High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Introduction

If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy soups but are looking for a healthier version that still satisfies your cravings, High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect choice. This soup combines the rich, cheesy flavor of cheddar with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, while also being packed with protein to make it a filling and nutritious meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a wholesome lunch, or serving up a cozy dinner, this soup offers a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable-packed, high-protein meal.

In this article, we’ll dive into why High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a must-try, provide a step-by-step guide to making it from scratch, and share tips for customizing it to your taste and dietary needs. We’ll also discuss how to make this recipe halal-friendly by avoiding any pork, bacon, or wine-based ingredients, ensuring it aligns with halal dietary practices while still being rich in flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Packed with protein-rich ingredients like chicken breast, Greek yogurt, and cheese, this soup will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
• Healthy and Nutritious: The combination of broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, with a creamy base ensures you get plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all while keeping the soup lighter than traditional cream-based recipes.
• Comforting and Creamy: The rich, cheesy flavor of this soup is indulgent without being heavy, making it the perfect cozy meal for cold days.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe avoids pork, bacon, and wine, making it suitable for those following a halal diet.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a thicker or thinner soup, or want to add more vegetables or spices, this recipe can be adjusted to your liking.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 35 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion sizes.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 320, Protein: 28g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 18g.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and starting the flavor base.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a savory base flavor to the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic depth to the soup.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and color to the soup.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup, providing flavor and moisture.
• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides lean protein, helping to make the soup hearty and filling.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or regular milk: Adds creaminess to the soup without too much fat.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference): Adds protein and a tangy, creamy texture.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp): For the rich, cheesy flavor that defines this soup.
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth to the flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives: For color and a fresh taste.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: For sprinkling on top just before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and broccoli into small, even pieces. This will help the vegetables cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
3. Add the Carrots: Next, add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. The carrots add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the soup.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE BROCCOLI

1. Add the Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot with the onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps bring out the flavors and starts softening the broccoli.
2. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are covered. If needed, add a little more broth or water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and easy to break apart with a spoon.

THIRD STEP: ADD PROTEIN AND CREAMINESS

1. Shred the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or cook it fresh, whichever works best for you.
2. Add the Chicken: Once the broccoli has softened, stir in the shredded chicken. This will add a hearty, protein-rich element to the soup.
3. Incorporate the Dairy: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the milk (or almond milk if you’re keeping it dairy-free). Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture, stirring until it’s well combined and smooth. The yogurt adds a tangy, creamy texture to the soup.

FOURTH STEP: ADD THE CHEESE AND SEASON

1. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. The cheese will give the soup its signature creamy and cheesy flavor.
2. Season the Soup: Season the soup with ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. The mustard enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle depth. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

FINAL STEP: BLEND FOR CREAMINESS (OPTIONAL)

1. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or transfer about half of the soup into a regular blender and purée it. If you want to keep some texture, blend only half the soup and leave some of the broccoli and carrots in larger pieces.
2. Serve: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and add extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a versatile dish that works for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for serving it:

1. As a Main Meal

This soup can be a satisfying meal on its own, especially when served with a side of whole-grain bread, a fresh salad, or a simple grain like quinoa or brown rice. The protein-packed chicken and Greek yogurt make it filling enough to serve as the star of the meal.

2. Pair with a Light Salad

Serve the soup alongside a light, fresh salad made with greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. This creates a balanced, nutritious meal that incorporates both vegetables and healthy fats.

3. Enjoy with a Side of Toast

A slice of whole-grain or sourdough toast, lightly buttered or topped with avocado, makes for the perfect sidekick to this hearty soup. The crunch of the toast complements the creamy texture of the soup.

4. For Meal Prep

This soup stores well and makes an excellent option for meal prepping. Portion it out into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, allowing you to make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the month.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat until heated through.
2. Freezing: This soup freezes well, so you can prepare a double batch and freeze half for later. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
3. Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or add an extra scoop of Greek yogurt. You can also blend more of the soup to achieve a smoother consistency.
4. Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, use plant-based milk, and replace the cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

Recipe Variations

While this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is fantastic as written, there are many ways to make it your own:

1. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and diversify the flavors. You can blend them into the soup for a smoother texture or leave them in chunks for added texture.

2. Use Different Cheeses

While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, Monterey Jack, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.

3. Spice It Up

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add depth and a smoky flavor to the broth.

4. Low-Carb Version

If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the carrots and use cauliflower in place of some of the broccoli. This will reduce the carb content while still providing a creamy, vegetable-packed soup.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need many special tools to make this soup, a few kitchen essentials can make the process smoother:

• Large Soup Pot: To sauté the vegetables and simmer the soup.
• Immersion Blender: For blending the soup directly in the pot if you prefer a smooth texture.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes! Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you want to make the soup vegetarian or vegan.
2. Can I add more protein? Yes! You can add more protein by including extra chicken, tofu, or even beans like chickpeas or white beans.
3. How can I make this soup spicier? Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the soup.
4. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt adds extra protein and a thicker texture.

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Conclusion

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s both healthy and filling. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is the perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Whether you’re following a halal diet, looking for a hearty meal, or simply craving a creamy soup, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying solution. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and nutritious in every bowl!