Amazing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Oh, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just the *best*! Seriously, if you’re looking for something that’s both incredibly comforting and actually good for you, you’ve found it. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, but with a serious protein punch that keeps you feeling full and happy. I whip this up when I need a quick, healthy dinner after a long day, or even when I’m just craving something cheesy and delicious without all the guilt. It’s so easy, even on a busy weeknight, and it’s fantastic for anyone trying to get more veggies or protein into their diet.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Quick & Easy: Seriously, it comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavorful: That classic broccoli cheddar combo is just irresistible.
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it’ll keep you satisfied.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters usually gobble this one up!

Ingredients for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing soup! You’ll need about a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started. Then, we’ve got one medium onion, chopped up nice and small, and two cloves of garlic that you’ll want to mince really fine so they spread their flavor. For the star of the show, grab about 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets – make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces. We’ll use 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth; this gives us a good base and lets us control the saltiness. Then, about a cup of milk, any kind works, really. And of course, for that cheesy goodness, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you want to really boost the protein, especially for a *High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup*, toss in about half a cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste at the very end!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, about that low-sodium vegetable broth – I really prefer it because it lets the broccoli and cheese flavors shine through without making the soup too salty. But if you can only find regular broth, just be extra careful with the added salt later on. For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheddar. Trust me, it still tastes fantastic! If chicken isn’t your thing, or you’re making this a Meatless Monday meal, just skip it. The soup is still plenty filling and delicious with just the broccoli and cheese.

How to Prepare High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Okay, let’s get this soup cooking! First things first, grab a big pot or Dutch oven and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up – this usually takes about 5 minutes. You want it nice and tender, not browned. Then, add your minced garlic. Be careful here, garlic burns fast! Just cook it for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma. Now, it’s time for the broccoli! Add your florets and pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this all to a nice boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the broccoli to be super tender, easy to poke with a fork.

Once the broccoli is tender, it’s blending time! This is where you get that super smooth, creamy texture. You can carefully transfer the hot soup to a countertop blender. Fill it only about halfway, hold the lid down with a towel (seriously, hot soup *explodes*!), and blend until it’s smooth. Or, if you have an immersion blender, just stick it right into the pot and blend away until it’s creamy. Whichever way you do it, be super careful with the hot liquid! Now, pour the blended soup back into the pot if you used a countertop blender. Stir in that cup of milk and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is all melted and the soup is heated through – don’t let it boil after adding the cheese, or it can get weird.

If you’re adding that extra protein boost, now’s the time! Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken breast. Finally, taste your masterpiece and season it with salt and pepper. You might not need much salt because of the cheese and broth, so start small! This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is seriously that easy!

Tips for Success with Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To get the *perfect* consistency, if your soup seems a little too thick after blending, just stir in a splash more milk or broth until it’s just right. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end; that’s where the real magic happens! Don’t let the soup boil once the cheese is in, or it might get a bit greasy or separate. A gentle heat is all you need to melt that cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few extras! I love serving it with a big chunk of crusty bread for dipping – it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop. A light side salad with a vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, for a really satisfying lunch, pair it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. It makes this already amazing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup feel like a real treat!

Storing and Reheating Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is best! Gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too – just heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Q1. Can I make this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an Instant Pot?
Oh, absolutely! This makes for a fantastic Healthy Soup Instant Pot meal. Just sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot first, then add the broccoli and broth. Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Blend as usual and stir in the milk and cheese. It’s a super quick way to get your Instant Soup Recipes fix!

Q2. Is this a good Meatless Monday Recipes Healthy option?
Yes, it totally is! Just skip the optional chicken breast, and you’ve got a delicious, veggie-packed meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and fits perfectly into a healthy Meatless Monday plan. Plus, it makes using up leftover veggies easy!

Q3. What are some good Morning Sickness Dinner Ideas that are healthy and filling?
This soup is perfect for those days when you need something gentle but still want to get nutrients in. It’s a Healthy Filling Soup that’s not too heavy, and the cheesy flavor is often appealing when you’re feeling a bit queasy. The protein from the cheese and optional chicken also helps keep you satisfied.

Q4. Can I use different kinds of cheese?
You sure can! While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or a sharp white cheddar for a tangier flavor. Just make sure it’s shredded so it melts smoothly into the soup.

Estimated Nutritional Information for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info can vary a bit depending on the brands you use and if you add the chicken, but generally, a serving of this delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup will have around 250 calories, about 15g of protein, 15g carbs, and 5g of fiber. It’s a really balanced meal!

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