If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously creamy soup that’s bursting with flavor yet packed with nourishing ingredients, then this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is here to brighten your meal times. Imagine tender broccoli mingling with sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together by protein-rich milk and Greek yogurt that keep things light without skimping on that comforting richness you crave. It’s the perfect balance between hearty and healthy, making it an absolute must-try whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a cozy bowl any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several small white bowls and clear measuring cups arranged neatly, each containing different cooking ingredients. There is a bowl filled with shredded orange cheese, a bowl with shredded light beige chicken, a bowl with chopped white onions, and another bowl with frozen green broccoli florets. The clear measuring cups hold a pale yellow liquid, a frothy white liquid, and a creamy off-white liquid. Smaller bowls contain salt, pepper, two peeled garlic cloves, and a small amount of yellow powder. There's also a small bowl with two sticks of butter. The arrangement is clean and well organized, with all the ingredients clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients make the best dishes, and this soup is no exception. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweetness of carrots enhancing the broth to the smoky paprika adding a subtle kick. Together, they create a texture and flavor balance that makes this soup truly shine.

Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): Provides a luscious base for sautéing veggies and adds a rich mouthfeel.
Small onion, diced (1): Brings a natural sweetness and savory depth to the soup’s foundation.
Carrots, grated or finely chopped (2): Adds a gentle sweetness and an earthy undertone perfect for balancing the cheese.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates every spoonful.
All-purpose or gluten-free flour (3 tablespoons): Acts as the thickening agent, giving the soup a cozy, creamy texture.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (3 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients seamlessly together.
Unsweetened high-protein milk (2 cups): Supplies extra protein and creaminess without heaviness.
Fresh broccoli florets, chopped (3 cups): The star veggie packed with vitamins and that signature crunch after cooking.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt (1 cup): Boosts protein content while adding a luscious creaminess and tang.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups): Melts into the soup with a bold, savory punch everyone loves.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smoky depth that wakes up the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste with a gentle heat.
Salt, to taste: Balances and brings all flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and grated carrots, cooking them gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base that’s essential for that satisfying depth in the soup.

Step 2: Garlic and Flour: The Magic Starts

Add the minced garlic to the pot and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly to coat everything. Cooking the flour for about a minute helps remove any raw taste and readies it to thicken the soup just right.

Step 3: Whisk in the Broth and Milk

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Once you have a smooth mixture, stir in the unsweetened high-protein milk and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This combination ensures a creamy texture packed with protein yet never heavy on the palate.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets into the pot and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn tender but still hold their beautiful green color. This step infuses the soup with that fresh, garden-like brightness that makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe a standout.

Step 5: Incorporate Greek Yogurt and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the Greek yogurt until it blends smoothly into the soup. Then, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely. This layered approach keeps your soup silky while maximizing flavor and protein content.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to your taste. Give everything a final stir and avoid boiling at this stage to preserve the yogurt’s creaminess and prevent cheese from separating. Now your soup is ready to serve warm and comforting!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a small dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds visual appeal and an extra burst of creamy flavor. For a pop of color and crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or a handful of freshly chopped chives make wonderful finishing touches that also enhance texture.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crunchy whole-grain bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every last drop. For a lighter meal, a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast that keeps your meal bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unexpected twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for that cozy, rustic flair everyone loves. You might also top it with crispy bacon bits or a swirl of pesto to mix up flavors and impress guests with effortless elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together beautifully.

Freezing

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully in portion-sized containers. Just remember to leave some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months without losing any of the deliciousness.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the texture creamy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth. For vegan, substitute Greek yogurt and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and use a high-protein plant milk for a similar creamy, protein-packed effect.

Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup, and it remains just as delicious and creamy with no compromise on texture or taste.

Can I add other vegetables or protein sources?

Definitely! Chopped cauliflower or kale would add great texture and nutrition, while shredded cooked chicken or beans could increase protein even further if you want to make it more of a complete meal.

Why is Greek yogurt added at the end?

Adding Greek yogurt at the end maintains its tangy flavor and creamy texture without curdling. Heating it gently instead of boiling preserves the soup’s silky consistency and protein content.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add a bit more flour when cooking. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in extra broth or milk when reheating or serving.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl but also packs a punch of nutrition. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the healthful boost from Greek yogurt and high-protein milk makes it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prepping. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s a delicious way to enjoy comfort food without any guilt!