High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. But what if you could enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness while also fueling your body with protein? This high protein broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it ideal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while still indulging in a flavorful meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner, this soup delivers both taste and health benefits.

Why High Protein Soups Are the Best Choice

Protein is essential for building muscle, maintaining energy, and keeping you full longer. Soups that are high in protein can be a great way to nourish your body without feeling overly heavy. Adding protein to your favorite dishes, like broccoli cheddar soup, means you don’t have to compromise on flavor while reaping all the benefits.

The Comfort of Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a Nutritious Twist

Broccoli cheddar soup is already a fan favorite, known for its rich and creamy texture. By adding extra protein to the mix, you’re not only enhancing the nutritional value but also creating a more satisfying meal. Whether you’re trying to hit your daily protein goals or simply want a wholesome dish, this soup is the perfect option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Broccoli

1. Begin by chopping the broccoli into small florets. You can also use the broccoli stems, just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir for another 2-3 minutes.

Creating the Creamy Base

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
2. While the soup is simmering, blend the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) and almond milk together in a blender until smooth. This creates a creamy, protein-packed base without adding too much fat.

How to Incorporate Protein into the Soup

1. Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, only blend half the soup.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup.
3. Mix in the cottage cheese blend and, if using, the unflavored protein powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Tips for the Best High Protein Soup

Using Protein Powders or Supplements

If you want to add more protein without altering the flavor, unflavored protein powder is a great option. Just be sure to whisk it in thoroughly to avoid clumps.

How to Keep the Soup Creamy Without Extra Fat

Using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese in place of heavy cream cuts down on fat while maintaining a thick, creamy texture. Almond milk or other plant-based milks also help reduce calories without compromising flavor.

Variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Dairy-Free and Vegan Protein Options

To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese and use a vegan protein powder. For the creamy base, blend soaked cashews or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you like your soup with a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This adds an exciting layer of spice without overpowering the cheesy flavor.

Adding Chicken or Tofu for Extra Protein

Shredded chicken or cubed tofu can be stirred in after blending the soup. This not only adds texture but also boosts the protein content significantly.

Serving Suggestions

Best Sides for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole grain bread, a simple green salad, or even a baked sweet potato. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a cozy, restaurant-style meal.

How to Store and Reheat for Meal Prep

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of almond milk or broth to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information

Protein Count and Nutritional Benefits of this Soup

Each serving of this high protein broccoli cheddar soup is packed with approximately 20-25 grams of protein, depending on the additions you choose. It’s low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with nutrients like vitamin C and calcium, making it a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.

Conclusion

This high protein broccoli cheddar soup offers all the cozy comfort of a classic broccoli cheddar recipe, with a nutritious twist. Whether you’re looking to fuel your muscles post-workout or simply want a filling meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, this recipe is a perfect choice. Plus, with so many variations, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a favorite!

FAQs

How do I make this soup keto-friendly?

To make this soup keto-friendly, use full-fat cream and cheese while omitting any flour or high-carb ingredients. You can also swap out almond milk for heavy cream to increase the fat content.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture may change slightly after thawing, so reheat it gently and stir well.

How do I add even more protein to the recipe?

You can add shredded chicken, turkey, or even stir in some protein-packed quinoa for extra protein. Adding an extra scoop of protein powder will also boost the count.

Yield: 4

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Print

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. But what if you could enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness while also fueling your body with protein? This high protein broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it ideal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while still indulging in a flavorful meal. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner, this soup delivers both taste and health benefits.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup low-fat milk (or almond milk for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (optional, for added protein)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Broccoli:Add the broccoli florets and the broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Blend the Soup:Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some broccoli pieces whole. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
4. Add the Cheddar and Milk:Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
5. Add Greek Yogurt and Protein Powder (optional):Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt to add creaminess and boost the protein content. If using protein powder, whisk it in at this stage until fully dissolved.
6. Season and Serve:Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

The Greek yogurt adds protein and a creamy texture, but you can omit it if desired.

The unflavored protein powder is optional but is a great way to further increase the protein content.

For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken breast or lean ground turkey for an even bigger protein boost.