Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Delight
If you’re on a keto diet and craving a comforting, creamy bowl of soup that won’t ruin your progress, look no further than this Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup. It’s everything you love about the classic broccoli cheddar soup but without the carbs. The rich, velvety cheese, tender broccoli, and a smooth, creamy broth come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also keto-friendly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to comfort food in your low-carb meal rotation.
I’m a huge fan of hearty soups, especially when they’re packed with flavor and comfort, and this one hits the spot every time. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm, filling, and nutritious. Plus, it's super easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup, from the ingredients to the cooking process, and even give you some nutritional breakdowns and additional tips. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you’ve ever had the classic broccoli cheddar soup, you know it’s pure comfort in a bowl. What makes this keto version so special? It’s not only low-carb, but it’s also a creamy, cheese-filled dream that will leave you satisfied without kicking you out of ketosis. Whether you're on a keto diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite comfort food, this soup has got you covered.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: This soup is the perfect way to stay on track with your keto goals while enjoying the rich, cheesy taste you love.
- Packed with Nutrients: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, and folate.
- Quick & Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this soup comes together quickly—making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Creamy & Comforting: The cheese and heavy cream give this soup the rich, velvety texture you expect from a classic broccoli cheddar soup.
Ingredients for Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
This soup uses simple, keto-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium-sized head of broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use good-quality cheese for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess and stretch)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s dive into the easy step-by-step process of making this Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Cook for a further 30 seconds, or until aromatic, after adding the minced garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir them into the onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors.
- After adding the chicken broth, boil the mixture. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Seasonings
- Once the broccoli is tender, add the heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the flavours to combine by simmering the soup for a further three to four minutes.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. To suit your tastes, adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. You want the soup to be thick and smooth, so take your time with this step.
Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)
- If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender and then return it to the pot.
- Be careful when blending hot liquids—make sure to let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to a blender, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Once your soup is smooth, creamy, and perfectly cheesy, ladle it into bowls.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and maybe an extra handful of shredded cheese if you're a cheese lover (I know I am!).
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving (1 bowl) of Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
This nutritional information is based on using full-fat cream and cheese and a low-sodium chicken broth. Depending on your specific ingredients, the values may vary slightly, but this soup is definitely a low-carb, high-fat, protein-packed meal!
The Greatest Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipes.
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the soup.
Add More Veggies: If you want to add more low-carb veggies to your soup, consider adding zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower. Just remember to modify the cooking time as necessary.
Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the soup when adding the heavy cream.
Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try adding Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for variations in flavor and texture.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to spice up the soup and add some extra warmth.
Common FAQs About Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
1. Can I substitute another kind of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar and mozzarella are the classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a little bit of cream cheese for added richness.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream. Swap the cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may change when reheated.
4. Is it possible to prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
5. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or sausage to make this soup heartier and add more protein.
5 More Keto Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup, here are 5 more keto-friendly soups that are sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings:
- Keto Cauliflower Soup – A creamy, comforting low-carb alternative to potato soup.
- Keto Chicken Zoodle Soup – A hearty, satisfying soup with chicken and zucchini noodles.
- Keto Mushroom Soup – A rich and earthy soup made with fresh mushrooms and heavy cream.
- Keto Beef Stew – A thick, savory stew made with tender beef and low-carb vegetables.
- Keto Taco Soup – A zesty, flavorful soup with all the flavors of a taco, without the carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup is everything you need in a low-carb comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you're following a keto diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional broccoli cheddar soup, this recipe delivers big on flavor and texture. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Enjoy this soup as a light meal on its own or pair it with a side salad for a more filling dinner. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure—you’ll be coming back for more!