Why This Recipe Matters
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than food—it is comfort in a bowl. I still remember one snowy evening when I served it with freshly baked bread. The steam fogged the windows, laughter filled the room, and the soup became more than a meal: it became a memory. This recipe matters because it solves a common struggle: how to enjoy cozy comfort food without sacrificing health. Many soups are creamy but low in protein, leaving you hungry too soon. High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, however, balances both. As a result, it supports athletes needing recovery, families wanting nourishment, and anyone who craves warmth on a cold evening.
What Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy American favorite made with tender broccoli, onions, broth, and melted cheddar cheese. It is famous for its velvety texture and comforting flavor. Traditionally, it is indulgent and sometimes heavy. However, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup version adds a modern twist. In addition, by using protein-rich milk, chicken breast, or even unflavored protein powder, the soup becomes more nutritious. Therefore, you can enjoy the same creamy taste while fueling your body with extra protein. For example, if you already love my Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, this soup is the perfect warm counterpart. On the other hand, if you want something hearty for dinner, try pairing it with the Mediterranean Steak Bowl.
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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Quick, cozy, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups protein-rich milk (soy/almond milk works too)
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened.Add broccoli and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Remove half the broccoli and set aside. Blend the remaining soup until creamy.
- Stir in protein-rich milk and flour slurry to thicken.
- Lower heat, add cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.
- Add chicken and reserved broccoli, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with croutons or extra cheddar.
Notes
- Vegetarian: skip chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Boost protein with Greek yogurt or plain protein powder.
- Keeps 4 days in the fridge or freeze in portion
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Healthy Soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutritious balance – creamy, cheesy, and high in protein. Family-friendly – kids enjoy the cheese, parents enjoy the veggies. Flexible – vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options available. Perfect for meal prep – stores well for busy weekdays. Comfort guaranteed – ideal after workouts or cold days. In addition, this soup helps you sneak vegetables into meals without complaints. For example, children who resist broccoli often eat it happily in this creamy base.
Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions
| Ingredient | Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli | Best texture and flavor | Frozen broccoli or cauliflower |
| Sharp cheddar | Tangy richness | Mild cheddar, parmesan, or vegan cheese |
| Chicken broth | Savory base | Vegetable broth for vegetarian version |
| Protein-rich milk | Adds cream + protein | Soy, almond, or skim milk |
| Cooked chicken breast | Lean protein boost | Tofu, lentils, or chickpeas |
| Onion & garlic | Flavor foundation | Shallots or onion powder |
| Flour or cornstarch | Thickens soup | Gluten-free starch or protein powder |
As a result, you can adapt this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup to fit nearly any diet or pantry. For another balanced recipe idea, check out my Crispy Gnocchi Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base
Start by chopping the broccoli into florets, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. If you are including chicken breast, cut it into bite-sized pieces so that it blends seamlessly into the soup. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until they turn golden and fragrant. As a result, you create a flavorful foundation that will carry through the entire dish.
Add Broccoli and Broth
Next, stir the broccoli florets into the pot and coat them with the onion mixture. Pour in the broth—chicken for a richer taste or vegetable for a vegetarian twist. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Additionally, ensure the broccoli softens while retaining its vibrant green color. This step ensures that the soup tastes fresh rather than dull.
Blend and Thicken
Once the broccoli is tender, remove half of it and set it aside for a later texture. Use an immersion blender to puree the rest of the soup until creamy. After that, stir in protein-rich milk. Whisk in a slurry made from flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will thicken the soup, giving it that classic velvety texture associated with Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Finish and Serve
Lower the heat before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir constantly to prevent clumping. Then add the cooked chicken or your chosen protein alternative. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Finally, return the reserved broccoli florets to the pot for an extra bite. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or croutons. For a restaurant-style touch, you can even ladle the soup into a bread bowl.
Tips for Success
Keep the color bright – Add a small pinch of baking soda to the boiling broth to keep the broccoli green.
Balance texture – Puree only part of the soup to combine creaminess with chunky bites.
Boost protein – In addition to chicken, stir in Greek yogurt or one scoop of unflavored protein powder at the end.
Meal prep hack – Store the soup in airtight jars in the fridge for up to four days or freeze in single portions for quick reheating.
Restaurant flair – Serve with crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is filling enough to be a main dish, but pairs wonderfully with side recipes. For example, enjoy it with a light salad such as my Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad. On the other hand, if you want a heartier combination, serve it alongside the Mediterranean Steak Bowl. In addition, a piece of Crispy Gnocchi can turn this soup into a two-course meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Simply add frozen broccoli directly into the pot without thawing. As a result, it will cook faster while keeping the soup creamy and smooth.
2. How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu, lentils, or chickpeas. In addition, you can use plant-based cheese to make the recipe fully vegetarian.
3. Can I prepare High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in single portions. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove to maintain its creamy consistency.
4. Can I replace cheddar with another cheese?
Yes, parmesan, gruyère, or dairy-free alternatives also work. For example, a smoked cheese variation gives the soup a deeper flavor.
5. How do I increase protein even more?
In addition to chicken, stir in Greek yogurt, use high-protein milk, or add one scoop of unflavored protein powder. Therefore, the soup becomes a satisfying meal for athletes and anyone focusing on fitness.
6. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply use cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot instead of flour. On the other hand, make sure to check your broth and cheese labels for hidden gluten.
Why This Recipe Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced world, many people search for meals that are quick, comforting, and nutritious. High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup fits perfectly because it is warm, cheesy, and packed with protein. In addition, it proves that healthy eating does not have to mean sacrificing taste. For example, even picky eaters who dislike broccoli will happily enjoy it in this creamy format. Therefore, this recipe is not only practical but also universally appealing.