Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup: Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food

Are you ready for the best Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup? Introducing a delicious keto and low-carb recipe that is sure to hit the comfort food spot. Indulge in a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness without compromising your low-carb lifestyle. With just a few easy steps, you can prepare this quick and wholesome soup that will leave taste buds satisfied and cravings curbed. Try it now and experience guilt-free satisfaction like never before!

 

Ever tried making a Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe only to end up with a gooey mess of clumpy and grainy cheese? Yep, I’ve been there too! That’s exactly why I came up with this super easy two-pan method that guarantees perfectly smooth and creamy soup every time. No more cheese disasters, I promise!

I’m spilling all the beans (well, technically not beans since they are not keto-friendly!) on how to make the most deliciously cheesy and creamy broccoli cheese soup that’ll have you licking the bowl clean.

And guess what? This recipe is simple to whip up and won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen forever. But what really sets it apart are the secret ingredients: a dash of nutmeg, Swiss cheese, and creamy cream cheese.

Ingredients for the Best Keto FBroccoli Cheddar Soup

• Butter – adds richness and flavor.
• Yellow Onion – adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
• Garlic Cloves – enhance the savory taste of the dish.
• Chicken Broth – forms the base of the soup and adds a savory taste.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – adds creaminess and richness.
• Frozen broccoli – adds texture and nutrients.
• Cheddar Cheese is my favorite part of this dish. CHEESE! Cheddar adds a tangy flavor.
• Swiss Cheese – My second favorite part. Swiss has a milder taste than cheddar and adds to the super creaminess of the soup.
• Cream Cheese – takes the creaminess and richness of the soup to another level!
• Nutmeg – gives warmth and coziness to the dish.
• Parsley – Probably the most overlooked addition to most cooking dishes. Add some parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Pink Salt and Black Pepper – Where would we be without these two? Add for perfect seasoning.
• Xanthan Gum – is a keto-friendly thickening agent. It is a low-carb alternative to cornstarch or flour and helps create a creamier texture.

How to Make Keto Friendly Broccoli Cheese Soup

Scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and instructions in the printable recipe card.
Step 1: Start by grabbing a big pot or saucepan. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and let it come to a boil. Toss in your broccoli florets and let them simmer for around 6 minutes until soft. Then, take the pot off the heat.

Here are some tips on How To Cut Broccoli Florets if you are using a huge head of broccoli.

Step 2: Get a skillet and melt some butter in it. Toss in your onions and garlic and cook them until the onions turn see-through. Pour in more chicken broth, your heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and spices. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a creamy mixture.

Step 3: Simmer the creamy mix in the skillet to a boil while you keep whisking it. When it starts boiling, turn the stove down to medium-low and let it simmer for about 6 minutes. Then turn off the heat. Slowly mix in your shredded cheese bit by bit, stirring gently until the cheese is all mixed in.

Step 4: Time to mix everything up! Pour that cheesy mixture into the pot with the broccoli and chicken broth. Give it a good stir.

Step 5: Now, here’s the yummy part! Sprinkle extra freshly shredded cheese and hot, crispy bacon on top before serving.

Want to make this veggie-friendly? Skip the bacon bits and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

Enhance the Flavor

• My hubby says to add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess and depth.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra yummy cheesy kick.
• Mix in a handful of sautéed mushrooms for added richness and texture.
• Add cooked and diced ham for a super hearty protein boost.
• Swap out vegetables or add more. Think cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, or celery.

How to Thicken Keto Broccoli and Cheese Soup

If you’ve ever struggled with thickening soups without flour or cornstarch, I’ve got some fantastic news for you – it’s absolutely possible!

Here are a couple of my go-to methods for creating deliciously thick keto soups:

1. 1. Use Xanthan Gum!
      • You’ll find this thickening agent with flour and cornstarch at your local grocery store. A little goes a long way!! Remember to use it sparingly. Stir it in and let it sit with the heat off for 5-10 minutes before serving. Be patient; sometimes, it might seem like it’s not working right away, but it needs some time to do its magic. (Word of caution: Too much xanthan gum can lead to a slimy mess, so tread lightly.)
   2. Wait, what? Yep, Immersion Blender!
      • Let me tell you, the immersion blender is my kitchen superhero. It’s especially handy for thickening soups without needing extra ingredients. You can puree some of the soup while it’s still in the pot for a partially creamy texture or go all the way and blend the entire batch. And here’s my pro tip: Set aside half of your chunks of broccoli before you start blending. Once your soup is perfectly pureed, add those saved broccoli bits back in for a thick, velvety base with yummy broccoli chunks.
   3. Add More Cheese!
      • Cheese has a natural thickness that works wonders. Amp up the creaminess by adding extra cream cheese or freshly shredded cheese to your recipe – it’ll add that luscious thickness you’re after.
   4. Simmer and Savor!
      • Patience pays off! While you let your soup simmer, the liquids (like milk and broth) will gradually evaporate, leaving you with a thicker texture. Make sure you simmer on low! 

Tips for Smooth and Creamy Soup: No More Clumps!

Want perfectly smooth and cheesy soup every time? Follow these tips – no clumps allowed!

1. 1. • Choose Hand-Shredded Cheese: Grab a block of cheese and shred it by hand. Pre-shredded cheese often has extra stuff that can make melting tricky and add extra carbs. When you shred it yourself, all the cheese bits are the same size and melt like a dream.
      • Give Cheese Some Breathing Room: Before you add cheese to your soup, let it come to room temperature. This way, you avoid sudden temperature changes that make cheese clump up and stick together.
      • Cool It Down: When it’s cheese time, turn down the heat to low or medium-low and avoid boiling. High heat can make your cheese rebel and clump. Lower the heat for clump-free soup.
      • Take It Easy with Cheese: Add a little cheese at a time! Stir like a pro before adding more. This helps it melt smoothly and gives you that creamy texture you’re going for.

How to Store and Reheat Easy Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

Storage Instructions:

• Simple, easy, and quick keto and low-carb broccoli cheddar soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• You can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• If reheating the low-carb broccoli cheese soup in the microwave, cover, and heat in increments of 1 minute until you get the right temperature.
• If using the stove, heat on medium heat, stirring frequently. Make sure not to boil, as this can cause the cheese to separate and get stringy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Eat Broccoli Cheddar Soup on keto?

Here’s the deal. I wouldn’t share this recipe with you if it weren’t keto-friendly! Lol! Yes, of course, broccoli cheese soup can be keto with low-carb ingredients. Use cheeses, like cheddar or Swiss, and opt for heavy cream instead of milk. Just be mindful of your carbs, especially with any additional ingredients you add.

Why Is My Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup Grainy/Curdled?

When you add cheese to something super hot, like simmering soup, the cheese will seize up, causing the proteins to separate from the fat and the emulsifiers to break down, leaving a yucky, gritty texture. *To make sure this doesn’t happen, follow the steps above, especially step 3!

Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to this soup?

Absolutely! Adding some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even leftover ham can make this soup into a heartier meal. Just make sure to precook the protein separately before adding it to the soup and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What’s a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter option than heavy cream, try using coconut cream. It offers a creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor that can work well in this soup.

Is Xanthan Gum Keto-Friendly?

Yes, xanthan gum is keto-friendly and commonly used as a thickening agent in low-carb cooking. It’s a versatile and effective way to achieve the desired consistency in your soups.

Can I Use Different Cheese Varieties?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties. Cheddar and Swiss are traditional choices, but you can also try gouda, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.

What Are Some Tasty Garnishes for the Soup?

You can get creative with toppings! Try crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor and texture.

 

How To Make Low-Carb Broccoli and Cheese Soup In the Crock Pot

If you’re looking to make this soup using your crockpot or slow cooker, here’s what you need to do. First, add your broth and broccoli to the crockpot and set it on the high setting. If you want to sauté your onions and garlic, you can do that separately in a skillet with butter. Afterward, add the sautéed onions, garlic, and butter to the slow cooker along with the spices. Let it cook on high for around 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Once your crockpot has finished cooking and is set to a low or “warm” setting, you have the option to use an immersion blender to make your soup thicker. This step is up to you. Finally, add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, making sure to mix everything well. Sprinkle the xanthan gum on top and cover the crockpot for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the cheese melt. Give it another good stir to make sure everything is blended perfectly. Don’t forget to sprinkle some bacon and extra cheese on top when serving!

Have you tried my Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup yet?

More Great Keto Soup Recipes:

1. 1. • Queso Keto Taco Soup
      • Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Soup
      • Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
      • Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup-Keto