Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup — In the world of comfort foods, few dishes can rival the warm embrace of a bowl of broccoli and cheddar cheese soup.

This classic has been a favorite for generations, combining the wholesome goodness of broccoli with the rich, creamy delight of cheddar cheese. And now, thanks to the wonders of modern kitchen gadgets, making this comforting soup has become easier and quicker than ever. Enter the Instant Pot, a game-changer in the realm of home cooking.

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
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The Best Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Nothing quite hits the spot regarding comfort food like a creamy, hearty broccoli cheddar soup. And what could make this classic dish even more appealing? Preparing it quickly and easily in an Instant Pot! This appliance is a fantastic tool for making delicious meals with minimal effort, and it’s especially perfect for this soup. The pressure cooking method retains the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, and the whole process is significantly faster than traditional methods. Let’s dive into what makes this Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup recipe the best.

Why Use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook. This multifunctional appliance combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more all in one. It’s known for significantly reducing cooking time while maintaining flavors and nutrients in the food. The Instant Pot ensures a quick, hassle-free cooking process with mouthwatering results for our broccoli and cheddar cheese soup.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Soup Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUPHOW TO MAKE VEGETABLE BROTH IN THE INSTANT POT, INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI SOUP (OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT), and NINJA FOODI SOUTHWESTERN CHILI.

Why You'll Love This Recipe!
Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, turning a traditionally time-consuming recipe into a quick and easy affair, perfect for busy days.

Rich, Full Flavor: The pressure cooking method intensifies the flavors of broccoli and cheddar, resulting in a deeply satisfying and rich soup.

Creamy Consistency: This recipe delivers a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with the health benefits of broccoli, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-rich meal.

Customizable: Easily adaptable, you can tweak the recipe, adding ingredients like extra vegetables or protein.

Kid-Friendly: Its familiar and comforting taste is a hit with children, making it a fantastic option for family meals.

Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping course for guests, this soup fits a variety of dining situations.

Leftover Friendly: The soup reheats well, ensuring that leftovers will be as tasty the next day, making meal planning easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, turning a traditionally time-consuming recipe into a quick and easy affair, perfect for busy days.
  • Rich, Full Flavor: The pressure cooking method intensifies the flavors of broccoli and cheddar, resulting in a deeply satisfying and rich soup.
  • Creamy Consistency: This recipe delivers a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
  • Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with the health benefits of broccoli, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-rich meal.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable, you can tweak the recipe, adding ingredients like extra vegetables or protein.
  • Kid-Friendly: Its familiar and comforting taste is a hit with children, making it a fantastic option for family meals.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping course for guests, this soup fits a variety of dining situations.
  • Leftover Friendly: The soup reheats well, ensuring that leftovers will be as tasty the next day, making meal planning easier.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Get ready to whip up a batch of cozy comfort in your kitchen with this Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup. Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to enjoy.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Copycat Panera's Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Fresh Broccoli: The star of the show, fresh broccoli adds a burst of color, texture, and essential nutrients, making the soup not just tasty but also healthy.
  • Shredded Carrots: These bring a subtle sweetness and an appealing orange hue to the soup, enhancing its flavor and visual appeal.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the soup, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.
  • Onions: A foundational ingredient, onions provide a savory depth of flavor, forming a delicious base for the soup’s overall taste profile. Use white onions or yellow onions. 
  • Chicken Broth or Stock: This forms the liquid base of your soup, infusing it with a warm, savory flavor that perfectly complements the broccoli and cheese.
  • Milk: It adds a creamy, smooth texture to the soup, balancing the flavors and contributing to its comforting warmth. You can also use heavy cream or coconut milk for a thicker soup.

How To Make How To Make Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Making Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a delightful and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this comforting dish:

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup (2 of 24)

Prep Your Ingredients:

Chop your fresh broccoli into florets, then Shred the carrots and cheddar cheese. Dice the onions finely.

Sauté Diced Onions:

Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil or butter, then sauté the onions until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add Broccoli and Carrots: To the sautéed onions, add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Stir them for a minute or two, just enough to infuse them with the flavor of the onions.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup (2 of 24)

Pour in Chicken Broth: Add your chicken broth or stock to the pot. This liquid will form the base of your soup and help cook the vegetables under pressure.

Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Set high pressure cook time for 5 minutes. This time is sufficient to soften the broccoli and carrots.

Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to ‘Venting’. Wait until all the steam has escaped and the pressure indicator has dropped before opening the lid.

Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency for a smoother soup. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky.

Add Cheese and Milk: Return the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode.

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until it melts completely. Stir in the milk to give the soup a creamy texture.

Serving: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Ladle the hot soup into a bread bowl or a regular bowl. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Recipe Variations for Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Broccoli and cheddar cheese soup is a classic comfort food that can easily be made in an Instant Pot. It’s the perfect dish for a cold winter day or when craving something warm and cheesy. The best part about this soup is that there are endless variations you can make to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to take your Instant Pot broccoli and cheddar cheese soup to the next level.

  • Add in Some Protein: To make this soup more filling, add some protein, such as chicken, bacon, or ham. You can cook the protein directly in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients. This will not only add an extra layer of flavor but also make the soup more satisfying and nutritious.
  • Spice it Up: Adding spices can take this soup to a whole new level for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food. Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to kick the soup nicely. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your preference and spice tolerance.
  • Swap out the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this soup, you can experiment with other types of cheese to create a different flavor profile. Some options include adding Gouda, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a bolder taste. You can even mix and match different cheeses to create your own unique blend.
  • Add in Veggies: Add some extra vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to make this soup even more nutritious. You can chop them into small pieces and cook them with the broccoli for a delicious and hearty soup. This is also a great way to sneak some veggies for picky eaters.
  • Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier soup, add some heavy cream, cream cheese, almond milk, or regular milk. This will give the soup a richer and smoother texture. You can also use alternative nondairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, for a dairy-free option. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
  • Garnish with Toppings: Garnishing your soup with toppings is a great way to add flavor and make the dish look more visually appealing. Some ideas for toppings include croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese, crusty bread, or chopped herbs such as parsley or chives.
Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Pro Tips: Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Instant Pot has become a household name for quick, convenient, and delicious meals. And one dish that stands out among the rest is broccoli and cheddar cheese soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy and hearty soup that will keep you warm on those chilly days.

But making this soup in the Instant Pot can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with pressure cooking. But fear not, for we have some pro tips to help you make the perfect Instant Pot broccoli and cheddar cheese soup every time!

Tip 1: Use fresh ingredients

To truly elevate the flavor of your soup, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients. This means using fresh broccoli instead of frozen and shredding your cheddar cheese from a block instead of pre-shredded cheese. Fresh ingredients will add a depth of flavor to your soup that you can’t get with their packaged counterparts.

Tip 2: Sauté before pressure cooking

To build even more flavor, take the time to sauté the onions and garlic in your Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients. This will help release their natural oils and create a flavorful base for your soup.

Tip 3: Use chicken broth

While you can use water as the liquid for your soup, chicken broth will add more depth to the flavor. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Tip 4: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces

Cut your broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly in the Instant Pot. This will also make it easier to blend later on if you prefer a smoother soup.

Tip 5: Use an immersion blender for a creamier texture

If you want a creamy and smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the Instant Pot. This will save you from transferring hot soup to a blender and potentially making a mess.

Tip 6: Add the cheese after pressure cooking

Add the cheddar cheese to avoid a stringy and clumpy soup after pressure cooking. Once the soup is done, please turn off the Instant Pot and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the cheese and stirring until it’s

Tip 7: Season to taste

Taste your soup after pressure cooking and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Depending on personal preference, you may need to add more salt or pepper, so be sure to taste before serving.

With these pro tips, you can confidently make Instant Pot broccoli and cheddar cheese soup to impress your family and friends. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal, perfect for any day of the week!

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Faq’s

What is an Instant Pot? The Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that acts as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and more. It has gained popularity recently due to its convenience and time-saving capabilities.

Can I use a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot for this recipe? Yes, you can make broccoli and cheddar cheese soup using a regular pot on the stovetop. However, the cooking times will vary, and you may not get the same creamy texture that the Instant Pot provides. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, we highly recommend investing in one for this and many other delicious recipes.

How long does making Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese soup take? The cooking time for this recipe is just 6 minutes under high pressure with a quick release. However, the overall time will depend on how long it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes for an Instant Pot to reach high pressure.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this soup. However, we recommend thawing it before cooking to avoid texture or cooking time inconsistencies. Fresh broccoli will give you the best texture. 

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese soup is gluten-free. However, check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables or protein to this soup? Absolutely! This recipe can easily be customized by adding other vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or protein, like chicken or bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How do I reheat leftovers? Leftover soup can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and reheat until warm. Add a splash of water, whole milk,  or broth to help thin out the soup if necessary.

Can I freeze this soup for later? Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat on the stovetop or microwave.

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

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Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup-This is my son’s favorite soup. He absolutely tries to get it every time we go out to eat. I thought this would be a great recipe to try in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound broccoli, cleaned and chopped
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded carrots

Instructions

  • Chop your fresh broccoli into florets.
  • Shred the carrots and cheddar cheese.
  • Dice the onions finely.
  • Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode.
  • Add a little oil or butter, then sauté the onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
  • To the sautéed onions, add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots.
  • Stir them for a minute or two, just enough to infuse them with the flavor of the onions.
  • Add your chicken broth or stock to the pot.
  • This liquid will form the base of your soup and help cook the vegetables under pressure.
  • Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position.
  • Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. This time is sufficient to soften the broccoli and carrots.
  • Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to ‘Venting’. Wait until all the steam has escaped and the pressure indicator has dropped before opening the lid.
  • For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky.
  • Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode.
  • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until it melts completely.
  • Stir in the milk to give the soup a creamy texture.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Equipment

  • Ninja Foodi, or Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 566mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3411IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 313mgIron: 1mg

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