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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, adding diced onions and sautéing until softened and translucent.
- Aromatic Development: Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant notes, stirring to prevent burning.
- 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.
- Liquid Integration: Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, maintaining constant stirring to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, uniform texture.
- Vegetable Infusion: Add broccoli florets and simmer until tender, allowing the vegetables to release their vibrant green color and nutritional essence.
- Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, maintaining some textural chunks for visual and gustatory interest.
- Cheese Enrichment: Gradually stir in sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring complete melting and creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Seasoning Finale: Enhance with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- 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