Name: High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483899H21M23S
Total time: PT-483899H21M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Optional Garnishes: Crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese

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If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and oh-so-tasty, this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is here to deliver. Picture this: creamy cheddar melting into a hearty, protein-packed base with tender broccoli that’s perfectly cooked. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and your favorite blanket. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is more than just delicious; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself to a comforting bowl, this soup fits every occasion. And trust me, it’s just as delicious for leftovers the next day!

Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are kitchen staples, so you won’t need to break the bank for this comforting dish. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create rich, flavorful results.

Quick and Easy: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro with this easy recipe. The steps are simple and foolproof, so you can make it with confidence!

Customizable: Want to add a little kick? Toss in a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer it milder? No problem—just adjust the seasoning to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: This soup is one of those recipes that satisfies everyone at the table, from kids to adults. It’s a hit no matter who you’re serving.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this soup: it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, but they come together to create something so much more. Here’s what you’ll need:

Broccoli: The star of the show. Fresh broccoli adds a lovely texture and a green veggie boost, while soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Chicken Breast (or Plant-Based Protein): If you’re looking for extra protein, adding chicken breast (or a plant-based alternative) takes this soup to the next level in terms of richness and heartiness.

Cheddar Cheese: The creamy, melty cheese is the soul of this soup. It adds that indulgent, comforting flavor that everyone craves.

Greek Yogurt: For a little tang and extra creaminess, Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient that makes the soup feel rich without the heaviness of cream.

Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better. It adds a fragrant depth of flavor that blends perfectly with the cheese.

Onion: A little sweetness from the onion helps balance the richness of the soup.

Vegetable Broth: This is the base of the soup, and it brings everything together. You can use chicken broth if you prefer, but veggie broth is a lighter option.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg for warmth and depth. These seasonings bring out the best in all the ingredients.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this cozy, flavorful bowl of goodness:

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your broccoli into florets and dicing the chicken (if using). Mince the garlic and chop the onion. You want everything prepped so the cooking goes smoothly!

Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, sauté the garlic and onion in a little olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes. It’s going to smell so good!

Cook the Chicken (if using): Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Add the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and stir for a minute. The broccoli will add some crunch and fresh flavor to the soup, and you’ll love how vibrant it makes the dish.

Pour in the Broth: Add your vegetable (or chicken) broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.

Blend It Smooth: Using an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches), blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You can leave it a little chunky if you like more texture, but I love it velvety smooth.

Add the Cheese and Yogurt: Stir in the cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is delicious all on its own, but if you’re looking to level up the experience, here are a few serving suggestions:

Fresh Salads: A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the creamy richness of this soup.

Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that cheesy goodness. Garlic bread, anyone?

Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt will complement the soup perfectly.

Vegetable Sides: Try roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini on the side for a pop of color and nutrition.

As a Standalone: This soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed all on its own. Just garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.

Presentation tip: Serve in beautiful bowls and sprinkle with a little extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to make it feel extra special.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make this soup even more amazing:

Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping your ingredients the night before. You can chop the veggies and store them in airtight containers to speed things up when you’re ready to cook.

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.

Dietary Adjustments: This soup is easily adaptable. Use plant-based protein or dairy-free cheese and yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best results.

Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making extra and storing it for later. It’s always nice to have a homemade meal waiting in the freezer for those busy days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can use tofu or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s too thick after freezing, add a little broth to reach your desired consistency.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just double the ingredients, and you’ll have enough soup to feed a crowd or freeze for later.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your broth and any added seasonings are also gluten-free.

Q8: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A8: Yes! Frozen broccoli works great in this soup, especially if fresh isn’t available.

Q9: Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
A9: Absolutely! Just blend in batches, being careful with the hot soup. If you like a chunkier texture, blend only halfway.

Q10: How can I make this soup spicier?
A10: Add some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a little smoked paprika to give the soup a nice kick!

Conclusion

This High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the cozy, comforting meal you’ve been dreaming of. With its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it’s simple, versatile, and easily adaptable to your dietary needs. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort. Enjoy!