Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup on a chilly day. This creamy, dreamy recipe is packed with healthy vegetables, rich cheese, and just the right spices.

Plus, it’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free—perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, hearty meal without compromising their diet.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or enjoying a cozy night in, this broccoli cheese soup is a must-try. Let’s dive in!

broccoli and cheese soup with shredded cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup freezes beautifully, so double the batch and save some for later.
Easy to Make: One pot, minimal cleanup, and ready in just over an hour.
Keto & Gluten-Free: No flour here! We use xanthan gum to keep it low-carb.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Homemade broccoli and cheese soup is a classic comfort food recipe. It’s warm and creamy and always delicious.

Easy. This broccoli and cheese soup recipe is super easy. It’s a one-pot recipe, so clean-up is easy too.
Low carb & keto. Traditional broccoli and cheese soup is thickened with flour. To make this recipe keto, we are using xanthan gum as a thickener. This also makes this recipe gluten-free.
Freezes well. Luckily this easy broccoli and cheese soup freezes beautifully. So, go ahead and make a double batch.

Recipe Notes

This broccoli soup recipe is low-carb and gluten-free. Traditionally broccoli cheese soup has wheat flour in it, using a roux to get that thick and creamy texture. We are going to sub in xanthan gum to keep this recipe as low carb as possible.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets (about 2-3 crowns)
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mix of sharp and white cheddar recommended)
1 teaspoon xanthan gum (thickener that replaces flour)
1 tablespoon oil (MCT or avocado oil works well)

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Stir in chopped broccoli stems (reserve florets for later) and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Broth and Broccoli Florets

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Add the broccoli florets, bay leaves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Blend to Your Desired Consistency

If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step or only blend half
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot for a creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Xanthan Gum

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently until thickened to your liking.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, letting them melt into the soup.
Combine the xanthan gum and oil in a small bowl, then whisk the mixture into the soup to thicken.

let the cheese melt and stir in the cream

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Pair with a fresh green salad or low-carb bread for a complete meal.

broccoli cheese soup recipe with cheddar on top

Pro Tips & FAQs

How many carbs are in broccoli and cheese soup?

This recipe has only 10g total carbs and 6g net carbs per serving.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How long does broccoli cheese soup last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations and Add-Ons

Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or sausage for extra flavor and protein.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

Low-Carb Options: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
For Non-Keto Guests: Pair with a thick slice of homemade French bread or a buttery croissant.