Are you looking for a comforting and delicious soup without all the carbs? Indulge in this delectable keto broccoli cheddar soup, perfect for warming up on chilly days!
Made with nutritious ingredients, including chicken broth, broccoli, and grass-fed butter, this soup delivers a burst of flavor while keeping your body in ketosis.
Why you’ll love this keto recipe
If you follow a low-carb diet and are a soup-lover, you always need more keto soup recipes in your repertoire, and there's plenty to love about this keto broccoli cheese soup recipe.
This broccoli cheese soup will quickly become one of your favorite keto soup recipes that can be ready in under an hour. It's creamy and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying meal on its own or alongside other low-carb dishes.
One serving of this soup contains only six grams of carbs, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto®.
The star of this soup is broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable full of essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and folate.
Broccoli is also a rich source of antioxidants, and regularly consuming broccoli can help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of various chronic health issues.
This recipe uses cheddar cheese, which provides a rich and velvety texture while adding protein and healthy fats.
Best cheddar options
When choosing a cheddar cheese for this recipe, it's important to find high-quality, grass-fed options to avoid hormones and added preservatives commonly found in conventional dairy products.
"Opt for 100 percent grass-fed cheese to get the best source of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K2, essential for bone health," explains Dr. Berg. "Grass-fed cheese also contains fatty acids including conjugated linoleic acid, which can boost fat-burning and supports heart health."
Many people like to substitute cheddar cheese with American cheese. However, American cheese isn’t recommended on keto, as it typically contains ingredients that can kick you out of ketosis.
Cheddar vs. American cheese
Cheddar cheese is often mistaken for American cheese due to its similar appearance. However, cheddar and American cheese differ in taste and nutritional value.
Cheddar boasts a matured profile, offering a sharp and nutty flavor, while American cheese has a milder taste.
Cheddar is made entirely from real cow's milk and must be at least 51 percent real cheese to be labeled as cheddar. Meaning it must be made from pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, all rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein.
In contrast, American cheese contains less than 51 percent of cow's milk and often includes questionable ingredients such as artificial food coloring, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and modified food starch that disqualify it from being considered a real cheese.
Certain additives and synthetic preservatives commonly found in processed cheese have been linked to inflammation and can impede weight loss efforts.
Benefits of adding more broccoli to your diet
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that offers many health benefits. It's high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full while reducing cravings and overeating.
Additionally, broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Research published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found eating broccoli may help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. These potential benefits have been linked to isothiocyanates and indoles, a group of sulforaphanes found in broccoli.
Moreover, broccoli is an excellent source of antioxidants that can help combat inflammation and protect against oxidative stress, which could contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
What to serve with broccoli cheddar soup
Are you looking for tasty and healthy side dishes to serve with your broccoli soup?
Here are a few ideas of what to serve with this low-carb soup:
Whether enjoyed as a cozy meal or paired with a low-carb side, this keto soup will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation without raising blood sugar levels.
Storage and reheating tips
If you don't finish the entire batch of broccoli soup, it's essential to properly store and reheat it to preserve its quality and flavor.
Let the soup cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container. Place the leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
It’s best to label food storage containers with the content and date to avoid consuming potentially spoiled food.
To reheat, let frozen soup thaw in the fridge. Then, reheat slowly in a pot over low-to-medium heat and simmer it while stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
If you choose to include chicken in your soup, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) before consuming it to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Key takeaways
Keto broccoli cheddar soup is a popular comfort food packed with nutritious ingredients, including broccoli, chicken broth, and grass-fed butter.
It's an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can support your overall health while keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
FAQ
1. Is broccoli cheddar soup keto-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use low-carb ingredients, broccoli cheddar soup can be a great option for those following a keto diet. However, be mindful of the portion size and avoid adding high-carb ingredients such as croutons or crackers.
2. How many carbs are in Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This recipe contains only six grams of net carbs per serving. In contrast, traditional broccoli cheddar soup recipes often rely on flour as a thickening agent, which can raise the carb count to more than 25 grams per serving.
3. What should I serve with Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Some of the tastiest and healthiest options to serve with keto broccoli cheddar soup include keto garlic bread, green salad, or cauliflower rice.
These low-carb side dishes complement the creamy richness of the soup while providing additional nutrients that won’t spike your glucose levels.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691511004364?via%3Dihub
