Creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup takes classic comfort food and gives it a nutritious upgrade. Loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a creamy broth, it also gets a protein boost from Greek yogurt and optional whey protein. It’s rich, cozy, and satisfying, making it the perfect easy healthy recipe for chilly weeknights or a fall dinner idea that fuels your body while warming your soul.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Whisk
- Immersion blender (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking 3–4 minutes until fragrant 🧄.
- Add broccoli and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until broccoli is tender 🥦.
- Lower heat and stir in milk. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy ✨.
- Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and protein powder (if using). Stir until fully blended.
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender; leave some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with chives, and serve hot 😋.
💡 Pro Tips
- Boost Protein: Add shredded chicken or turkey for even more protein.
- Smooth & Silky: Fully blend for a restaurant-style creamy soup.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently.
- Cheese Swap: Mix in gouda or Monterey Jack for deeper flavor.
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | ~280 | 21g | 18g | 14g | 3g | 5g |
Conclusion
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and nourishing — the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. With extra protein and cozy flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a bowl of wholesome comfort.
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder optional
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking
- Stir in broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Lower heat and stir in milk. Gradually add cheddar and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and protein powder (if using). Stir until fully blended.
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender; leave some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with chives, and serve hot.