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Keto-Friendly Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup Recipe

Dom Lorenzo
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This Keto-friendly Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet. Combining tender ham, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy base, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without the extra carbs.

A close-up of creamy ham and broccoli soup, topped with shredded cheese.
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Preparation and Cooking Overview

This soup is a quick, satisfying dish that takes about 30 minutes to make.  Start by sautéing ham, onions, and garlic, then simmer everything with broth and broccoli. Finish by melting in cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar for a rich, velvety texture—perfect for a cozy, low-carb meal.

Chef's note

For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by half or add a bit of xanthan gum to thicken it up. Swap cheddar for gouda or Swiss for a different cheesy twist, or use cauliflower instead of broccoli for variety. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients for This Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup Recipe

  • 2 cups cooked & diced ham
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (unsalted)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Cheddar: Want a milder taste? Swap cheddar for Mozzarella or Gouda for a creamier cheese.

Additional Ingredients

Cooking Tools Required

  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Tool Substitute Options

  • Dutch oven: A regular stock pot works just fine if you don't have a Dutch oven.

How to Make Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Dice the ham and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
  2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. Measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cheese for easy access while cooking.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy.
  2. Stir in onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli. Cook for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Lower the heat and whisk in cream cheese until fully melted.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  7. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the mixture while leaving some chunks for texture.
  8. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Chef's pro tip

One common mistake is adding cheese and cream to a soup that’s too hot, which can cause it to separate or become grainy. To avoid this, lower the heat before stirring in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar, and whisk gently until smooth. If needed, take the pot off the heat for a minute before adding dairy to ensure a creamy, velvety texture.

What to Serve with Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup

This soup pairs well with:

  • Keto Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy soup while adding a satisfying crunch.
  • Chaffles (Cheese Waffles): A crispy, cheesy waffle balances the creamy texture of the soup, making every bite more indulgent.
  • Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds contrast and balances out the richness of the soup.
  • Cheese Crisps: These crunchy, low-carb chips add texture and a bold cheesy bite alongside the creamy soup.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini bring a slightly caramelized, smoky flavor that enhances the soup’s depth.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Use pre-diced ham to cut down on prep time.
  • Buy frozen broccoli florets so that you don't need to chop them.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

  • Chop onions, garlic, and broccoli in advance and store in the fridge.
  • Pre-measure cream, broth, and cheese to make cooking seamless.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, but freeze without the cream to prevent separation.

Best Reheating Instructions

  • Stovetop: Heat on low flame, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or heavy cream if it thickened too much.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

This Keto-friendly Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup is a must-try for anyone on a low-carb diet. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Give it a try and make it a regular part of your keto meal rotation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Frozen broccoli saves time and works just as well as fresh.

Yes, but it's best to freeze without the heavy cream and add it when reheating to prevent separation.

Use xanthan gum as a keto-friendly thickening agent. Start with ½ teaspoon and mix well.

It has a similar creamy texture, but this version is lower in carbs and uses ham for extra flavor.

Keto-friendly ham is uncured, sugar-free, and minimally processed. Look for ham that does not contain added sugars, honey, or high-carb marinades. The best options are fully cooked, nitrate-free, and unsweetened ham, such as natural deli ham, smoked ham, or bone-in ham without glaze.

Only if it’s unsweetened and unglazed. Many spiral hams come pre-glazed with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup, making them high in carbs. If you want to eat spiral ham on keto, look for sugar-free, naturally smoked, or homemade versions without added sweeteners.

📖 Recipe

A close-up of creamy ham and broccoli soup, topped with shredded cheese.

Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup

This soup is a rich, comforting dish made with tender ham, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy, velvety base.
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 482kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked & diced ham
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth unsalted
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Dice the ham and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
  • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cheese for easy access while cooking.

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy.
  • Stir in onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli. Cook for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  • Lower the heat and whisk in cream cheese until fully melted.
  • Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the mixture while leaving some chunks for texture.
  • Simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 482 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 22g138%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 123mg41%
Sodium 909mg40%
Potassium 509mg15%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 1365IU27%
Vitamin C 29mg35%
Calcium 287mg29%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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