The aroma of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup wafts through the air, a warm embrace in a bowl that promises comfort and nourishment. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of rich, creamy goodness, where tender broccoli florets swim in velvety cheddar delight. It’s not just a soup; it’s a hug for your insides. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Every spoonful takes me back to chilly evenings spent laughing with friends around the dinner table, each bite bursting with flavor and warmth. This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or those self-care nights when you want to treat yourself without skimping on nutrition. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy goodness that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Its rich flavors blend perfectly with the vibrant green of broccoli, creating a visually appealing dish
- Packed with protein and veggies, it fits seamlessly into any healthy diet
- Enjoy it as a meal on its own or pair it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience
I once made this soup for a gathering, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was; they even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: easy one-pot pasta dish.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; they should feel firm and be fresh to ensure maximum flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese; it melts beautifully and gives that rich flavor we crave.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep the flavors balanced while controlling saltiness.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; cook until translucent for the best aroma.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor; skip the jarred stuff if you can. sautéed garlic mushrooms and cauliflower.
- Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess while boosting protein content without all the calories.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté vegetables without adding unnecessary grease.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your soup.
- Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens flavors and adds zing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for an adventure into creamy perfection! Follow these steps as we create our delightful High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup together.
Sauté Those Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes.
Add the Broccoli Bliss: Stir in your fresh broccoli florets, letting them mingle with those aromatic onions for another 3 minutes. The vibrant green will brighten up your kitchen instantly.
Pour in the Goodness: Add vegetable broth to cover the broccoli completely. Bring your mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender—around 10-12 minutes should do.
Blend It Smoothly!: Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend until creamy and smooth. You want that luscious texture that’ll have you swooning!
Creamy Dreams Come True!: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—taste buds are key here!
Add a Splash of Zing!: Just before serving, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Give it one last stir and behold your masterpiece!
Now you have a hearty bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup ready to warm your soul! Enjoy every last drop because you deserve this cheesy goodness!
You Must Know
- High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days
- The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it irresistible, while the protein boost keeps you satisfied
- Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in those veggies without anyone noticing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions until golden, then add broccoli and garlic. Pour in broth and simmer for about 15 minutes before blending to create a silky soup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to toss in extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower. You can also swap cheddar for other cheeses, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and nutrients; frozen can be watery
- Adjust seasoning gradually; taste as you go to achieve your perfect balance
- For a chunkier texture, reserve some broccoli pieces before blending
Sharing this soup with friends always brings smiles; they can’t believe how healthy it is! I’ve been told it’s “like a warm hug in a bowl,” which is quite the compliment.
FAQ
Can I make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and vegetable broth for a delicious vegan version.
How can I increase the protein content?
Add cooked chicken or use high-protein dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. savory chicken and rice dish.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months for easy meals later.
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of creamy goodness that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese. This nutritious soup is not only easy to make but also packed with protein, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or self-care nights. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready to indulge in a deliciously satisfying experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add broccoli florets and cook for another 3 minutes until bright green.
- Pour in vegetable broth to cover the broccoli. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Just before serving, add fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider including extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. Swap out sharp cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on the stovetop.