Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup–It’s no secret that we love Panera. And their broccoli and cheddar soup is one of our favorite things to order there! It has a little kick to it, but not too much. The best part about the soup is how creamy it is. Plus, you can add whatever toppings you want!

Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup — Everyone’s favorite soup is now made in minutes, thanks to Instant Pot. Today, I made the copycat version of Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, and my family loved it! Today I am giving you one of my favorite Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipes.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an effortless dish to make in the Instant Pot, and what is better, it is a relatively healthy soup with fresh broccoli. I was able to get the bread bowls at Walmart, so it made for a great supper.

You will be amazed at how much this soup tastes like Panera.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Soup Recipes, my favorites are INSTANT POT CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP, INSTANT POT NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER, INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP, and INSTANT POT FRENCH ONION SOUP.

Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

One of the most popular menu items at Panera, it’s one of America’s most beloved soups. It is made with broccoli florets and shredded cheese. 

Subway has started selling its own version, and soon I will come up with a Subway Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, but today, it’s all about Panera!

You can either serve it in a bread bowl or a regular soup bowl. Either way is delicious.

What Is So Good About Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

I have been a loyal customer of Panera Bread for many years now. I order one thing and one thing only: their broccoli cheddar soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of nutty flavor from the broccoli, perfect for warming you up on a cold day! What makes it even better is that I can get it as an entree or in a bread bowl with sandwich fixings on the side for my favorite dish! So what are you waiting for?

Why Make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

There are two reasons that you need to make this soup in the Instant Pot. One it’s easy, you only need to clean up one bowl. everything is cooked in the Instant Pot, including the sauteed onions and vegetables. 

And of course, the soup is amazing! It is so good, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

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

• Onions: The onions give it a lot of flavors.
• Shredded Carrots
• Broccoli Florets: You can use either fresh or frozen. I love to purchase pre-washed broccoli florets, which will save you some time!
• Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian recipe, use vegetable broth, but you can easily use chicken broth.
• Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Makes the soup creamy!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Traditionally cheddar cheese is used, but you can switch it out to your favorite cheese flavor. 

How To Make Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

In your Instant Pot bowl, pour the diced carrots, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, chicken broth, and cream cheese, and mix well. 

Add the lid, making sure that the vent is sealed. Set manual high pressure for 4 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release.

Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.

FAQ’s and Pro Tips:

• Broccoli: If you are using broccoli florets, try to cut them the same size, so they cook at the same time. 
• Dairy: Always add dairy after cooking. Mix in the cheese slowly, string after adding it, so it doesn’t curdle.
• Vent: Make sure that your vent is closed.

How Long Does It Take To Make Panera’s Copycat Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Believe it or not, when you could be ordering take-out from Panera, you can already have a homemade batch in your Instant Pot. 

I love this great shortcut, where I found washed and diced broccoli florets and shredded carrots. They save a lot of time! 

So, in less than 20 minutes, from start to finish, you will have a  great and comforting soup to serve to you and your loved ones! So good & easy!

How Many Carbs are in Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Since all ingredients are low-carb, this is a very KETO-friendly recipe, with under ten net carbs per serving. 

If you follow a KETO and low-carb lifestyle, omit the bread bowl, and opt for a regular old bowl instead.

How Many Calories In Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Winter is in full swing and what better way to fight the cold than with a hot bowl of soup? This recipe for broccoli cheddar soup is hearty, flavorful, and low in calories. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste preferences. So if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious soup to keep you warm this winter, give this recipe a try. Enjoy!

Is Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian

Today, I substituted the regular chicken broth, which Panera uses, with vegetable broth, which creates a vegetarian option!

Can I Substitute Frozen Broccoli for Fresh

Yes, you can! Toss in the frozen broccoli as is; no need to defrost and the cooking time will be about the same! 

The flavor and texture will be about the same. 

Is It Ok To Freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is a great freezer meal to keep in the freeze during the fall and winter months. Let it cool to room temperature, and then place it into a freezer bag or container.  The soup will remain well for about 1 to 2 months.

TO use from frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Since it has dairy, it would be unsafe to defrost at room temperature.

How To Reheat Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

You can either pour the defrosted soup into a microwave-safe bowl and use the microwave to defrost it, or you can heat it into a small saucepan over low-medium heat until it’s warmed through. 

How Long Does Broccoli Cheddar Soup Last

Left covered in the refrigerator will last about 2 to 3 days. After that, you can either dispose of it or freeze the soup.

What To Eat With Broccoli Cheddar Soup

While you can eat this as it is, or you can serve it in a bread bowl, some ways my family loves to eat this soup:

• Extra Cheddar Cheese onTop
• Crackers
• Oyster Crackers

How To Make Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup Instant Pot

If you want to adapt this recipe to keto, you can easily omit the carrots. The broccoli and other ingredients are keto-friendly. Just make sure that you check the labels on the ingredients, to make sure the soup remains low-carb and keto-friendly!

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes: