Print

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar: Flavorful & Hearty

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy and healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that offers comfort and nutrition. This recipe elevates a classic favorite by significantly boosting its protein content, making it an ideal hearty lunch, fulfilling dinner, or post-workout refuel.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head (about 5–6 cups) fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated or very finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • Optional Garnishes: Extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, chopped, croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets. Finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Peel and grate or finely dice the carrot.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add the grated carrot and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a thick paste.
  5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.
  6. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup base to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Stir in the dry mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrantly green. Stir occasionally.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the freshly grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
  10. Stir in the cooked chicken breast and warm through for 3-5 minutes.
  11. Optional: Blend cottage cheese until smooth and stir into the soup for extra protein and creaminess.
  12. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar, parsley, or croutons if desired.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, blend 1-2 cups of the soup with an immersion blender and return to the pot, or blend the entire soup until desired consistency is reached.
  • Ensure cheese is freshly grated for the smoothest melt.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/high-protein-broccoli-cheddar-soup/

×