Heart-Healthy Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Cozy up with a warm bowl of Heart-Healthy Broccoli and Cheese Soup, a guilt-free twist on a comfort food classic! This creamy, nutrient-packed soup is loaded with tender broccoli florets, baby spinach, and a velvety non-dairy milk base, making it a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a lighter, health-conscious meal. Nutritional yeast lends a cheesy depth of flavor, while a touch of low-fat shredded cheddar adds richness without overwhelming your diet goals. Ready in just 45 minutes, this soup is made even more irresistible with fragrant notes of garlic, nutmeg, and a splash of olive oil for sautéing. Serve it up with an extra sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast, and savor a hearty, plant-forward dish the whole family will adore! Perfect for weeknights, this recipe is low in sodium and packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a satisfying and wholesome addition to your meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened almond or oat)
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Step 6

Stir in the non-dairy milk and nutritional yeast, adjusting the heat to medium-low.

Step 7

Season the soup with ground black pepper and nutmeg, then stir in the baby spinach and allow to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Slowly add the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously until melted and well incorporated.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional pepper or a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2123.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	790.4

Total Fat 29.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 2673.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 13.0g
Protein 83.6g	0%

Vitamin D 200.0IU	0%
Calcium 2009.9mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1761.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.0%

Protein: 40.4%

Carbs: 27.6%