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High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy, cozy, and packed with 20g protein per serving! 🥦🧀💪
This healthier twist on classic broccoli cheddar soup uses Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar for a protein boost without heavy cream. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Base:
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or veg broth)
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1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened almond)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (packed for maximum flavor!)
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½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth) or ricotta
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (secret flavor boost!)
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
Protein Boosters (Optional):
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½ cup diced ham or cooked chicken
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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1 scoop unflavored whey protein (mix into broth)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics:
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Heat oil in a pot over medium. Cook onion until soft (~3 mins), then add garlic for 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Simmer Broccoli:
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Add broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 mins until broccoli is tender.
3️⃣ Blend (Optional):
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For a creamy texture, blend half the soup with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Return to the pot.
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Protein:
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Stir in cheddar, milk, Dijon, and spices. Heat on low until cheese melts (don’t boil!).
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Fold in ham or chicken if using.
5️⃣ Serve:
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Top with extra cheddar, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and black pepper.
Macros (Per Serving):
✅ Calories: ~300
✅ Protein: 20g
✅ Carbs: 15g
✅ Fiber: 3g
Tips:
🔹 Extra Creamy? Swap milk for evaporated milk or a splash of half-and-half.
🔹 Vegan? Use nutritional yeast, vegan cheese, and silken tofu instead.
🔹 Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge for 3 days (reheat gently to avoid separation).
This soup is rich, velvety, and secretly high-protein—comfort food that fuels you! Pair with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal. 😋
Want a slow-cooker version? Let me know!
