Name: High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk); 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth); 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (optional, for extra protein); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

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Get ready for a warm, comforting bowl of High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients! This soup is like a hug in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll know why this recipe has become a total favorite. The bright green broccoli gives you that fresh veggie goodness, while the cheddar cheese makes everything rich and comforting. Plus, the added protein turns this soup into a filling, hearty meal that’ll keep you satisfied for hours.

It’s the perfect recipe for cozy nights in, busy weeknights, or when you want to impress friends with your cooking skills. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques to make this soup. It’s so simple, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This recipe isn’t just about the flavors—it’s about making moments that matter. Whether you’re craving something cozy to curl up with, need a comforting meal that won’t break the bank, or want to serve something that’ll please a crowd, this soup checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Versatile: Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or as a comforting dish to serve at a gathering. You can easily make it your own by adding extras like grilled chicken or even some crispy bacon.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to hunt down anything exotic—this recipe proves that the best dishes can come from pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps. It’s great for beginners or anyone who’s short on time but still wants to eat something amazing.
Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add a little cayenne or smoked paprika for a kick. Prefer a milder version? Just skip the extra seasonings and keep it simple.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love creamy, cheesy soup? This one’s sure to please everyone at the table—kids, adults, and anyone in between.

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Ingredients in High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Let’s talk about the magic ingredients that come together to make this soup rich and satisfying:

Broccoli: The vibrant green star of the show. It brings color, freshness, and a ton of nutrients to the soup. Plus, it’s the perfect texture when cooked soft but still a little bit crunchy.
Cheddar Cheese: The creamy, melty goodness that makes this soup a dream. It adds depth and a rich, sharp flavor that balances out the freshness of the broccoli.
Greek Yogurt: The secret ingredient that boosts the protein content while making the soup extra creamy. It’s a healthy swap for heavy cream, and you won’t even miss it.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup. It’s what ties everything together, adding savory depth and flavor to the mix.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics give the soup that extra layer of flavor that will have you going back for seconds.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make a batch of this creamy, cheesy soup? Here’s how to do it:

1. Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the garlic and onion, cooking for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. This step really brings out all those deep, savory flavors.

2. Add the Broccoli and Broth

Next, toss the chopped broccoli into the pot, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together, then bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and bright green.

3. Blend for Creaminess

For that velvety, smooth texture, blend the soup until it’s creamy. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or if you don’t have one, carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. If you want a little more texture, feel free to leave some broccoli pieces intact—totally your call!

4. Stir in Greek Yogurt and Cheese

Once your soup is smooth, stir in the Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and everything is creamy and cohesive. You’ll notice the soup start to thicken up and become even more comforting.

5. Season to Taste

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. If you want it a little bolder, add salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat. A little squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up, too!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is mixed together and the soup is perfectly creamy, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with a bit of extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like. Serve it warm and enjoy the cozy goodness

How to Serve High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is a perfect stand-alone dish, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides if you’re looking to complete your meal:

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the soup.
Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping a thick slice of warm, crusty bread into this creamy soup. It’s the ultimate cozy combo.
Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair this soup with a crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich. You won’t regret it!
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini would complement the soup and add some extra color to your plate.

Additional Tips

Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re dairy-free, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for dairy-free cheese and use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. It still works beautifully!
Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, throw in a pinch of chili flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Just be sure to thaw it out before adding it to the soup.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients. Cooking time should remain the same.

Q6: Can I add meat to this soup?
A6: Yes! Adding grilled chicken or turkey would be a great way to boost the protein even more. Bacon crumbles would also add a nice salty crunch!

Conclusion

This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate cozy, filling, and nourishing bowl of comfort. It’s so easy to make, and you’ll love how the creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with the fresh, vibrant broccoli. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or serving it to guests, this soup is bound to be a hit every time. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and get ready to savor every spoonful!