Name: High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 3 cups vegetable broth; 4 cups chopped broccoli; 2 cups 1% milk; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure, guilt-free comfort that promises to tantalize your taste buds while nourishing your body. For years, the creamy, cheesy allure of broccoli cheddar soup has been a beloved staple, gracing tables and comforting souls across North America. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, often reminiscent of cozy evenings or quick, satisfying lunches.

Why This Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

While the traditional version holds a special place in our hearts, I’ve always believed that our favorite comfort foods can be even better when they align with our wellness goals. That’s precisely what we’ve achieved with this incredible recipe. We’ve taken that classic, irresistible flavor profile – the vibrant broccoli florets, the sharp, melting cheddar, and the luxurious, velvety broth – and supercharged it with an impressive protein punch.

People absolutely adore this dish not only for its incredible taste and sumptuously smooth texture but also for its clever way of incorporating wholesome vegetables into a truly satisfying experience. This particular High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for a hearty lunch, a fulfilling dinner, or even a post-workout refuel. Get ready to experience comfort food redefined!

Ingredients:

For the Vegetables:
- 1 large head (about 5-6 cups) fresh broccoli, cut into small florets. We want them bite-sized and uniform for even cooking.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced. The foundational aromatic for our soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic makes all the difference!
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated or very finely diced. Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
For the Roux and Liquid Base:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. This forms the rich base of our roux.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Our thickening agent.
- 4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth. The flavorful liquid start.
- 3 cups whole milk. For that essential creamy texture. You can use 2% for a slightly lighter soup, but whole milk truly delivers on richness.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder. A secret ingredient that really enhances the cheddar flavor without making the soup taste like mustard.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, freshly grated if possible. Just a pinch adds a lovely warmth and depth that complements cheese beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
For the High Protein & Creaminess:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, preferably a block, freshly grated. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Grating it fresh ensures the smoothest melt!
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced into small pieces. This is our primary protein boost. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience!
- Optional: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth (see notes in instructions). An excellent way to add even more protein and creaminess without altering the flavor profile significantly.
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fresh parsley, chopped.
- Croutons or crusty bread for dipping.

1. Preparing Your Ingredients and Sautéing the Aromatics

First things first, let’s get organized with our ingredients – this is what chefs call “mise en place,” and it truly makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Take your large head of broccoli and carefully cut it into small, uniform florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1/2 to 1 inch in size. The smaller and more consistent your florets are, the more evenly they will cook and the better they will integrate into the soup. Set these aside. Next, finely dice your yellow onion. Precision here helps it melt into the soup rather than standing out in chunky bits. Peel and mince your garlic cloves; again, small pieces are key for distributing that lovely garlic aroma. Finally, peel and either grate your carrot on the large holes of a box grater or very finely dice it. Grating helps it cook down quickly and blend seamlessly into the soup, adding sweetness without obvious texture.

Now, let’s get cooking! Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. This is your vessel for creamy soup perfection. Place it over medium heat and add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pot. Once the butter has melted and is gently shimmering, add your finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft. You’re not looking for any browning here, just a gentle softening that releases its sweet aroma. This is the foundation of our flavor!

After the onions have softened, add your grated or finely diced carrot to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The carrot will start to soften slightly and release some of its natural sugars. Lastly, add your minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in well with the onions and carrots and cook for just 1 minute more. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile we’re building. You’ll notice a wonderful, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen – that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

2. Building the Creamy Soup Base: The Roux and Liquid Gold

Now it’s time to build the creamy, luscious base for our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This step involves creating a roux, which is a classic French technique for thickening sauces and soups. With the cooked vegetables still in the pot, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables. Using a whisk or a wooden spoon, stir the flour constantly for 1-2 minutes. You want to cook out the raw flour taste, and you’ll notice it will form a thick paste with the butter and vegetables. It might look a bit clumpy at first, but keep stirring. The mixture will start to smell faintly nutty, indicating that the flour is properly cooked.

Next, it’s time to incorporate our liquids. This is a crucial step for a lump-free soup! Gradually, and I mean gradually, pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously as you add it. Start with about half a cup, whisk it in until completely smooth and incorporated, then add another half a cup, and so on. This slow addition combined with vigorous whisking prevents lumps from forming and helps the flour dissolve smoothly into the liquid. Once all the chicken broth has been added and the mixture is smooth, slowly add the 3 cups of whole milk, again whisking constantly as you pour. Continue to whisk until the liquid is fully incorporated and the soup base looks uniform and creamy. You’ll see the base begin to thicken almost immediately as it heats up.

Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and bring the soup base to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat back down to medium-low to maintain a very gentle bubble. Now, let’s season our base. Add the 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, and the tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir these seasonings in thoroughly. The mustard powder will subtly amplify the flavor of our cheddar cheese without being overtly “mustardy,” and the nutmeg adds a warm, almost undetectable depth that truly elevates cheese-based dishes. Taste the base at this point and adjust salt and pepper if you feel it needs more. Remember, we’ll be adding cheese later, which also contributes saltiness, so don’t overdo it yet.

3. Simmering, Adding the Star Ingredients, and Cheese Perfection

With our beautifully creamy base simmering gently, it’s time to introduce our star vegetable: the broccoli. Carefully add all of your prepared small broccoli florets to the pot. Stir them gently into the soup base, ensuring they are submerged. Continue to simmer the soup on medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are tender-crisp. You want them cooked through but still retaining a little bit of bite and their vibrant green color. Overcooked broccoli will turn mushy and dull, which we definitely want to avoid! Keep an eye on them; the exact cooking time will depend on the size of your florets. While the broccoli simmers, give the soup a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

While your broccoli is happily simmering, let’s get our cheese ready. If you haven’t already, take your 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese block and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. I cannot stress enough the importance of freshly grating your cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy or clumpy soup. Freshly grated cheese melts like a dream, giving you that silky, luxurious texture we’re aiming for.

Once your broccoli is tender-crisp, remove the pot from the heat. This is another crucial step for perfectly melted cheese! Adding cheese to boiling hot liquid can cause it to separate and become oily. Instead, take the pot off the burner, and then gradually add your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, a handful at a time. Stir continuously with a whisk or a sturdy spoon after each addition, allowing the cheese to melt completely before adding more. The residual heat from the soup is more than enough to melt the cheese beautifully and prevent it from seizing or becoming stringy. Continue stirring until all the cheese has been incorporated and the soup is wonderfully smooth, creamy, and gloriously cheesy. The color will transform from a pale cream to a lovely, inviting golden-yellow.

4. Incorporating Protein and Finishing Touches for a High-Protein Masterpiece

Now for the “High Protein” part of our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Once your cheese is perfectly melted and integrated, it’s time to add your cooked chicken. Take your 1.5 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken breast and gently stir it into the soup. Since the chicken is already cooked, you just need to warm it through. Allow it to simmer gently in the soup for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring it’s heated all the way through without overcooking the chicken and making it dry. The chicken will absorb some of the delicious cheesy broth, becoming even more flavorful and tender. This addition not only boosts the protein content significantly but also adds a satisfying heartiness to the soup, making it a complete meal on its own.

Optional Protein Boost: Blended Cottage Cheese
If you want to pack an even bigger protein punch and add an extra layer of creaminess without a strong cottage cheese flavor, you can incorporate 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. To do this, place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until absolutely smooth and creamy. Then, gently stir this blended cottage cheese into the soup along with the chicken. It will melt seamlessly into the broth, adding protein and a silky texture without any discernible cottage cheese lumps or taste. This is a fantastic trick for those looking to maximize their protein intake subtly.

Once all your protein is incorporated and warmed through, it’s time for the final taste test and adjustments. Grab a spoon and take a generous taste of your soup. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Perhaps a tiny dash more nutmeg? This is your chance to perfectly balance the flavors to your preference. Remember, everyone’s palate is a little different, and various brands of broth or cheese can have different sodium levels, so trust your taste buds here.

Optional: Achieving a Smoother Texture
If you prefer a super silky-smooth soup but still want some texture from the broccoli, you have a couple of options. You can carefully remove about 1-2 cups of the soup (with some broccoli florets) and blend it using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring it to a regular blender (be very cautious with hot liquids in a blender – only fill it halfway, vent the lid, and cover with a towel). Once blended to your desired smoothness, return it to the pot and stir it back into the remaining chunky soup. This gives you a creamy base with delightful pockets of tender broccoli. Alternatively, if you want a completely smooth soup, you can blend the entire pot using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or in batches in a regular blender, until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be aware that this will fully incorporate the broccoli, changing the texture significantly.

Serve your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup piping hot. Ladle generous portions into bowls. For an extra flourish, you can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of additional freshly shredded cheddar cheese, a touch of vibrant chopped fresh parsley, or a handful of crispy croutons for added crunch. This soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a truly complete and comforting meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious soup that’s packed with wholesome goodness and plenty of protein!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple, yet incredibly rewarding, steps of creating what I genuinely believe will become a new staple in your kitchen. This isn’t just another bowl of soup; it’s a culinary experience that delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and nutrition. I truly hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to whip up a batch of this incredible soup for yourself and your loved ones. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about it and why it earns a permanent spot on my rotating menu. It truly offers a perfect blend of indulgence and wholesome goodness that’s hard to beat.

Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Game-Changer

Let’s recap why this particular recipe for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an absolute must-try. First and foremost, it brilliantly transforms a beloved classic comfort food into a powerhouse of nutrition without compromising on taste. We’re talking about a generous dose of protein that will keep you feeling full, energized, and utterly satisfied, eliminating that common post-soup hunger pang. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet wholesome, or even for meal prepping a healthy, exciting lunch that you’ll actually look forward to. The combination of tender, vibrant broccoli florets, rich, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety, perfectly seasoned broth creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Each spoonful is a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of fresh earthiness from the broccoli. Plus, the immense satisfaction of making something so incredibly delicious and nourishing from scratch, knowing exactly what high-quality ingredients went into it, is a reward in itself. This soup truly hits the sweet spot between indulgent and healthy, proving that you don’t have to compromise on rich, satisfying flavor to eat well. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and deeply comforting, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a beloved, revamped classic. Its robust flavor profile ensures it’s anything but boring, keeping your taste buds engaged and your body well-fueled.

Elevate Your Bowl: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s talk about how to take your soup experience to the next level. For a truly satisfying and complete meal, I love serving this soup with a thick, crusty piece of artisanal bread – a rustic sourdough or a hearty whole grain loaf is absolutely perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that luscious broth. A sprinkle of homemade croutons, perhaps garlic and herb flavored, can add a delightful crunch and extra layer of texture that really elevates each bite. Don’t shy away from fresh toppings either; a dash of freshly ground black pepper, a vibrant swirl of Greek yogurt or a luxurious dollop of sour cream, or even some extra shredded sharp cheddar just before serving can enhance both presentation and flavor immensely. If you’re looking to boost the protein content even further (yes, it’s already high protein, but why not go for gold?), consider stirring in some finely shredded rotisserie chicken or some crispy crumbled cooked bacon right at the end for an extra savory kick. For my vegetarian friends, feel free to experiment with different plant-based protein sources like cannellini beans, white beans, or even some pan-fried seasoned tofu cubes for a different textural dimension. Want to play with flavors? A tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can add a wonderfully subtle warmth and complexity, while a tiny dash of smoked paprika can introduce a deeper, more robust note. You could also try different cheeses – a sharp Gruyere or a creamy Monterey Jack could offer exciting new taste dimensions and an even richer texture. And if you appreciate a little heat, a small pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in at the end can give it a lovely, gentle kick. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility; it’s a fantastic, robust base that you can easily customize to suit your personal preferences, dietary needs, and whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative, experiment, and make this delicious soup truly your own!

Your Kitchen Awaits: Try It and Share Your Story!

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this fantastic recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed; in fact, I’m confident it will quickly become a cherished favorite. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from creating something so incredibly delicious, comforting, and nourishing in your very own kitchen. And once you’ve experienced the magic of this soup, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, share your culinary adventures and your personal triumphs with me and our wonderful community of home cooks. Did you add a unique twist? Was it a massive hit with your family? Did you discover a new favorite pairing? Your feedback, your tips, and your personal experiences mean the world to me and inspire countless others. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me on social media – I genuinely look forward to hearing from each and every one of you. Let’s celebrate the joy of good food, shared experiences, and delicious, wholesome creations together. Happy cooking, everyone!