Name: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped broccoli; 1 ½ cups shredded carrots; 1 diced onion; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups half-and-half; 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ tsp sea salt; ½ tsp cracked pepper; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ cups corn starch; ¼ cups water; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)

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The Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This creamy soup is not only quick and easy to make but also bursting with flavor and packed with healthy broccoli. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or enjoying a bowl for lunch, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation – This soup comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Creamy texture – The combination of half and half with cheddar cheese creates a rich and velvety consistency that warms you from the inside out.
Nutritious ingredients – Packed with broccoli and carrots, this soup is a great way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in comfort food.
Versatile serving options – Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Instant Pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking times, allowing you to prepare meals faster while retaining flavors.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts on vegetables, making prep easier and safer.

Ingredients

The easiest soup ever–this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is as easy as dumping everything in the pot and then stirring it all up in the end. So creamy and cozy, and packed with broccoli, but only a matter of a few minutes to prep!

Vegetables

4 cups broccoli (chopped very small)
1 ½ cups carrots (shredded or chopped very small)
1 onion (diced)

Liquids & Fats

4 cups broth (3 for a thicker soup)
4 Tbsp butter (unsalted)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings & Dairy

½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp cracked pepper
½ tsp paprika
2 cups half and half
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Thickening Agent

¼ cups corn starch
¼ cups water

How to Make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Chop all of the veggies and add them to the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Add in the broth, butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Seal and close your Instant Pot and turn the vent to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to pressure cook on high (manual on Instant Pot brand) for 1 minute. Allow pressure to come up and cycle until complete then do a quick release to let out the pressure.

Step 3: Add Cream & Cheese

Stir in the cream and shredded cheese, mixing well until melted. In a separate bowl, whisk together corn starch and water until smooth. Gradually stir in this mixture into the soup while mixing continuously. Shift the Instant Pot to “sauté” setting. Heat while stirring until the soup thickens.

Step 4: Serve

Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with your choice of garnishes!

How to Serve Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy and comforting Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a light meal or a starter, there are plenty of delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the rich soup.
Garlic Bread: Adds a delightful crunch and garlic essence to your meal.

As a Side Dish

Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that complements the flavors perfectly.

Topped with Garnishes

Chopped Chives: Adds a fresh onion flavor and vibrant color.
Croutons: Provides an extra crunch that enhances the texture of the soup.

With Extra Cheese

Additional Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkling more cheese on top creates an indulgent finish.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds depth and umami flavor.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making the perfect Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is simple with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions for an even creamier and tastier result.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccoli and carrots for better flavor and texture.
Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the broth to three cups as mentioned in the recipe.
Stir Gently: When adding cheese, stir slowly to prevent clumping and ensure even melting.
Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning before serving to suit your taste preferences.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or cayenne pepper for extra warmth and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons adds a refreshing crunch.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs create a delightful bite-sized treat.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add color and nutrition alongside your soup.
Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges make for a hearty complement.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
Quinoa Salad: A light salad with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and feta offers a healthy balance.
Pita Chips: These crunchy chips provide an excellent scooping option for your soup.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruits contrasts nicely with the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using large vegetable pieces: Chopping vegetables too big can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop broccoli and carrots into small, uniform pieces.
Not sealing the pot properly: If the Instant Pot isn’t sealed correctly, it won’t build pressure. Always check that the lid is on tight and the vent is set to sealing.
Skipping the quick release: Allowing pressure to release naturally may overcook your soup. Always perform a quick release after cooking for the perfect texture.
Adding cheese too early: Adding shredded cheese before releasing pressure can cause it to clump. Wait until after pressure cooking for smooth melting.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting before serving can lead to bland soup. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your soup fresh and prevent odors.

Freezing Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.

Reheating Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup thicker?

You can add more cornstarch mixed with water as a slurry while cooking on the sauté setting to achieve your desired thickness.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just add it directly without thawing.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter version of this soup.

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including prep time and cooking time. The actual cooking in the Instant Pot only takes 1 minute!

Can I customize my Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, or spices like cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only easy to make but also creamy and comforting. It’s perfect as a starter or a main dish and offers plenty of opportunities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or additional veggies for your unique twist on this cozy classic!