Cozy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Whipping up a seriously delicious high protein broccoli cheddar soup can revolutionize your comfort food game.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with nutrient-packed ingredients that satisfy hunger and nourish your body.

Nutritionists adore this recipe for its smart balance of vegetables and protein-rich elements.

Rich cheddar melts into velvety depths, creating a luxurious bowl that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Sharp cheese and tender broccoli dance together in a warm, inviting medley of flavors.

Hearty spoonfuls promise to warm you from the inside out, making every bite a delightful experience.

You’ll want to savor each creamy, protein-packed mouthful of this incredible soup.

Answers to Your Soup FAQs

• What protein sources work best in this broccoli cheddar soup?

Greek yogurt, chicken, or white beans are excellent protein boosters. They blend seamlessly without changing the soup’s classic flavor profile and add substantial nutritional value.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute regular cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. These options maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. Broccoli provides essential vitamins and fiber, cheese offers calcium, and added protein sources create a well-rounded meal that supports muscle health and overall nutrition.

• How can I enhance the soup's flavor without adding calories?

Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, add a splash of white wine during cooking, or sprinkle smoked paprika for depth. These techniques boost taste without significant calorie increase.

What’s Great About High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Loaded with protein from added ingredients, this soup transforms a classic comfort dish into a nourishing, muscle-supporting meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Cleverly blend broccoli into a creamy, cheesy soup that even picky eaters will love, making it an effortless way to sneak in healthy vegetables without a struggle.
• Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients make this recipe a go-to for home cooks looking to maximize flavor while minimizing kitchen mess and preparation time.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: What You’ll Need

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and adds richness to the soup. Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter for best taste.

• Onions, Garlic: Builds a deep, savory foundation for the soup. Sweet yellow onions work best, and fresh garlic offers more intense flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable packed with nutrients and adds hearty texture. Choose firm, bright green florets with tight clusters for maximum freshness.
• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base of the soup. Low-sodium options allow better control of salt content.
• Chicken, Greek Yogurt, Protein Powder: Boosts protein content and adds creamy thickness. Choose lean chicken breast or high-protein Greek yogurt for healthier options.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture. Sharp or extra-sharp varieties offer more intense taste.
• Heavy Cream, Half-and-Half: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps balance the soup's consistency. Full-fat versions create a more indulgent soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile. Fresh ground black pepper offers more robust taste.
• Optional Herbs: Thyme, parsley can add additional complexity to the soup.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create smooth, thick soup base. Ensures no lumps when whisking into liquid.

Cooking Instructions for This High-Protein Soup

Step 1: Warm the Cooking Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Add chopped onions and gently cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet flavor (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Awaken Garlic’s Essence

Introduce minced garlic to the pot, stirring quickly and allowing its rich aroma to bloom for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Prepare Vegetable Foundation

• Chopped broccoli florets
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté for 2-3 minutes to develop deeper flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to coat and prevent burning.

Step 6: Pour in Liquid Goodness

• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 7: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing vegetables to become tender (8-10 minutes).

Step 8: Blend to Smooth Perfection

Use an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender, pureeing until silky smooth.

Step 9: Introduce Cheesy Richness

Fold in generous amounts of sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.

Step 10: Season and Finish

Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives before serving hot.

Tips for Thick, Flavorful Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Boost Protein Power: Add diced chicken, turkey, or tofu to increase the protein content and make the soup more filling and nutritious.
• Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender to create a creamier texture, breaking down broccoli into smaller pieces for a velvety consistency.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Experiment with different sharp cheddar varieties or mix cheeses like gruyere for a more complex flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Veggie Variety Twist: Incorporate cauliflower or spinach alongside broccoli to add more nutrients and create an interesting flavor dimension.

Keeping Your Soup Ready for Later

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based ingredients.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency if needed.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

Side Ideas to Serve with This Soup

• Pair this hearty broccoli cheddar soup with grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon to amplify the protein content and create a balanced, satisfying meal.
• Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy soup's rich cheese and vegetable flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Add toasted whole grain croutons or serve alongside a rustic sourdough bread to introduce delightful textural contrast and soak up the delicious soup base.
• Garnish with fresh chives, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of thyme to brighten the soup's flavor profile and add a subtle, aromatic dimension to each spoonful.

Broccoli Soup Variations to Keep It Interesting

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cheddar with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based version that's lactose-free.
• Vegan Power Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use vegan cheese alternative, and add extra tofu for protein boost.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Eliminate onions, use heavy cream instead of milk, and increase cheese content to match low-carb requirements.
• Protein Powerhouse: Incorporate cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans to amplify protein content while maintaining soup's original flavor profile.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this robust Broccoli Cheddar Soup, blending creamy Wisconsin cheddar with fresh broccoli florets. Hearty protein-packed spoonfuls promise a satisfying meal that will nourish and delight your palate with each warming bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reduced-fat optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 ounces) can white beans (drained and rinsed) (for extra protein)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (grated)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (protein boost!)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (enhances the cheesy flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the selected fat in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a golden base for flavor development.
2. Introduce finely chopped alliums, gently transforming them until they become translucent and tender, releasing their subtle sweetness.
3. Incorporate minced aromatic garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom and permeate the foundational mixture, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
4. Sprinkle flour into the sautéed vegetable blend, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, thickening roux that will provide luxurious body to the soup.
5. Gradually stream in cold chicken or vegetable broth, maintaining constant motion to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
6. Introduce chopped broccoli florets, submerging them into the liquid and allowing them to simmer until they reach a vibrant green tenderness.
7. Reduce heat and blend the mixture to desired smoothness, leaving some texture for interesting mouthfeel and rustic character.
8. Fold in sharp, aged cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated, creating a rich and creamy profile.
9. Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and optional complementary herbs to elevate the overall flavor complexity.
10. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with additional cheese shreds or crisp herb snippets for a final textural and visual flourish.

Notes

• Swap regular butter for plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of this protein-packed soup.
• Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier texture while maintaining some chunky vegetable pieces for added interest.
• Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as an extra protein booster that also enhances the soup’s creamy consistency without adding excessive calories.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese to intensify the flavor profile and ensure a more robust taste in each spoonful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg