Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup |Stovetop or Instant Pot

Soup is always a comforting meal, and I'm not sure it gets any better than this broccoli soup. 

It is cheesy and filling, making it the perfect addition to your low-carb diet.

Serve this as a start to a meal with Steak or grilled chicken, or make it a meal itself and serve with a keto-friendly bread or chaffle.

• Onion: Either yellow or white onion will work in this recipe. Red onion will work, but it will impact the overall color when you blend the soup.
• Broccoli: I prefer fresh broccoli, but frozen broccoli florets may also be used. Just thaw and drain.
• Broth: For the fullest flavor in this keto broccoli soup, I recommend using homemade broth. I make my Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth at least once a week. If you are short on time, purchased chicken broth works just fine.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure you use full fat.
• Heavy Cream: If you are not keto, you could use half and half if you prefer.
• Cheese: I used all cheddar in this keto cheese soup, but you can mix it up if you like. Gruyere, mozzarella, and havarti would work as well.
• Vinegar: While it may seem like an odd ingredient, vinegar adds just a touch of acid that I love. Lemon juice would be a great substitution.

A Word About Thickening

This Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is so rich and so creamy. 

The secret? The addition of cream cheese increases the decadence factor and helps create a thick soup without needing any additional thickeners. 

If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to add in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum. Make sure you go slow because a little goes a long way - this low-carb broccoli cheese soup recipe can get too thick quickly if you use too much.

Variations

• Add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• To brighten the soup, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Make Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

Stovetop

First, start by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion and celery, and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the broccoli, broth, cream cheese, and seasonings.

Simmer for about 9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Transfer half of the soup mixture to the blender and puree.

Return to the pan, and stir in the heavy cream.

Add the cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the vinegar. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup

First, set your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker to medium saute. 

Melt the butter, and then add the onion and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until tender.

Stir in garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, broth, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 2 minutes.

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then do a quick release.

Open the lid carefully and transfer half of the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.

Return to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and cheese and cook over medium saute until the cheese is melted.

Stir in the vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.

How to Make Smooth Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you would like for your soup to be smooth, simply puree all of it before adding the cream and cheese. You can do this in batches in a blender, or use an immersion blender.