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Smoky Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Low Carb

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This post has been updated in 2020 (original post date was in 2018)

Smoky Broccoli Cheese Soup {low-carb; primal}

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

I could live the rest of my life eating nothing but soups and salads. And chocolate. Obviously. But for actual nutritious (non-dessert) food, soup and salad is where it’s at.

Smoky Broccoli Cheese Soup {low-carb; primal}

Keto Food Options

I grew up loving any type of creamy soup, though beer cheese soup and broccoli cheese were my 2 favorites. Maintaining a paleo lifestyle for 5 years did wonders to heal my gut and when switching over to a more ketogenic lifestyle, I was able to reintroduce dairy without experiencing my previous issues with lactose, bringing the creamy soups back into my life.

Family Favorite Soup – and it’s Keto!

This low-carb broccoli cheddar soup has a wonderfully smokiness to it that really puts it over the top. If you’re not a fan of that smoky flavor, you can use regular cheddar and paprika. This is a family favorite around here and I’m sure it will be in your home too.

low carb
Smoky Broccoli Cheese Soup {low-carb; primal}

Smoky Broccoli Cheddar Soup {low carb; grain-free}

Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 Tbsp Butter, divided
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, diced small
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 3 oz Cream Cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth, homemade is best (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 3-4 cups Broccoli Florets and Stems, chopped small
  • 2 Carrots, shredded
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Ground Mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Chipotle Pepper Powder, or to taste
  • 8 oz Smoked Cheddar Cheese, grated (see notes)

Instructions

  1. In a stockpot, melt 1 Tbsp of the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onions and saute until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and stir to cook about 1 minute.
  2. Add the remaining 4 Tbsp butter and the cream cheese to the pot. Stir until it's all melted and thickened, 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the broth and cream to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens.
  4. Add the broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, paprika, ground mustard and chipotle pepper powder. Stir to combine everything and continue to simmer an additional 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the soup from the burner. Add almost all of the shredded cheddar to the pot (reserving some for topping later) and stir to combine. Let it sit for a minute or two to let the cheese melt then stir it again.
  6. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • If you can't find smoked cheddar cheese, use sharp cheddar instead. It will still taste great, just less smoky. Double the smoked paprika if you are using regular sharp cheddar.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving Calories 526Total Fat 49gSaturated Fat 30gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 162mgSodium 1069mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 13g

Nutrition is calculated by a third party and may not be 100% accurate

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Sharon

Friday 9th of September 2022

Can you make this in the instant pot?

Kendra Benson

Sunday 18th of September 2022

I don't think this would do too well in the Instant Pot, since it doesn't really need to be cooked under pressure and it may cause the cheese to sink and stick to the bottom of the pot. You could do it in the IP if you only use the "saute" function to cook it, but I wouldn't add the lid and cook it under pressure.

Mary Kayner

Tuesday 17th of November 2020

I have a intolerance to dairy. Hard cheeses are all right, but not sure of the rest of dairy. Can I substitute full fat coconut cream for the cream? We've been alternating between Whole30 and Paleo for about three years and are thinking of trying Keto. I Love your web site, and am glad your are back.

Kendra Benson

Monday 23rd of November 2020

Coconut Cream might make the soup taste sweet. I've personally never been a fan of coconut milk as a base for savory soups.

Linda Carr

Wednesday 5th of August 2020

I am looking forward to this soup. Thank you for the recipe Linda Carr

Linnea

Sunday 6th of January 2019

I have regular cheddar cheese already, and some Hickory Liquid Smoke in the pantry. Could I combine these instead of going out to buy smoked cheddar cheese? If so, how much liquid smoke would you recommend? Thanks...

g switch 3

Friday 8th of June 2018

This low-carb broccoli cheddar soup has a wonderfully smokiness to it that really puts it over the top.

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