High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Satisfying (Print Version)
Enjoy creamy High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This hearty recipe packs flavor and protein, perfect for a satisfying, comforting meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian (with veggie broth)
# Ingredients:
→ Soup Base Heroes
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, honestly!)
04 -
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
05 -
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Creamy & Cheesy Goodness
06 -
2 cups whole milk
07 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
08 -
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
09 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
10 -
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
→ Flavor & Protein Boosters
11 -
1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
12 -
1/2 tsp mustard powder
→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 -
Pinch of nutmeg
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a good glug of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped yellow onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and smells sweet, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic starts, creating a fragrant base for our High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Don't rush it, or your soup will miss that deep, mellow onion flavor.
02 -
Add your minced garlic to the pot and cook for just about a minute until it's fragrant – you don't want it to burn, trust me, I've done that and it makes everything bitter! Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step fills your kitchen with such a comforting aroma, it's honestly the best part of a chilly evening.
03 -
Add your fresh broccoli florets to the simmering broth. Let them cook until they're tender-crisp, maybe 5-8 minutes. We're not aiming for mush here! You want them bright green and still holding a little shape. This is the stage where I sometimes get distracted and overcook them, so keep an eye on those beauties! This ensures the broccoli in our High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup retains its texture.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and heavy cream. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly. Bring it back to a gentle simmer, but don't let it boil vigorously; we don't want anything scorching on the bottom. This is where the soup starts to transform, becoming wonderfully rich and preparing for its cheesy destiny.
05 -
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, letting each batch melt before adding more. Add the cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and mustard powder. Continue stirring until everything is smooth and gloriously cheesy. This is the critical step for a truly High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
06 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Now, here's my secret for that extra protein punch: stir in the Greek yogurt until it's fully incorporated and the soup is beautifully creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg to taste. The soup should be thick, vibrant, and incredibly aromatic. Ladle it into bowls and get ready for a truly satisfying meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Always grate your own cheddar; pre-shredded just doesn't melt right and can make your High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup lumpy. I learned that the hard way with a very sad pot!
02 -
When reheating this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, go low and slow on the stovetop. I microwaved it once on high, and the sauce separated – so don't do that lol!
03 -
If you want to make this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavor profile holds up wonderfully!
04 -
For an extra pop of flavor and texture, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or toasted croutons on top of your High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup right before serving.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
whisk
03 -
immersion blender (optional)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g