Low Carb Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This keto broccoli cheese soup is velvety, smooth, and made in just 30 minutes! Better than Panera bread, this easy recipe is low in carbs but full of flavor! 2 grams net carbs per serving.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

When it comes to keto soup recipes, my favorites include chicken soup, taco soup, and this broccoli cheese soup.

During my college years, one of my favorite takeout foods was Panera bread. While their sandwiches and salads were never anything to brag about, their soups, especially their broccoli cheddar soup, were something else.

Their broccoli cheddar soup (in the bread bowl, obviously) was something I enjoyed on a regular basis, so much that my local Panera bread knew me on a first-name basis. Since starting a keto diet, I've tried making a homemade version and I must admit… it tastes even BETTER than the original!

This keto broccoli cheese soup recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and is all made on the stovetop. It's made with just 5 main ingredients (spices don't count!) and is perfectly thick and creamy. It's full of tender broccoli pieces and full of cheesy flavor, and is the kind of soup that sticks to your ribs!

What I love about this delicious soup is that even those who don't follow a low carb diet will fall in love with it- It's just THAT good!

Ingredients you'll need to make this recipe

Butter– Unsalted butter to sautee the onions and garlic in.
Onion and garlic– Both these vegetables add extra flavor to the soup.
Chicken broth– Also known as chicken stock. You can use a homemade chicken broth or store bought. I like using organic chicken stock as it has no additives or added sugar.
Heavy cream– Gives the soup an extra rich and creamy texture, without affecting the flavor.
Broccoli– Finely chopped broccoli. Avoid using frozen broccoli as it will yield a much more thinner soup.
Smoked paprika– Adds some smokey flavor which works very well with the cheese.
Salt and pepper– To taste.
Cheddar cheese– A flavorful and easy melting cheese. You can swap out half of it with red Leicester or vintage cheddar if you'd like a more intense cheese flavor. Try to shred your own cheese, as it is cheaper to do and melts into the soup seamlessly.

How do you make keto broccoli and cheese soup?

Start by adding the butter into a deep saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and garlic and saute for several minutes, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, broccoli, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.

Now, once the soup starts boiling, reduce it to a low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. After this time, add the cheese, half a cup at a time, until fully immersed in the soup. Remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Pro tips to make the best broccoli cheddar soup

Be sure to chop your broccoli into fine, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and are that there are no large florets throughout.
To prevent a grainy soup, be sure to slowly add the cheese into the saucepan, not all at the same time.
For a creamier soup, shred your own cheese. It will mix into the soup so much easier and taste that much better!

How many carbs are in broccoli cheddar soup?

This low carb broccoli cheese soup has just 2 grams of net carbs per serving. Compare that to Panera bread's version that has over 40 grams of carbs per serving!

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

To store: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a stir before reheating.g
To freeze: Place batches of the soup in a sealable container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the soup at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Either microwave the soup in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan over medium heat.

What to serve with low carb broccoli and cheese soup

While I am partial to enjoying soups with crackers, this particular one is PERFECT when paired with bread or buns, to dip! Here are some of my favorite keto bread options to try!

Buns
Rolls
Tortillas
Bread
Cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply omit the butter and add all the ingredients, except for the cheese into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. After 6 hours, slowly add the cheese and cover the pot and cook for a further 30 minutes.

What cheese is best for broccoli cheese soup?

Cheddar cheese is preferred, but you can use any flavorful cheese, like Colby, Tillamook, and Gouda.

Can I make a healthy broccoli cheese soup?

For a healthy broccoli cheddar soup, replace the heavy cream with light cooking cream and replace half the cheddar cheese with reduced-fat (25%) cheddar cheese. Do not use non-fat or low-fat cheese or else it will leave your soup grainy and clumpy.

Can I puree this soup?

This soup is designed to have chunks of broccoli throughout but if you prefer a silky smooth soup, you can either puree it (using a hand mixer) or in a blender.

How can I thicken this soup?

Thicken the soup by adding 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum or 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder. The arrowroot will add some extra carbs to the overall carb count.

How many carbs are in broccoli cheese soup?

This recipe yields six 1 1/2 cup servings. Each serving contains 2 grams net carbs.

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keto broccoli cheese soup

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
4 cups broccoli finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

In a deep pot, add the butter and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and garlic and stir fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and finely chopped broccoli, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt and bring it to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Add the cheddar cheese in half a cup at a time until combined. Remove from the heat and serve with extra shredded cheese and chopped parsley on top.

TO STORE: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a stir before reheating.

TO FREEZE: Place batches of the soup in a sealable container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the soup at room temperature before reheating.

REHEATING: Either microwave the soup in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Low Carb Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Source: https://thebigmansworld.com/keto-broccoli-cheese-soup/

Espie Roustich