The BEST Queso Soup (easy Keto Soup Recipe)

I have created a rich soup combining butter, garlic, and onion with heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. With diced tomatoes with green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, this favorite Keto Recipes Dinner offers a remarkable blend of flavors.

I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen lately and this version of my BEST Queso Soup totally blew my mind. This easy keto soup recipe is different from anything I’ve tried before.

I started by melting 2 tbsp butter in a pot and tossing in a diced medium yellow onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic until they turned soft. Then I poured in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stirred in 1 cup heavy cream along with chunks of 8 oz cream cheese.

I later mixed in a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and a generous amount of shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. I couldn’t resist adding ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper for that extra punch.

It might sound simple but each spoonful carries a rich, vibrant burst of flavor. I’m telling you, this low carb soup recipe has quickly become my favorite dinner go-to for chilly weeknights.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that creamy, cheesy feel that instantly makes my day better, especially when its cold outside. I like how the spices like cumin and smoked paprika really bring out a nice kick, and it makes the soup taste super rich and comforting. I also appreciate how easy it is to make, even if I mess up sometimes, it still turns out great and feels like a homemade hug. Lastly, the mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese with the tomatoes gives it a unique flavor that warms me right up each time I have it.

Ingredients

• Butter adds creaminess and a savory base for the soup taste, bringing a smooth mouthfeel.
• Onion provides essential fiber and sweetness while enhancin the overall depth of flavor.
• Garlic infuses a crunchy aromatic kick with natural anti-inflammatory benefits and health qualities.
• Chicken broth adds a hearty, savory liquid base loaded with minerals and subtle protein flavor.
• Cream cheese thickens the soup while lending a smooth, tangy richness and extra cream.
• Shredded cheddar cheese offers a bold, nutty flavor with high protein and full fat satisfaction.
• Pepper jack cheese delivers a spicy warmth paired with creamy texture and indulgent fats.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles offer a zesty, tangy burst that brightens up every spoonful.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (full fat)
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make this

1. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté until it gets soft, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and let it come to a light simmer.

5. Add 8 oz cubed cream cheese, stirring constantly until it fully melts and blends into the soup.

6. Mix in 1 cup shredded full fat cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese until smooth.

7. Pour in 1 can (1
4.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, making sure to include all juices.

8. Sprinkle in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika along with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Keep stirring occasionally and let the soup simmer for about 5-7 minutes so everything gets well combined.

10. Optional: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro right before serving and enjoy this creamy keto comfort soup!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (big enough for the simmering soup)
2. Stove (for heating and simmering)
3. Knife (for dicing the yellow onion and chopping garlic and cilantro)
4. Cutting board (to safely prep your veggies)
5. Measuring spoons (to measure the butter and spices accurately)
6. Measuring cups (for the chicken broth and heavy cream)
7. Wooden spoon (for stirring all the ingredients together)
8. Can opener (to open your can of diced tomatoes with green chiles)

FAQ

The BEST Queso Soup (easy Keto Soup Recipe) Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil if you want a slightly different flavor
• If you dont have yellow onion, try using red onion or a few shallots, but bear in mind the flavor might not be exactly the same
• Heavy cream can be swapped with full fat coconut cream or cashew cream if you need a dairy free option
• If you are out of cream cheese, mascarpone works well as a substitute and gives a rich, creamy texture
• For the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, you can use fresh diced tomatoes mixed with chopped green chiles for a fresher taste

Pro Tips

1. When you add the cream cheese, let it sit a few minutes out of the fridge so its not too hard to melt, this helps it mix in smoother.
2. Stir the cheese and cream in slowly, so you dont end up with clumps all over the soup by accident.
3. Make sure to let the onions really get soft and a bit caramelized before adding the garlic, it brings out a deeper flavor thats impressive.
4. If you want a little extra kick, try tossing in some extra chiles or a dash more cumin, but be careful not to overpower the creamy taste.