his Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — without the carbs you’d find in traditional versions. It’s made with crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a silky broth thickened naturally without flour. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights, quick lunches, and anyone looking for a healthy, diabetic-friendly soup that doesn’t spike blood sugar.

This version cooks in under 30 minutes and can be adapted for the slow cooker, made extra creamy with cream cheese, or boosted with chicken for added protein.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Low carb + diabetic friendly
• Ultra creamy (without flour or roux)
• Ready in minutes
• Packed with protein and fiber
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easy to customize
• Tastes like Panera’s broccoli cheddar — but healthier

Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped small
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese softened (for extra creaminess)
• Extra bacon
• Red pepper flakes
• Green onions
• Cooked chicken for protein

Method

 

1. Cook chopped bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add butter → stir in diced onion → cook until soft.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Add chopped broccoli and pour in the chicken broth.
6. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
7. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. Lower the heat — do not boil after adding dairy.
9. Add softened cream cheese first, stirring until smooth.
10. Then slowly add shredded cheddar one handful at a time, stirring until creamy.
11. Stir in half the bacon and let the soup simmer 2–3 more minutes.
12. Top each bowl with the remaining bacon.

Healthy Diabetic-Friendly Swaps

• Use sharp cheddar, which adds big flavor with less cheese needed.
• Add extra broccoli for more fiber.
• Swap part of the heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer lighter.
• Keep sodium in check by tasting before salting (bacon + cheese add plenty).

Slow Cooker Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Add broccoli, onion, garlic, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
3. Stir in cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar.
4. Add cooked bacon just before serving.

Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Cream Cheese

This version gets extra silky by melting in 2 oz of cream cheese before adding the cheddar. It thickens the soup without flour and keeps it low carb.

Variations

• Chicken Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup more cheddar.
• Spicy: Stir in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Thicker Soup: Purée 1 cup of the cooked broccoli mixture, then stir back into the pot.