It’s officially soup season, and one of my all-time favorites is broccoli cheddar soup. Today, I’m sharing my high-protein, gut-friendly broccoli cheddar soup recipe that’s not only super creamy and delicious but also comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this soup is loaded with flavor and packed with ingredients that are great for your health.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein: With Fairlife milk and chicken bone broth, this soup is rich in protein, making it satisfying and perfect for a balanced meal.
- Gut-Friendly: Bone broth adds collagen, which is excellent for gut health, while the low-carb xanthan gum keeps it light and healthy.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: Adjust the texture and flavors to suit your preferences—smooth and creamy or chunky with broccoli florets.
High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups Fairlife whole milk (or your preferred milk)
- 2 cups chicken bone broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 tablespoon xanthan gum (or 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for non-low-carb)
Veggies:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional, but highly recommended)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/8 teaspoon each)
- A couple of shakes of nutmeg (optional but enhances the flavor)
Cheese:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Prepare the Broth:
- Add the Fairlife milk and chicken bone broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Whisk in the xanthan gum (or flour) and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
4. Blend the Soup (Optional):
- Add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. For texture, reserve 1/2 cup of broccoli florets and mix them back in after blending. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending step.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Turn the heat back on low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Tips for Success
- Carrot Tip: Adding a bit of shredded carrot gives the soup a touch of natural sweetness, mimicking the flavor of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup.
- Nutmeg Magic: A small amount of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
- Blending Options: Use an immersion blender for a creamy texture or leave it chunky if you prefer more bite in your soup.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Why This Soup is Perfect for You
This broccoli cheddar soup isn’t just a delicious comfort food—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. The high protein and gut-friendly ingredients make it a perfect meal for anyone looking to balance taste and health. Plus, it’s quick and easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests.
This high-protein, gut-friendly broccoli cheddar soup has become a staple in my kitchen during soup season. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, with just a hint of sweetness from the carrots and warmth from the nutmeg. Whether you’re a fan of smooth, blended soups or prefer chunky textures, this recipe is customizable to your preferences.
Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 sweet yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cups Fairlife whole milk
- 3 cups chicken bone broth
- 1/2 tablespoon xanthan gum or 2 tablespoons flour
Veggies:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots optional
Seasoning:
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A couple of shakes of nutmeg optional
Cheese:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup medium cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot. Sauté the onion until softened.
- Add milk and bone broth. Whisk in xanthan gum and bring to a boil. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli florets and carrots. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend with an immersion blender for a creamy texture, reserving some broccoli for added texture.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot.
Video
@watchlolita Creamy Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup 🥦🧀 #easyhealthyrecipe #soupseason #broccolicheddarsoup #panerasouprecipe #healthysouprecipe #30minuterecipe #highproteinsoup #broccolirecipe #panerasouprecipe ♬ original sound – Lolita 🦋



