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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Best Recipe and Variations

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Best Recipe and Variations

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The Instant Pot has quickly become a favorite kitchen appliance for many people. One of the reasons is that it makes creating delicious soups a breeze. This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of our favorites; we know you’ll love it too! We’ll also share a few variations on this recipe that will keep things interesting. So let’s get started!

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Best Recipe and Variations

Why we love this soup

We joke about winter in Wisconsin is up to 8 months long. The cold leads us to crave a creamy and comforting soup without being heavy. The Instant Pot makes it so easy to make this recipe, and it is a great way to use up leftover broccoli.

It also makes us think of the creamy soup we get at Panera Bread – this flavorful soup is the perfect comfort food!

The best part? It can be easily customized to our current tastes or what we have in our fridge. It is a great recipe that the whole family enjoys.

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What is an Instant Pot?

If you’re unfamiliar with the Instant Pot, it’s an electric pressure cooker. Pressure cookers have been around for many years, but the Instant Pot is a newer and easier version. It also has some additional features, like a slow cooker function.

The Instant Pot is perfect for making soups because it can quickly cook them. This is especially helpful if you forget to start your soup early in the day and realize you want it for dinner! With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious soup on the table in less than an hour. From that Beef Barley Soup recipe down to a good Navy Bean Soup made with dried beans, they are all on the table in virtually no time.

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How does pressure cooking work?

Pressure cooking works by trapping steam inside the pot. This creates a high-pressure environment that cooks food faster than it would otherwise. The Instant Pot has a pressure sensor that monitors the pressure and adjusts the cooking time accordingly.

Is Broccoli healthy?

Yes! Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and part of the Brassica family. This group also includes Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. Broccoli is a good source of vitamins C and K and fiber. It also contains phytochemicals that may have health benefits.

What is a Roux?

This soup uses a roux to thicken it a bit. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat thickening soups and sauces. It’s made by cooking the flour and fat together until the flour is fully cooked. The ratio of flour to fat will depend on what you’re using it for. A roux can be made with any type of fat, but butter is the most common.

How do you make broccoli soup in Instant Pot?

First of all, you will need a few ingredients to make this easy recipe.

roccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients:

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients:

  • Butter – do not substitute with margarine
  • Olive oil – it is healthier than regular veggie oil
  • Yellow onion – these are less expensive than other onions, but you can use what you prefer
  • Roasted garlic paste – we like this over minced fresh garlic cloves
  • Carrots – this adds color and a touch of sweetness
  • Salt and black pepper – just for seasoning
  • Smoked paprika – this adds a great layer of flavor
  • Nutmeg – this creates a subtle hint of sweetness
  • Fresh broccoli florets – you can use stems and pieces, but they are a little tougher
  • Vegetable broth – you could use chicken broth if you prefer
  • Milk or cream – we prefer heavy cream when it is available. Half and Half works well
  • Cheddar cheese shreds – we like to grate our own from a sharp cheddar cheese brick instead of the pre-shredded with the extra fillers and anti-caking agents
  • Flour – we use this to make a roux for thickening

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions:

ip broccoli cheddar soup cooking onions

Use the saute mode on your Instant Pot to melt butter, then add oil and onion. Cook the onion until it is translucent and soft.

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

Stir in the garlic, shredded carrots, and broccoli florets. Cook for 2 minutes or so.

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

Pour in the broth, add the cover, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

Quick release the steam.

In a microwave-safe bowl, place the milk or cream. Heat it slightly in the microwave until it is warm – not boiling.

In a small bowl, combine the thickener ingredients.

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

Place Instant Pot back into saute mode. Add in warmed milk or cream and the roux.

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

Stir in the seasonings. Add in the cheese a little at a time, stirring until smooth and melted.

Serve in a bread bowl or regular bowl and a piece of crusty bread to enjoy!

If you have leftover soup, place it in an airtight container, and this easy weeknight meal will keep for 4 days in your refrigerator.

 Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup Instructions

Variations for this soup:

  • Use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh for a quicker meal
  • Substitute cauliflower for some or all of the broccoli
  • Add in some diced cooked chicken for extra protein or even diced ham
  • Stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes at the end for a little spice
  • Top with crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions before serving
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQS

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQS

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can. Just substitute the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or arrowroot powder.

I don’t have an Instant Pot. Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can. Simmer all the ingredients together in a large pot until the broccoli is tender. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have roasted garlic paste?

You can use minced fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder instead. Start with less and add more to taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot until warmed. You may need to add a little more broth or milk to thin it out slightly.

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Do I have to use cheddar cheese?

No, you don’t. You can use any type of cheese you like. Swiss, Gruyere, and Gouda all work well in this soup.

I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup as much as we do! Be sure to try one of the variations listed above. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Print off our Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe here:

Yield: 6

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Best Recipe and Variations

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Best Recipe and Variations

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of our favorites; we know you'll love it too! We'll also share a few variations on this recipe that will keep things interesting.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 4 cup broccoli florets
  • 4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shreds
  • Stir in thickener:
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup flour

Instructions

Use the saute mode on your Instant Pot to melt butter, then add oil and onion. Cook the onion until it is translucent and soft.

Stir in the garlic, shredded carrots, and broccoli florets. Cook for 2 minutes or so.

Pour in the broth, add the cover, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

Quick release the steam.

In a microwave-safe bowl, place the milk or cream. Heat it slightly in the microwave until it is warm - not boiling.

In a small bowl, combine the thickener ingredients.

Place Instant Pot back into saute mode. Add in warmed milk or cream and the roux.

Stir in the seasonings. Add in the cheese a little at a time, stirring until smooth and melted.

Serve in a bread bowl or regular bowl and a piece of crusty bread to enjoy!

Notes

If you have leftover soup, place it in an airtight container, and this easy weeknight meal will keep for four days in your refrigerator.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 319Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 867mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 10g

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