Broccoli Cheese Soup: Keto-Friendly Comfort Food At Panera

Panera's broccoli and cheese soup is a popular dish, but is it keto-friendly? The traditional soup is typically made with flour and is not suitable for keto diets. However, several keto-friendly copycat recipes are available that capture the iconic flavour of Panera's soup while reducing the carb count. These recipes typically use a combination of broccoli, garlic, cheese, and chicken broth, thickened with xanthan gum or pureed broccoli instead of flour.

Keto broccoli cheese soup recipe

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Broccoli
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Parsley (optional)

Optional:

• Xanthan gum or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup
• Dijon mustard or hot sauce for extra flavour
• Low-carb veggies like cauliflower, broccoli florets, or kale
• Protein such as shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or keto meatballs

Instructions:

• Cook the onions and garlic: Add butter to a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
• Build the soup: Add all of the ingredients except for the cheese and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
• Add the cheese: Add the cheese half a cup at a time until combined. Remove from the heat and serve with extra cheese and parsley on top.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Instant Pot Method:

• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the butter, onions, and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients (except the cheese).
• Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 8 minutes, then natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Slowly stir in the cheese until combined.

Slow Cooker Method:

Omit the butter and add all of the ingredients (except the cheese) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. After 6 hours, slowly add the cheese, cover the pot, and cook for 30 minutes.

Tips:

• Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Add the cheese a little at a time to avoid clumping.
• Shred your own cheese for a smoother texture and better taste.
• If you want a silky smooth soup, you can puree it using a hand mixer or blender.
• To store: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional information

The nutritional value of keto broccoli cheese soup can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities used in the recipe. However, here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for a few different recipes of keto broccoli cheese soup:

Recipe 1:

This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately 389 calories. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsataturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 78mg
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Net Carbohydrates: 6.5g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 10g

Recipe 2:

This recipe yields 6 servings, with each serving containing approximately 195 calories. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 17g
• Sodium: 803mg
• Potassium: 286mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 888IU
• Vitamin C: 48mg
• Calcium: 389mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Net Carbs: 2g

Recipe 3:

This recipe yields 8 servings, with each serving containing approximately 4.7 net carbs. The total calorie count per serving is not provided.

Recipe 4:

This recipe yields 5 cups, or 5 servings, with each serving containing approximately 514 calories. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Total Fat: 43g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 131mg
• Sodium: 1219mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Net Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 21g

Recipe 5:

This recipe yields 8 servings, with each serving containing approximately 487 calories. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 44g

How to make keto broccoli cheese soup

Ingredients

To make keto broccoli cheese soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Heavy cream or cream cheese
• Broccoli
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Parsley (optional)

Method

Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add broth, heavy cream, and broccoli to the pot. If you are using cream cheese, add it at this step. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 3: Add the cheddar cheese in small amounts at a time, stirring continuously until it is completely melted and combined.

Step 4: Remove the soup from the heat and serve with extra shredded cheese and chopped parsley on top, if desired.

Tips

• Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Add the cheese slowly to avoid clumping.
• Shred your own cheese from a block for a smoother texture and better taste.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add xanthan gum or arrowroot powder, but this will increase the carb count.
• For a silky smooth soup, blend it using an immersion blender.
• You can also add extra vegetables, such as cauliflower, kale, or spinach, or protein like shredded chicken or bacon.
• For extra flavour, add a little Dijon mustard or hot sauce.

Storage

Keto broccoli cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the soup is too thick.

How to thicken keto broccoli cheese soup

There are several ways to thicken keto broccoli cheese soup. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Use a Thickening Agent:

One option is to use a keto-friendly thickening agent like xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a low-carb alternative to cornstarch or flour and helps create a creamier texture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the saucepan and whisk well. Let the soup thicken for a few minutes before serving.

Puree the Soup:

Another way to thicken the soup is to puree it using an immersion blender or a regular blender. You can puree the entire batch for a silky smooth soup, or just puree part of it to create a partially creamy texture while still having some broccoli chunks.

Add More Cheese:

Cheese is a natural thickening agent, so adding extra cheese can help thicken the soup. Add shredded cheese or cream cheese a little at a time, stirring gently, until the desired thickness is achieved.

Simmer the Soup:

Simply simmering the soup over low heat for a longer period of time can help reduce the liquids and create a thicker texture. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.

Add Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese can also be used to thicken the soup. Add small chunks of cream cheese and melt them into the soup. This will add richness and thickness to the broth.

Use Arrowroot Powder:

If you don't mind a slight increase in carb count, arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent. Add 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder to the soup and whisk well.

Tips for Best Results:

• When adding cheese, it's important to add it slowly and stir constantly to avoid clumping.
• Pre-shredded cheese tends to work better in this soup, as it melts more smoothly.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from seizing and clumping.
• For a smoother soup, cut the broccoli florets into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.

Keto broccoli cheese soup toppings

Keto broccoli cheese soup is a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal, perfect for those following a keto diet. While the soup itself is tasty, there are several toppings you can add to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly toppings to elevate your broccoli cheese soup:

Extra Cheese

As the star ingredient of this soup, adding some extra cheese on top can make it even more indulgent and tasty. Try using freshly grated cheddar, as it melts well and has a salty flavour that complements the other ingredients. You could also sprinkle on some sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese kick. Other cheese options include Swiss cheese, which has a milder taste and adds to the creaminess of the soup, or Parmesan for an extra savoury kick.

Bacon

Adding some crispy bacon bits on top of your soup provides a delicious savoury crunch. This is a great way to add extra protein and make the dish more filling.

Chives

Chopped chives make a great garnish for broccoli cheese soup. They add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.

Spices

There are several spices you can sprinkle on top of your soup to enhance its flavour. Some options include:

• Nutmeg: This spice adds a warm and cosy flavour to the soup.
• Black pepper: Ground black pepper can add some heat and spice to your soup.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who like it hot, a dash of red pepper flakes will bring some extra warmth to the dish.

Keto Croutons

For a satisfying crunch, you can make keto-friendly croutons to top your soup. To make these, you'll need two chaffles (or slices of zero-carb bread). Cut them into small cubes and bake them in the oven until dry and crunchy.

Pureed Broccoli

If you prefer a smoother soup, you can puree some of the broccoli and cheese mixture using an immersion blender. This will create a thick and creamy texture, and you can add the pureed mixture back into the soup before serving.

Cream Cheese

For an extra indulgent touch, you can add some small chunks of cream cheese to your soup. This will make the soup even richer and creamier.

Protein

If you want to make your soup a more substantial meal, you can add some protein. Try cooked and diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits.

Vegetables

You can bulk up your soup with some extra low-carb vegetables. Options include cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Mustard

A little Dijon mustard can add a tangy flavour to your soup.

Experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy keto broccoli cheese soup!

Frequently asked questions