Unleash Flavor with Our Lip-Smacking Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup for Cozy Evenings
How Many Carbs Are in Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup?
👉 This keto broccoli cheddar soup recipe contains only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. In contrast, non-keto versions contain about 40 grams per serving!
Discover a culinary adventure that blends home comfort with the health-conscious appeal of the ketogenic lifestyle. In this blog post, we invite you to indulge in the world of low-carb deliciousness with our featured recipe: keto broccoli cheese soup.
Elevate your dinner with a bowl of creamy and savory deliciousness that satisfies your taste buds while supporting your keto journey. Learn how to make this lip-smacking soup that will make your keto experience both amazing and nourishing.
This keto broccoli cheese soup is velvety, smooth, and ready in 30 minutes! It’s even better than the classic Panera broccoli cheddar soup, with only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. It lets you savor a homemade, comforting bowl even on busy evenings, without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or new to the journey, explore how to turn everyday ingredients into an amazing dining experience. Indulge in the warmth, flavor, and comfort of our Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup, perfect for cozy evenings.
Table of Contents
- Is Broccoli Cheese Soup Keto-Friendly?
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Tips for Making Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Variations
- What to Serve With Keto Cheddar Broccoli Soup
- How to Store Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
- More Healthy Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is Broccoli Cheese Soup Keto-Friendly?
Traditional broccoli cheese soup is typically thickened with flour, providing a creamy texture. However, this makes it unsuitable for those on a keto diet as flour contains carbs that can affect ketosis, the metabolic state for fat-burning.
No need to worry! This keto-friendly version of broccoli cheese soup is specially crafted to cater to your low-carb needs. By excluding flour and carrots, we ensure the lowest carb count possible while still delivering the rich, creamy flavor that you crave.
Each spoonful of this comforting soup will please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Enjoy it without guilt, knowing that you’re nourishing your body without compromising on taste!
Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this quick and easy stovetop keto broccoli cheese soup recipe. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll savor the perfect blend of creamy textures and cheesy goodness.
This gluten-free grain-free soup is filled with tender broccoli pieces, providing a comforting and satisfying treat to fulfill your cravings.
Ingredients
For this easy cheddar broccoli soup recipe, you need only five main ingredients, plus a few spices to enhance the flavor of this creamy soup.
Broccoli
For the best results, use finely chopped fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Using frozen broccoli may result in a thinner soup.
Cheddar Cheese
This cheese is delicious and melts easily. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can replace half of it with, Colby, Gouda, red Leicester, or vintage cheddar. Shredding the cheese yourself is recommended as it is more cost-effective and melts smoothly into the soup.
Chicken BrothÂ
Also referred to as chicken stock, you have the option of using either homemade or store-bought varieties. Opting for organic chicken stock is advisable, as it is free from additives and additional sugar.
Heavy Cream
Adding heavy cream gives the soup a rich and smooth texture while preserving its original flavor.
Butter
For sautéing the onions and garlic, use unsalted butter. It boosts the flavor and adds richness to your dish.
Other
Onion and garlic: You’ll need chopped onion and minced garlic. These veggies bring extra flavor to the soup.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that pairs excellently with the cheese.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Here are the measurements you will need for this broccoli cheddar soup recipe:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups broccoli
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the onions and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, finely chopped broccoli, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Add the cheddar cheese gradually, half a cup at a time, until it is fully combined. Take it off the heat and serve, garnishing with extra shredded cheese and chopped parsley.
Nutrition
This recipe makes six servings. Each serving contains the following:
- Calories: 195kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 803mg
Tips for Making Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To prevent clumping and achieve the desired thickness, make sure the temperature isn’t too high. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to avoid it becoming lumpy.
For the best results, use pre-shredded cheese from a bag or add a de-clumping agent. If you’re using self-shredded cheese or if your shredded cheese is already clumpy, simply mix it with a cornstarch substitute before adding it to the soup.
The broccoli florets should be small because the cheese sticks more to larger pieces. Add a small amount of cheese at a time. Dumping all the cheese in at once will cause it to clump together more. Remember to keep stirring while adding the cheese.
As a backup plan, you can puree the soup if everything else fails. Simply put the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. First, remove the broccoli and set it aside. You can use a large slotted spoon for this. Then, melt in the cheese and add the broccoli back in afterward.
The cheese adds a good thickness to the best broccoli cheese soup and the flavor is perfect. If you prefer a thicker broccoli cheddar soup, here are some options to consider:
To make your keto broccoli cheese soup thicker, simply add more cheese! It’s the easiest option, although it won’t be as thick as using an actual thickener.
Add cream cheese. Melt small chunks of cream cheese in to thicken the soup.
Puree it. After cooking, transfer some or all of the keto broccoli cheese soup to a blender or food processor. The soup will thicken naturally from the broccoli.
You can use a starch thickener like arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or a cornstarch substitute. If you’re fine with it, tossing the shredded cheese in one of these options before adding it to the soup will improve melting and thickening.
Simply simmer the soup. This keto broccoli cheese soup recipe includes heavy cream, which reduces as you simmer it. So, sometimes all you need to do is let the soup simmer for a bit longer.
Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Variations
Once you’ve learned the simple steps, customizing this keto broccoli cheese soup recipe becomes a breeze.
For enhanced nutrition, consider opting for bone broth instead of chicken broth or chicken stock. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option. To prevent an overly salty soup, we recommend using a reduced-sodium broth.
You can also use half and half instead of heavy cream, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The result will be slightly thinner, so be cautious with the heat to prevent curdling.
For some variations, consider adding your favorite spices, such as Italian seasoning. Some fresh cracked black pepper and paprika can also add a delicious taste.
For additional veggies, sauté onions with garlic or add cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers later on. Feel free to add any low-carb vegetables you prefer.
You can also include shredded chicken, cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and garnish the soup with herbs.
Avoid adding excessively salty ingredients, such as bacon, to this broccoli cheese soup. The combination of cheese and broth already contributes to its saltiness.
Add any additional ingredients after the cheese has melted. Otherwise, the cheese may stick to the add-ins and have difficulty melting.
If your other add-ins need to cook, simply remove them temporarily with a slotted spoon once they are cooked. Melt in the cheese, and then return them to the pot.
What to Serve With Keto Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Italian flavors are an excellent complement to this keto broccoli cheese soup. Consider these options to elevate your meal with the delightful combination of broccoli and cheddar soup:
Pair it with simple proteins such as grilled lemon herb chicken breast, sirloin steak, roasted turkey legs, or baked salmon.
Serve it with vegetable side dishes such as roasted radishes, creamy mashed cauliflower, or air-fried asparagus.
Try some healthy salad options like cauliflower potato salad, classic caprese salad, or this keto-friendly Big Mac salad.
How to Store Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
To store, broccoli cheese soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply warm up the soup on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave on medium to low power. Occasionally, it may separate a bit but usually comes back together when stirred frequently during reheating. If needed, you can also blend it to restore its consistency.
You can freeze this keto broccoli cheese soup as well. Just let it cool down to room temperature and freeze it flat in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. Thaw it completely in the fridge the night before. Then, you can heat it over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling, or puree it after heating if necessary.
More Healthy Recipes
If you enjoyed this keto broccoli cheese soup recipe, try these keto cheeseburger soup and taco soup.
You can find more healthy low-carb soup recipes in our blog.
For quick options, check out our guide to keto soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cheese is Best for Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Cheddar is often considered the best cheese for this soup because of its sharp and tangy taste, which complements the mildness of broccoli. You can also use other cheeses like sharp white cheddar, Colby, or a combination of Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan to deepen the flavor. Experimenting with different cheese blends can add complexity to your soup, so choose based on your preferences.
Can I Use a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! This soup can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. Just leave out the butter, put all the ingredients (except the cheese) in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 hours. When the time is up, add the cheese gradually, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
To prepare this soup in the Instant Pot, heat the oil in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” function. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
How Can I Thicken This Soup?
Thicken the soup using low-carb starch substitutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum or 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder. Keep in mind that arrowroot will increase the overall carb count.
This soup is meant to have broccoli chunks, but if you prefer a smoother and thicker consistency, you can puree it using a hand mixer or blender.
Final Thoughts
As you savor the last spoonful of our Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup, we hope you’ve not only enjoyed a delightful meal but also discovered the joy of seamlessly blending comfort and health in your culinary choices. Embracing the low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean compromising on flavor, and our lip-smacking soup stands testament to that.
In conclusion, we encourage you to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen, turning even the simplest evenings into a comforting ritual. The versatility of our Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup allows it to be a solo star or a delightful companion to your favorite keto-friendly sides. Feel the nourishing warmth, knowing that every ingredient has been carefully chosen to support your wellness journey.
Remember, the key to a sustainable and enjoyable keto lifestyle is finding recipes that excite your palate and fit seamlessly into your routine. We’ve shared our love for this soup, and now it’s your turn to make it your own.
Thank you for joining us on this culinary adventure. We hope your future keto endeavors are filled with flavorful and comforting meals that align with your health goals. Until the next recipe, happy cooking, and enjoy your low-carb journey!