Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup offers a perfect blend of rich flavors and a creamy texture that warms your soul. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup provides a satisfying way for you to embrace your low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Whether you are a seasoned keto enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a delicious soup that aligns with your dietary goals, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Why We Love This Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup, but let’s focus on the highlights. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Second, the combination of broccoli and cheese not only pleases your palate but also provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, this soup is low in carbohydrates, which makes it ideal for ketogenic diets. You can enjoy a bowlful without the guilt while still feeling full and satisfied. Finally, the ability to customize this soup with additional spices and ingredients opens up a world of flavor possibilities. You’ll find yourself coming back to this comforting dish time and time again!
Ingredients about Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
To create this luscious soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need to gather:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)
How to Make Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Directions
Making your Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup is straightforward and requires minimal prep. Follow these steps for a delightful and hearty soup experience:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into florets. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Toss in your broccoli florets, followed by pouring in the chicken or bone broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You want the broccoli to become tender during this time.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Once the broccoli is tender, lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted fully into the soup.
- Pour in Heavy Cream: After the cream cheese is well blended, pour in the heavy cream. Be sure not to let the soup boil at this stage; just allow it to warm up.
- Cheese Explosion: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
- Season to Perfection: Taste your soup and season it with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika or cayenne if you’d like a little kick. Adjust to your liking, and feel free to be generous with the seasoning!
- Blend for Smoothness (Optional): If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a velvety consistency.
- Serve: Once you are satisfied with the flavor and texture, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy!
How to Serve Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
Serving your Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. You can enjoy it straight from the pot into your favorite bowl for a cozy night in. For a lovely presentation, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. A sprinkle of additional cheese on top can also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.
Pair your soup with a side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a delightful low-carb meal. If you want something heartier, feel free to make a keto-friendly bread or roll for dipping. Remember, this soup is best enjoyed hot, so serve it right after cooking for maximum warmth and flavor.
Expert Tips: Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
To elevate your soup experience, consider these expert tips:
- Use Quality Cheese: Always opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese. The flavor difference is significant, making your soup more delicious.
- Blend to Your Liking: If you love a chunky soup, blend only half of the soup. This way, you get both creamy texture and bits of broccoli.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water. Conversely, if you want it thicker, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
- Season Gradually: As you add spices, taste your soup frequently. It’s easier to add more seasoning than to fix an overly salty soup.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices according to your preference. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the flavor even more.
How to Store Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you have leftovers, storing your Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Your soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain an even temperature.
If you want to store it for more extended periods, consider freezing it. Ladle your cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. The soup can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Variation of Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
While the original recipe is delightful, you can switch things up to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Protein: You can elevate the nutritional content by adding proteins like shredded chicken or crumbled turkey. This makes the soup more filling and adds flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a bolder flavor, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha while cooking. This adds heat and an exciting kick to your soup.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with various cheeses for unique flavors. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can create a delicious twist.
- Additional Veggies: If you love greens, try adding spinach or kale right before serving. They will wilt nicely and add a nutritious boost to your soup.
- Coconut Milk Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk. It will change the flavor slightly, giving it a tropical twist while keeping it creamy.
FAQ Section
Can I make Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge or freezer as directed.
Is Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients in this soup are gluten-free, making it suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sriracha at any stage of cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh and can be cooked straight from the freezer without thawing.
How many carbs are in Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup?
This soup is low in carbs, typically containing approximately 6-8 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
By following this recipe, you are bound to create a delicious Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup that resonates with both flavor and comfort. Enjoy every slurp of this creamy delight!
Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into florets. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cooking
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken or bone broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Once the broccoli is tender, lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted fully into the soup.
- Pour in the heavy cream and gently warm the soup without boiling.
- Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika or cayenne if desired.
- If preferred, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a velvety consistency.
- Serve hot in bowls and enjoy!
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