Rich & Creamy Keto Broccoli Ham & Cheese Soup (Comforting, Hearty & Low-Carb!)
Warm up with a bowl of this Rich & Creamy Keto Broccoli Ham & Cheese Soup! This hearty, flavorful soup is packed with savory ham, tender broccoli florets, and melty cheddar cheese, all in a velvety broth, thickened perfectly. It’s an easy, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal that’s a delightful addition to your health journey, especially perfect for a cozy day in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped (reserve bacon grease)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover ham works great!)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (if frozen, no need to thaw)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small white onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried parsley, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or medium cheddar recommended)
- 1 teaspoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon & Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool, then chop. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the finely diced white onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease in the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not bring to a rapid boil, as cream can curdle).
- Add Veggies & Seasonings: Add the broccoli florets, softened cream cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the simmering broth. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Incorporate Ham & Cheese: Add the diced ham and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese begins to melt.
- Gradually sprinkle in the xanthan gum while continuously whisking the soup to prevent lumps.
- Simmer & Thicken: Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved chopped crispy bacon, and fresh parsley if using. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Discard Bacon Grease: The bacon grease adds incredible flavor to the soup base.
- Gradual Xanthan Gum: Sprinkle xanthan gum very slowly while whisking constantly to ensure it dissolves smoothly without clumping. A little goes a long way!
- Gentle Simmer: Avoid a rolling boil once dairy is added to prevent curdling. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Cheese Melt: Stir frequently when adding cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup.
- Cooked Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham! If using deli ham, make sure it’s thick-cut and low-sugar.
- Broccoli Doneness: Cook broccoli to your desired tenderness – some prefer it al dente, others softer.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Broccoli Ham & Cheese Soup is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, from the heavy cream, cheese, bacon, and butter.
- High Protein: Yes, from the ham, cheese, and a small amount from the bacon.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of xanthan gum for thickening instead of flour.
Read on how to prepare Pesto Chicken bake!
