There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup to bring comfort to your day. But what if I told you this version isn’t just rich and cheesy—it’s also packed with protein to keep you full and energized? Yep, this is the ultimate feel-good meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at store-bought soup the same way again. Grab your spoon, because we’re about to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile This soup works as a cozy dinner, a light lunch, or even an appetizer for a larger meal. Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or enjoy it solo—it’s satisfying no matter what.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe delivers gourmet flavors without breaking the bank. No need for fancy cheeses or expensive add-ins to get that rich, creamy taste.
Quick and Easy In under an hour, you’ll have a steaming bowl of homemade soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something wholesome but don’t have hours to cook.
Customizable Want it extra cheesy? Prefer a little spice? Need a dairy-free version? No problem. This recipe is super adaptable, so you can tweak it to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Broccoli The star of the show! Fresh or frozen broccoli works here, bringing a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a boost of vitamins and fiber.
Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar is the way to go for that rich, bold flavor. It melts beautifully into the soup, creating a silky, creamy texture.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth The base that ties everything together. Opt for a high-quality broth to get the best depth of flavor.
Milk or Heavy Cream Adds richness and a velvety consistency. You can adjust this based on how creamy you want your soup.
Protein Source Whether it’s Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or even blended white beans, this is the secret ingredient that makes this soup extra filling and nutritious.
Onion & Garlic The flavor powerhouses! Sautéed onions and garlic add a savory depth that takes this soup from good to unforgettable.
Carrots A hint of natural sweetness balances out the sharpness of the cheddar. Plus, they add beautiful color and extra nutrients.
Spices & Seasonings A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of nutmeg elevates the flavors and makes every spoonful irresistible.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Sauté the Aromatics In a large pot, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is where the deep, savory flavors begin to develop.
Add the Broccoli and Carrots Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Let them cook for a few minutes to release their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Pour in the Broth Add your broth of choice and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is when all the ingredients start mingling and turning into something magical.
Blend for a Creamy Texture If you like a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend it until creamy. Prefer some texture? Just blend part of the soup while leaving some broccoli chunks intact.
Stir in the Cheese and Protein Source Reduce the heat and gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the soup. Then, mix in your protein of choice (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or blended white beans) for a luscious, creamy consistency.
Season to Perfection Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. The right balance of flavors makes all the difference.
Serve and Enjoy Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra shredded cheese if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in while it’s hot and comforting!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Calories per serving 350 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
How to Serve High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A sourdough or French baguette works perfectly.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a well-balanced meal.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or roasted chickpeas on top for an extra crunch.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Serve in a bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.
Additional Tips
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
- If you want a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese alternative and unsweetened almond or cashew milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
- Freeze portions for a quick, ready-made meal on busy days. Just thaw and reheat!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Faq’s
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes! Just add it directly to the pot—no need to thaw.
How do I make this soup vegetarian? Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What’s the best cheese for this soup? Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can also mix in Parmesan for extra depth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I add more protein? Try adding cooked shredded chicken or blending in extra Greek yogurt.
Can I make this soup without dairy? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk.
Why did my cheese get grainy? Overheating cheese can cause it to separate. Always stir it in over low heat.
Can I use an immersion blender? Yes! It’s the easiest way to make the soup creamy without extra dishes.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? Milk, half-and-half, or even unsweetened coconut milk work well.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal—creamy, cheesy, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend treat, or a meal prep option for the week ahead, this soup has you covered. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!
Print
High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and nutritious High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Packed with tender broccoli florets, lean protein, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day. Enjoy a warming bowl that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional goals!
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics:
1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
Liquid Base:
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
Protein Boost:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (or extra tofu for a vegetarian option)
Cheese & Seasonings:
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess and protein)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten‑free flour for thickening)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and thyme; cook for another minute. -
Form the Soup Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Pour in the broth and almond milk gradually, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer. -
Add Broccoli & Protein:
Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded chicken (or tofu). Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. -
Incorporate Cheese & Yogurt:
Remove the pot from heat. Slowly stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted. For extra creaminess and protein, whisk in the Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with whole-grain bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 bowl
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg