
Naturally low in carbs, this White Cheddar Broccoli Soup is an easy keto classic. Plus, its rich flavor and creamy texture make it an undeniable fall favorite— so go ahead— indulge yourself!
It’s that cozy time of year again when all I want to do is curl up and eat comfort food. In lieu of doubling down on a ginormous bowl of mac and cheese, cheezy broccoli soup will have to do.
Most broccoli cheddar soup recipes call for some high-carb thickening agent, such as flour or cornstarch. To maintain the consistency you’d expect from a creamed soup, I’ve added a bit of xanthan gum to the recipe. Xanthan gum is a low-carb, gluten-free emulsifier that can be effectively used in place of cornstarch.
This simple swap will satiate your desire for rich and decadent flavors while still keeping your belt buckle in line.

Can You Make This Soup With Yellow Cheddar?
The first thing you may have noticed about this recipe is that it calls for white cheddar rather than yellow. I opted for white cheddar because most yellow cheddar is dyed, and I try to avoid added food colorings.
However, not ALL yellow cheddar is dyed. Cheesemonger, Josh Windsor explains, “Pastures, where cows graze, are full of green grasses that are rich in beta carotene (the red-orange pigment found in many plants), cows’ bodies do little with the beta carotene, so it eventually ends up in the milk.”
So to answer the question, yes, you can make this soup with yellow cheddar. For the most part, the color of the cheddar will not alter the flavor. Alternatively, the quality of your cheese will.

Selecting High-Quality Cheese
There are three basic guidelines when it comes to selecting high-quality cheese.
1. Choose Organic
The first guideline is to select cheeses containing the USDA Certified Organic Seal (or better yet, spring for Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved). The USDA Certified Organic stamp of approval requires that animals must eat only organically-grown feed, without animal byproducts, and can’t be treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
2. Reach for Grass-Fed Options
Unfortunately, the Organic stamp of approval says nothing about the animal having been fed what it was naturally designed to eat. Natural design is important. What’s good for the animal is good for us. And for the record, animals such as cows, lambs, goats, and bison are all meant to eat grass, not organic corn and grains.
3. Consider Trying Raw Cheese
Raw cheese can be a tough sell because we’ve been taught to believe that consuming raw animals and their byproducts is dangerous. However, the CDC reports that there are an estimated 48 million foodborne illnesses diagnosed each year. And of these 48 million illnesses, only about 42 each year are due to the consumption of fresh, unprocessed, raw milk. That’s about a 0.0005% chance of getting sick from consuming raw cheese.
But why take the chance?
Because, grass-fed raw milk, meaning unpasteurized and un-homogenized, contains all of its natural enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a “complete food.” What’s more, consuming raw dairy products has actually been linked to a variety of health benefits such as, reduced allergies, increased bone density, neurological support, and improved immune function.

Making This Recipe Without an Instant Pot
This recipe is ridiculously quick and easy with an Instant Pot. However, if you don’t yet own this wondrous device, you can always make this broccoli cheddar soup old-school-style on the stovetop. All you’ll need is a sauté pan, a steamer basket, and about 30 extra minutes.
Here’s How
- Place a steamer basket inside of a medium-sized saucepan.
- Fill the saucepan with about 2 inches of water (the water should barely touch the bottom of the steamer basket).
- Cut broccoli into florets and place in the steamer basket.
- Cover the pan and bring to med-high heat.
- Steam broccoli for 20-30 minutes (or until soft).
- Drain the water and place cooked broccoli in a large saucepan.
- While broccoli is steaming, prepare the sautéed onions.
- Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in the sauté pan and bring to medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add chopped onions and a dash of salt and pepper.
- Sauté until lightly browned (6-8 minutes).
- Once browned, add the fresh garlic and stir sauté until incorporated (1-2 minutes).
- Place onion mixture in the saucepan along with the steamed broccoli.
- Add the bone broth and heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
- While waiting, prepare the xanthan gum. In a separate dish, melt 1 Tablespoon butter. Once melted, pour in xanthan gum and whisk until combined. Set aside.
- Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium. Add cheese and xanthan mixture.
- Stir until cheese is fully melted and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Place in refrigerator for at least an hour (in order for the soup to thicken), though it’s better after 24 hours.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Print
White Cheddar + Broccoli Soup
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 Cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Naturally low in carbs, this White Cheddar Broccoli Soup is an easy keto classic. Plus, its rich flavor and creamy texture makes it an undeniable fall-favorite. So go ahead, indulge yourself!
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons grass-fed butter
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken bone broth (or stock)*
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut in florets (with stems)*
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free xanthan gum*
- 2 cups organic heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups organic sharp white cheddar*, shredded
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Himalayan sea salt*
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper*
Instructions
- Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan and bring to medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add chopped onions and a dash of salt and pepper.
- Sauté until lightly browned (6-8 minutes).
- Once browned, add fresh garlic and stir until aromatic (1-2 minutes).
- While onions are cooking chop broccoli into florets and place in Instant Pot.
- Add bone broth to the pot.
- After onions are nicely browned, pour the mixture in the pot.
- Cook for 4 minutes on Manual, High-Pressure
- While the soup is cooking, prepare the xanthan gum. In a small dish, melt 1 Tablespoon of butter. Add xanthan gum and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Once the soup has finished cooking use the quick release function to lift the lid.
- Add heavy whipping cream, cheese and xanthan gum to the pot.
- Reseal the lid, and set on sauté function for 2-3 minutes.
- Use the quick release function to lift the lid.
- Place the soup in the refrigerator for at least an hour (in order to thicken the consistency), even better after 24 hours.
Notes
I prefer the flavor and health benefits of bone broth. However, chicken stock will work just as well.
One head of broccoli generally works out to about 5 cups of florets.
Be sure to purchase a gluten-free brand (in order to keep it keto). Also, you’re welcome to add an additional 1/2 teaspoon if you prefer a thicker consistency.
I would encourage you to purchase a block of cheese and shred it yourself. Often times pre-shredded cheeses contain preservatives or fillers causing the soup to have a gritty texture.
You may desire more or less salt than recommended. No problem. Salt your soup to taste.
Additionally, you may desire more or less pepper than recommended. Again, I’d encourage you to pepper to your palate.
- Prep Time: 10 Min
- Cook Time: 6 Min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
- Calories: 659
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 61g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Keto, Instant Pot, Healthy, Homemade, How to Make, Gluten Free, Easy, Creamy, Recipe, Keto Lunch

Whether you’re well-versed or brand spankin’ new to keto life and looking for some help, you should check out Katie’s coaching program. Coach Katie lives keto all day, errryday. She keeps up to date on the latest science, so you don’t have to. But more importantly, she addresses your specific goals to help you achieve ultimate success on your keto journey. And it’s always better to have someone in your corner, guiding you along. So if you’re ready for total life transformation and ultimate keto success, schedule your FREE initial keto consultation today!
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Katie Rodriguez nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
Leave a Reply