Yummy Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli cheddar soup is one of those comfort foods that just taste like mom’s cooking. This cream soup made with delicious butter, heavy whipping cream and delicious cheese, is naturally keto.

If you need a bit of protein in your soup, you can add any number of meats to it such as chicken, turkey, or even some smoky bacon!

Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This keto friendly soup is not only delicious but it is quick and easy to make. Who says you have to give up flavor when following a keto diet?

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 large onion chopped

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 4 cups broccoli florets finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Take out your soup pot, add the butter, and put it on the stove top over a medium heat.

• Once the butter starts to melt, add the onions and garlic. Saute until they are soft.

• Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir. (Note: if you have substituted chicken stock, it is important to mention it is unseasoned and you will need more seasoning).

• Add the chopped broccoli, and all three spices. Stir frequently and bring to a boil. (Note: Although fresh broccoli is best, you can make this with frozen broccoli also).

• Boil for approximately 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

• Add the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time until it is combined thoroughly.

• Remove from heat.

• Add a little black pepper and red pepper flakes if you like a little zip to your soup.

Nutritional Information

When made as specified above, one average size bowl of soup is about 200 calories and 5 carbohydrates.

Recipe Variations to Mix it Up!

• Cheeses: Although this soup recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can certainly change the cheese. Try sharp cheddar cheese for a different taste in your keto broccoli cheddar soup. You can even combine different cheeses and slip in something with a smoky taste like a gouda or provolone.

• Meat: Common meats to add to this soup include chicken, turkey, ham, sausage or bacon. Of course, you can add anything that tickles your taste buds to this delicious soup!

• Veggies: In addition to the broccoli you can certainly add additional veggies if you like. For example, cauliflower would accentuate the flavor in this soup. Other common veggies in broccoli soup include celery (low carb) and carrots (not low carb so add them sparingly).

• Spices: Do you like a little zip to your soup? Some diced jalapeños would add a bit! Other options include red pepper flakes, hot sauce and black pepper.

Quick, Easy 3-Ingredient Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

You can make a small amount of delicious keto broccoli cheese soup with just 3 ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

• In a small pot filled with salted water, boil the broccoli until tender.

• Drain the broccoli saving 2 cups of the water the broccoli was cooked in.

• Remove the broccoli and add to the food processor. Blend the broccoli while slowly adding the water to reach your desired consistency.

• Add the mixture to the pot, set the temperature to a low heat and add the cream and cheese. Mix until melted.

• Serve in a mug. This recipe makes three, mug size servings.

Nutritional Information

One serving size of this delicious soup has about 150 calories and 5 net carbs.

How Do You Thicken Soup Without Carbs?

Keto approved thickeners for all of your low carb recipes include the following:

• Xanthan Gum: This thickener has zero net carbs and is great for baking as well as sauces, gravies and soups.

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is often added to low carb soups because it will thicken your sauce. What an amazing idea!

• Gelatin: While it is a great keto option for thickening it only works in cold food items. Don’t try it in your soups or stews!

• Guar Gum: Guar gum is often used in baking and commercial ice cream. It is not typically used in things like soup.

Note: Corn starch is a higher carb option but when used in very small quantities is a significantly better option than traditional flour.

Is Any Soup OK for Keto?

Soup can definitely be a part of a ketogenic diet, but it depends on the ingredients used.

When choosing or preparing soup for a keto diet, you need to consider the following:

1. Low-Carb Vegetables: Use vegetables that are low in carbohydrates, such as spinach, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and asparagus. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and carrots.

2. High-Fat Ingredients: Incorporate ingredients that are high in healthy fats, such as cream, cheese, butter, and avocado. These will help you meet your daily fat intake goals.

3. Adequate Protein: Add a moderate amount of protein from sources like chicken, beef, fish, or tofu.

4. No Added Sugars: Avoid soups that contain added sugars or high-carb thickeners.

5. Homemade Is Best: Commercially prepared soups often contain added sugars and preservatives, which can increase the carb content. Preparing soup at home allows you to control the ingredients and keep the carbs in check.

6. Broth-Based Soups: Opt for broth-based soups over cream-based ones, and use low-carb thickeners if needed, like xanthan gum.

7. Portion Control: Even with keto-friendly ingredients, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, as carbs can add up.

Here are a few examples of other keto-friendly soups:

• Chicken Zoodle Soup: Using zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles.

• Creamy Mushroom Soup: Made with mushrooms, heavy cream, and butter.

• Beef Bone Broth Soup: A simple bone broth with added low-carb vegetables.