High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

🥣 High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 medium carrots, shredded

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds protein & creaminess)

• 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder (optional, boosts protein)

• 1 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth for extra protein)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Base
   Heat olive oil/butter in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft and fragrant.

2. Add Veggies
   Stir in broccoli and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes.

3. Simmer
   Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender (about 10–12 minutes).

4. Blend
   Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to blend soup until creamy. Leave some broccoli chunks if you like texture.

5. Add Creaminess
   Stir in milk, blended cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Mix well.

6. Protein Boost
   Whisk whey protein powder with a little warm soup in a bowl, then stir it back in (prevents clumping).

7. Cheese Finish
   Add shredded cheddar, stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.

8. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm with whole-grain bread or a side salad.

🍲 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 ½ cups)

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: 25–30g (depending on protein powder used)

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 4g

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
👉 Yes! Just use vegetable broth and keep the whey protein or swap it with a plant-based protein powder.

Q2: Can I meal prep this soup?
👉 Absolutely. It lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently (don’t boil, or dairy may curdle).

Q3: Can I skip protein powder?
👉 Yes, you’ll still get high protein from Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheddar. The powder just gives an extra boost.

Q4: How can I make it creamier without extra fat?
👉 Blend cottage cheese or add more Greek yogurt. Both make it rich while keeping calories lower.

Q5: What’s the best cheese for this soup?
👉 Sharp cheddar gives the strongest flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, parmesan, or even a little gouda for variety.