🥦🧀Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (No Flour Needed!)

This cozy, creamy soup is a favorite in my kitchen—made with simple ingredients, no flour, and just the right amount of richness.
It’s packed with real cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and savory flavor in every bite.
Bonus: it's gluten free, low carb, and keto friendly.
- ✔️ Low Carb
- ✔️ Keto Friendly
- ✔️ Gluten Free
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 1 broccoli crown
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 fl oz heavy cream
- Salt to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the broccoli: Remove the florets and chop into bite-sized pieces. Chop the stalk into 2-inch chunks.
- Chop the onion: Dice and set aside.
- Cook the base: In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add stalks and onion, season with salt, and cook for ~20 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic: Mince and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broth and blend: Add stock, simmer 10 mins, remove from heat, and blend until smooth.
- Roast the florets: While blending, roast florets at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until browned.
- Melt the cheese:<
@autumnallyear.us Don’t eat that store bought broccoli cheddar soup - make this one instead! #keto #lowcarb #batchcooking #mealprep #ketolunch #ketodinner #broccolicheddarsoup #dinnerrecipes #glutenfree #grainfree #eggfree #nutfree #ketosoup #diabeticfriendly ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) - Ellen Once Again 🔄 Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Fully cooked chicken or bacon make great additions. Stir them in when adding the florets for extra protein and flavor.
🥣 Why This Recipe Works
This recipe uses broccoli stalks blended with onions and garlic to create a naturally creamy base without flour or thickeners. Roasting the broccoli florets brings out deep, caramelized flavors, while adding cheese gradually ensures a smooth, velvety texture. It’s a simple yet flavorful approach that keeps carbs low and taste high.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese smooth. Avoid boiling to prevent the cheese from separating. This soup also freezes well — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🙋♀️ Common Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes! Vegetable broth works well if you want a vegetarian option or a lighter flavor.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cheese and coconut cream, but the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.
How can I thicken the soup without flour?
This recipe relies on blending broccoli stalks for natural thickness. You can also add cauliflower or use a small amount of xanthan gum if needed.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for longer storage.
🍽 Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 451
- Fat: 37g
- Protein: 17g
- Net Carbohydrates: 10g
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Note on Macronutrient Ratios: Fat-to-protein ratios in ketogenic and low-carb diets can vary significantly depending on individual goals, preferences, and medical advice. This recipe focuses on providing a delicious, zero-carb biscuit option that fits easily into most low-carb and keto eating plans. For personalized nutrition guidance, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is recommended.
This recipe keeps total carbs extremely low, which fits into most keto and low-carb diets. However, exact macronutrient needs vary by person and should be tailored individually.
Nutrition data sourced from Cronometer and the USDA FoodData Central database to calculate nutrition. All values are double-checked for standard portion sizes and rounded for simplicity.
Note: The information on this site is based on peer-reviewed research and personal experience. It’s shared for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making dietary changes.
🔬 Recipe Testing Approach
Every recipe I publish is tested multiple times using widely available grocery store ingredients. I measure ingredients by weight where relevant and aim to keep prep time minimal without sacrificing flavor or texture. My goal is to make low-carb and keto recipes approachable, reliable, and satisfying.
🥖 How This Recipe Compares to Traditional Biscuits
Traditional biscuits use wheat flour, baking soda, and milk or buttermilk—adding carbs and gluten. This version mimics the texture and comfort of classic biscuits using just pork rinds, eggs, and cheese. You still get a golden, tender result—without grains, sugar, or carb spikes.
🔬 Evidence-Based Support for Low‑Carb Diets
These peer-reviewed studies support the health benefits of low-carb eating — from improved blood sugar to weight management.
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Restricting carbohydrates and calories in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effectiveness of 'low-carbohydrate' interventions with differing energy levels (2021)
This review shows that low-carb diets, whether calorie-restricted or not, effectively help manage type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar control and weight.
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Efficacy of Ketogenic Diets on Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review (2021)
Ketogenic diets can significantly improve blood sugar levels and promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes over the short to medium term.
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The Effect of Low-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets on Weight Loss and Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020)
Low-carb diets tend to produce slightly better weight loss and improved cholesterol profiles compared to low-fat diets.
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Low-carbohydrate versus balanced-carbohydrate diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk (2022)
This study found that low-carb diets are as effective as balanced-carb diets for weight loss and may offer better improvements in some heart health markers.
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Effects of weight loss during a very low carbohydrate diet on specific adipose tissue depots and insulin sensitivity in older adults with obesity: a randomized clinical trial (2020)
Very low-carb diets helped older adults lose harmful fat stores and improved insulin sensitivity, aiding metabolic health.
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Effects of very low-carbohydrate vs. high-carbohydrate weight loss diets on psychological health in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes: a 2-year randomized controlled trial (2021)
This 2-year trial showed low-carb diets not only help with weight loss but also support psychological well-being in people with obesity and diabetes.