Cozy Up with a Rich Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of protein broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth and nourishment.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender broccoli florets and rich cheese.

Sharp cheddar creates a luxurious backdrop for this protein-packed meal.

Wholesome ingredients come together in a quick and satisfying culinary experience.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.

Packed with essential nutrients, this soup transforms a simple meal into a delightful dining adventure.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this hearty and nutritious soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Olive Oil or Butter: Provides rich, golden foundation for developing deep flavor and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

• Onions, Garlic: Creates a robust flavor base that adds incredible depth and warmth to the soup, enhancing the overall taste profile with their natural sweetness and pungent notes.

• Broccoli: Delivers vibrant green color, crunchy texture, and loads of nutrients while serving as the primary vegetable component of the soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Builds the liquid foundation, infusing the soup with savory undertones and creating a smooth, comforting consistency.
• Chicken: Adds lean protein, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into silky smoothness, contributing sharp, tangy flavor and creating the signature creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and softens the sharp cheese flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances all the existing flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth, thick soup texture without lumps, acting as a reliable binding agent.

Tools That Make High-Protein Soup a Breeze

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup and combining all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Immersion blender or regular blender: Key for creating smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding small quantities of seasonings.

Cooking Steps for Broccoli Cheddar Soup With Protein

• Warm Up the Pot

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

• Soften the Onions

Toss in chopped onions and saute until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Awaken the Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and stir quickly, letting its intense flavor bloom for about 30 seconds.

• Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to create a smooth, thickening roux that will give your soup a rich texture.

• Pour in the Liquid

Slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming and ensure a silky consistency.

• Introduce the Broccoli

Tumble in chopped broccoli florets, allowing them to simmer and become wonderfully tender in the creamy liquid.

• Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety soup that’s packed with flavor.

• Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ready to warm and delight.

Flavor Swaps to Keep This Soup Fun

• Protein Power Boost: Swap chicken for Greek yogurt or blend in silken tofu for an extra protein punch without changing the soup's creamy texture.
• Veggie Variety: Experiment with cauliflower or add spinach for additional nutrients and a vibrant green color that complements the broccoli.
• Dietary Flexibility: Make this soup gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and choosing gluten-free broth. For dairy-free options, substitute cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Texture Trick: Blend half the soup for a creamy base while keeping some broccoli chunks for added texture and visual appeal.
• Storage Savvy: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.

Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Cozy Soup Sidekick: Serve this hearty soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
• Protein Power Plate: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to boost protein content and add a delicious crunch.
• Green Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a handful of roasted broccoli florets on top for extra color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair the soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and create a well-rounded meal.

Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup Without Grit

• Fridge Storage Magic: Keep your soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Quick Freeze Strategy: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, lasting up to 3 months for future easy meals.
• Portion Perfect Plan: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing, making reheating simple and convenient.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture and prevent scorching.

Hearty Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty high protein broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort and nutrition in one delightful bowl. Creamy cheese and tender broccoli combine with protein-packed ingredients for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (946 ml) broccoli florets (fresh, chopped)
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reduced-fat optional)
• 4 cups (946 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can white beans (drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (grated)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, adding diced onions and sautéing until softened and translucent.
2. Aromatic Development: Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant notes, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Thickening Foundation: Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will provide depth and body to the soup.
4. Liquid Integration: Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, maintaining constant stirring to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, uniform texture.
5. Vegetable Infusion: Add broccoli florets and simmer until tender, allowing the vegetables to release their vibrant green color and nutritional essence.
6. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, maintaining some textural chunks for visual and gustatory interest.
7. Cheese Enrichment: Gradually stir in sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring complete melting and creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Seasoning Finale: Enhance with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
9. Serving Presentation: Ladle into warmed bowls, garnishing with extra cheese shreds and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant, appetizing finish.

Notes

• Optimize Broccoli Texture: Steam broccoli briefly before adding to soup to maintain bright green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutritional integrity and vibrant appearance.
• Balance Protein Boost: Incorporate Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese as alternative protein sources, enhancing nutritional profile without compromising creamy consistency.
• Prevent Cheese Separation: Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese, stirring gradually to ensure smooth melting and prevent grainy or curdled texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg