
This Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything a comfort classic should be—creamy, rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, yet completely low-carb. Made with tender broccoli, aromatic onion and garlic, flavorful broth, and plenty of sharp cheddar, it delivers a restaurant-style taste in just 30 minutes. The texture is customizable: blend the entire pot for a silky finish or leave some broccoli chunks for a hearty bite. With only 4–5 net carbs per serving, this soup is perfect for keto meal prep, busy weeknights, and anyone craving a cozy, nourishing bowl without sacrificing macros.
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- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American / Low Carb
- Method: Stovetop / Blended
- Diet: Keto, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian-Friendly
Ingredients for Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup

- 400 g broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion (or ½ tsp onion powder for lower carbs)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp butter
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable broth (unsweetened)
- 200 ml heavy cream (33%+)
- 150 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch paprika or chili flakes
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions

- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This forms the flavor base of the soup. If using onion powder, skip this step and add it later when blending.
- Add broccoli and broth: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend for desired texture: Using an immersion blender, puree about half the soup directly in the pot. This thickens the base while still leaving delicious chunks. For a classic smooth cream soup, blend the entire mixture. Adjust consistency with a splash of broth if needed.
- Add cream and cheddar: Lower the heat to the minimum. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Add the shredded cheddar gradually, stirring continuously until melted. Avoid boiling at this stage—excess heat can cause cheese to separate.
- Finish and season: Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, chili, or nutmeg according to preference. Simmer gently for 1 more minute, then serve warm.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ 350–400 kcal | ≈ 32–35 g | ≈ 14–16 g | ≈ 4–5 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add 50 g extra cheddar (~200 kcal, ~16 g fat, ~12 g protein) to create a thicker, richer soup.
- Add 1 tbsp cream cheese (15 g, ~52 kcal, ~5 g fat, ~1 g protein) for ultra-creamy texture.
- Add 10 g butter on top when serving (~72 kcal, ~8 g fat) to intensify richness and boost keto fats.
- Add 20 ml heavy cream extra (~70 kcal, ~7 g fat) if you prefer a silkier finish.
- Add smoked paprika (0 kcal) to introduce a subtle smoky depth.
- Add sautéed mushrooms (50 g ~12 kcal) for a more complex, earthy profile.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg (0 kcal) to enhance the natural sweetness of the cream and cheddar.
- Add 1 tbsp crushed bacon bits (8 g, ~45 kcal, ~3 g fat) for a smoky, restaurant-style finish.
🔥 Flavor Variations (Choose Your Style)
- Add 1 tsp chili oil (5 ml, ~40 kcal, ~5 g fat) for a spicy kick.
- Add roasted garlic (1 clove ~5 kcal) for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- Add 2 tbsp coconut cream (30 ml, ~120 kcal, ~12 g fat) for a dairy-lightened, velvety texture.
- Add 30 g Parmesan (~120 kcal, ~8 g fat, ~10 g protein) for a sharper, saltier cheese profile.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley (minimal calories) for a fresh finish.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the soup after adding cheese — can cause grainy separation.
- Adding cheddar all at once — gradual melting ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
- Skipping partial blending — reduces natural thickness.
- Using sweetened broth — increases carbs and alters flavor.
- Boiling heavy cream — may cause curdling.
Storage & Meal Prep 🧊
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (blend again after thawing if texture separates).
- Reheat on low heat, stirring constantly to avoid cheese splitting.
- Ideal for meal prep — thickens naturally over time, improving structure.
What to Serve With 🥄
- Keto garlic bread
- Almond flour crackers
- Grilled chicken tenders
- Cauliflower mash
- Simple mixed greens salad
FAQ
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Keywords
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