavorful base that gently simmers the broccoli and garlic, infusing the soup with warmth.
Milk (1 cup): Adds smoothness and helps to thin the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
Garlic clove, minced (1): A hint of savory punch that elevates the overall flavor.

How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Broccoli and Garlic

Begin by placing your broccoli florets and minced garlic into a pot filled with vegetable broth. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This softens the broccoli just right and allows the garlic to release its fragrant, savory notes into the broth, setting a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Blend with Cottage Cheese

Next, transfer the broccoli and garlic mixture into a blender along with the cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth. This is the magic step where the soup transforms from chunky to velvety, with cottage cheese giving it that creamy texture without any heaviness.

Step 3: Stir in Milk and Cheddar

Return your blended soup base to the pot over low heat. Slowly stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has melted entirely into the soup, creating a rich, silky, and cheesy final product. Be careful to keep the heat low to avoid curdling and to meld the flavors wonderfully.

How to Serve Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup, with bright green broccoli pieces and orange carrot slices floating in it. On top of the soup, there is a thick layer of shredded yellow cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The soup looks smooth and slightly thick, with the vegetables clearly visible beneath the creamy surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes elevates your bowl to the next level. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar, a few crunchy croutons, or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. For color and freshness, chopped chives or a light drizzle of olive oil complement the warm creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal. Garlic bread or even a warm grilled cheese sandwich on the side harmonize perfectly for a classic comfort food experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls. You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika for added smokiness and depth, making your presentation both eye-catching and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of milk if the soup feels too thick, and always give it a good stir to restore that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly and is especially convenient when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it slightly or cook it a bit longer to ensure tender florets.

Is cottage cheese really necessary for the creaminess?

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient that makes this soup creamy while keeping it light and high-protein. You could substitute with cream cheese or heavy cream, but it won’t have quite the same nutritional profile or smoothness.

Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on dairy for its signature creamy texture and flavor, but you can try using plant-based cottage cheese alternatives and vegan cheddar substitutes. The texture and flavor will differ, but it’s a good option for dairy-free diets.

What’s a good way to add more flavor?

If you want to boost the soup’s depth, consider adding a pinch of mustard powder or smoked paprika while stirring in the cheese. These little additions enhance the savory notes and add subtle complexity.

How many servings does this Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe make?

This recipe yields about four generous servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for a few days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing soup that’s simple yet bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Creamy Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is absolutely worth making. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days when you want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to soups that you’ll want to make again and again.