WHAT’S ONE OF OUR FAVORITE COLD WEATHER RECIPES?

One of our favorite meals for Fall? SOUP! Our Keto Ham and Gruyère cheese soup recipe was inspired by a recent visit to a neighborhood grill. Seated on an outdoor patio on a brisk fall afternoon, it really hit the spot. We tried to persuade the chef to give up her recipe, but alas, no go. A few days later we decided to give it a try ourselves. We knew this much: it contained Gruyère cheese and ham (both keto-friendly) so we were off to a great start. After a few tries, we also hit the spot, but with only 3 net carbs per delicious serving.

WHAT IS GRUYÈRE CHEESE?

Gruyère cheese is traditionally used in both French onion soup and in Croque-monsieur, a classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich. It’s sweet and nutty flavors add a savory note, but without overpowering the other ingredients in a recipe. Gruyère is a great melting cheese, so it’s a favorite in fondues and soups. We were pleasantly surprised just how seamlessly it combined into this soup. You can substitute the Gruyère with shredded cheddar if preferred..

INGREDIENTS IN THIS LOW CARB SOUP RECIPE

Butter – Use unsalted butter in this recipe as the ham will provide plenty of salt.

Shallots – We love adding minced shallots in this soup because of their sweet and delicate taste, which pairs beautifully with the elegant flavors of Gruyère.

Garlic – Sautéed minced garlic adds a milder taste than raw garlic, adding a slightly caramelized sweet flavor to this ham and cheese soup.

Chicken Stock – Adds flavor and volume to the soup. Using low sodium instead of regular chicken stock reduces the sodium by 180 mg per serving.

Cream Cheese – Use the full-fat variety to keep you staying full, longer. Cream cheese adds body and flavor to this creamy ham soup recipe.

Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides a creamy texture and fat for satiety.

Ham – You’ll need about 3 cups of chopped or cubed ham for this recipe. We used leftover ham from a pre-cooked ham, but your local grocery deli can cut up thick slices of ham, or you can buy ham already cubed (a huge time-saver).

Celery Seeds and Seasoned Salt – Added to crank up flavors. Our favorite seasoned salt is Lawry’s, but use whatever type of seasoned salt you love.

Cayenne Pepper – This is an optional ad-in for those who love to add a little heat.

Xanthan gum – A thickener that adds viscosity to gluten-free recipes.

Gruyère Cheese -Contains both sweet and nutty flavors adding a savory note, and is a favorite in fondues and soups.

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

You can substitute onions (green, regular) or leeks for the shallots if you prefer – or you don’t want to make another grocery run!

Replacments for Gruyère Cheese: Shredded Cheddar cheese, Emmental (Swiss melting cheese), Jarlsberg, and Edam.

INSTRUCTIONS ON MAKING KETO HAM AND GRUYÈRE SOUP

Sauté: Using large stock pot: sauté shallots in butter for just a few minutes. Stir in 2-3 minced garlic cloves. You’re breathing in the fragrance now, right?

Add ingredients: Blend in chicken broth, softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, the cubed ham, celery seeds and seasoned salt. And because we like a little punch, a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted. All spices are optional and can be adjusted to your tastebuds. Stirring constantly, bring just to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thinner, broth-like soup, you can skip this next step. If you like a thicker consistency, sprinkle the xanthan gum into hot water and whisk vigorously, until the mixture is nice and smooth. Pour hot soup (about a cup or so) into the xanthan gum mix and stir again, just because we’re a little OCD about lumps. Pour mixture back into the soup pot and stir well.

Simmer: 10 to 15 minutes and remove from heat. Stir in the shredded Gruyère and serve.

TOPPING IDEAS FOR OUR KETO HAM SOUP

We love to top with chopped chives and a couple of ham pieces. Shake on a little red pepper flakes if you really want to turn up the heat!

HOW TO STORE KETO HAM AND GRUYÈRE SOUP LEFTOVERS

Store in airtight container in the fridge 4-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

MORE DELICIOUS KETO SOUP RECIPES TO TRY

If you’re a big soup/stew fan like we are, also try our Keto Cheesy Chicken Soup, Keto Cheesy Cream of Broccoli Soup, Favorite Keto Chili or Keto Cheesy Chicken Chowder.