Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

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 just like Panera.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Soup Recipes some of 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 Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

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

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

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

• Onions
• Shredded Carrots
• Broccoli Florets
• Vegetable Broth
• Cream Cheese
• Heavy Cream
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese

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, mix well. 

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

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

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

Believe it or not, in the time that 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 really 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 of the ingredients are low-carb, this is actually a very KETO friendly recipe, with under 10 net carbs per serving. 

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

Is Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian

Yes, 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

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

TO use from frozen, for best results, defrost in the refrigerator overnight. 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, or you can place it into a small saucepan, and heat over low-medium heat, until it’s warmed through. 

How Long Does Broccoli Cheddar Soup Last

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

Toppings For Broccoli Cheddar Soup

While you can obviously 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

Pro Tips:

1. Chop the broccoli florets into small bite-sized pieces.
2. You can pick up a package of matchstick carrots in the produce aisle, saving you lots of time, cutting them. 
3. Heavy cream works best, but if you only have half and a half on hand, that would work as well.

Some Helpful Products, Used When Making This Soup–