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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

October 30, 2019 by Sandy 43 Comments

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of my favorite soups to have for lunch. When made right, this soup is thick, flavorful, and rich, with the perfect balance of sharp cheddar cheese and broccoli. Pressure Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is all of those things. We love it. I hope you do, too!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a gray bowl and spoon on wooden background
Originally published 2/9/2018

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I have an ongoing love of soups, especially soups cooked in the Instant Pot! This one is especially yummy and so easy to make.

Should we all sing the SNL broccoli song? No? I guess you have to be a goofball like me to sing “CHOPPING BROCC-O-LI!” at the top of your lungs while making this! Easily entertained, I know.

I like to use frozen broccoli because it cooks up faster and softer. If you want to use fresh, you might need to cook just a little longer.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick and cheesy with the right amount of broccoli. This pressure cooker broccoli cheddar soup is so delicious, you might need to make a double batch! simplyhappyfoodie.com #instantpotrecipes #instantpotsoup #instantpotbroccolicheddar #pressurecookerbroccolicheddarsoup

Which Cheese is the Best for this Soup?

To get the creamiest results, grate/shred your own cheese. The stuff in the bag has a coating on it to prevent it from sticking to itself and doesn’t melt as well.

You will want to use a nice sharp cheddar cheese for the most flavor. At the very least, a good quality medium cheddar.

Be sure to add the cheese when the pot’s heat is not turned on, as cheese can get grainy when boiled.

Does Broccoli Cheddar Soup freeze well?

Yes it does! Let it cool completely before freezing it. Try to freeze in portions versus all in one big container.

Best results for reheating is by letting it thaw first, and reheating on a med-low heat, slowly.

I hope you enjoy this pressure cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s pretty easy to make, and faster than many other recipes.

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup in white bowl with title and simply happy foodie.com logo

If you make this yummy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, please leave a comment with a star rating below. I’d love to know how you liked it!

4.95 from 18 votes
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick and cheesy with the right amount of broccoli. This pressure cooker broccoli cheddar soup is so delicious, you might need to make a double batch! simplyhappyfoodie.com #instantpotrecipes #instantpotsoup #instantpotbroccolicheddar #pressurecookerbroccolicheddarsoup
Print
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Warm/NPR
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is thick and cheesy with the right amount of broccoli. This pressure cooker broccoli cheddar soup is so delicious, you might need to make a double batch!

Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pressure cooker broccoli cheddar soup recipe
Servings: 5 - 7
Calories: 442 kcal
Author: Sandy Clifton
Ingredients
  • 3 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 tsp Olive Oil
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 1 large Carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small Potato (optional), peeled and diced
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt)
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 2 cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
  • 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth, low sodium
  • 1 1/2 lbs Broccoli Florets, fresh or frozen (chopped, about 6-8 cups)
To Thicken
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 1/4 cup Butter
To Finish
  • 6 oz Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cups Half and Half
Instructions
  1. Gather all ingredients, and prepare all of the vegetables, and shred the cheese. It's easier if you have it all ready to go.

  2. Turn on the pot's Sauté setting. When hot, add the butter and olive oil. Then add the onion and cook for a few minutes.

  3. Add the grated carrot and the potato (if using) and cook for a minute to soften.

  4. Add the pepper. paprika, salt, nutmeg, and garlic. Cook for a minute, stirring.

  5. Add the broth and stir.

  6. Add the broccoli, but don't stir. Put the lid on and lock it in place. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.

  7. Cancel the Sauté function. Then press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial. Then the + or - to select 5 minutes (High Pressure).

  8. When the cooking cycle is finished, let the pot sit undisturbed for 5 minutes (5 minute Natural Release). Then slowly at first, in bursts, Quick Release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release knob to the Venting Position. Turn off the pot.

  9. Use a potato masher to mash up the veggies well. If you want a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender.

  10. Mix the flour and butter together in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 15 seconds. Then mix very well until it is smooth.

  11. Turn the Sauté setting back on and mix in the flour/butter mixture and stir until it starts to thicken.

  12. Add the cheeses and stir in. Cancel the Sauté function and add in the half and half. Stir well.

  13. Taste and adjust salt, if necessary.

  14. Serve with some nice bread.

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Filed Under: Dinner, Instant Pot, Instant Pot Soup Recipes, Lunch, Recipes, Soups, Stews & Chowders, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Jennie

    October 29, 2020 at 3:29 am

    Sandy, thanks oodles for sharing this recipe! It was the perfect comfort food-a-licious use for scads of broccoli in our fridge
    Only changes I made were substitutions based on ingredients I did or didn’t have at home…
    Instead of all 2 cups of half & half cream, I used a 1.5 cup can of evap. milk, and topped up the rest with skim milk and 1/4 cup half & half.
    A cup of chopped cauliflower helped stand in for some missing broccoli.
    For the cheese, I had no Jack. I went instead with 1/2 cup of a shredded blend of provolone, mozza, Romano & edam, plus 2 cups medium cheddar.
    Didn’t have low sodium broth, so used regular chicken stock. I compensated for potential saltiness by using unsalted butter in my thickening roux mix.
    As usual with your recipes, Sandy, this one turned out great. 🙂 It was forgiving of my tweaks, and made all three of us very happy with dinner.
    Yum.

    Reply
  2. Sharon

    September 10, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Turned out nice and thick. I only used 1 T. of butter to saute the onions and it was sufficient. The MJ cheese I used had jalapenos. I stretched some of the half and half with milk since I didn’t have enough half and half. Easy recipe.

    Reply
  3. janv.

    June 15, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    I’m out of potatoes until the next store shop Would quality potato flakes work? Anyone tried. I would use real ingredients on the other ingredients.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      June 16, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      Yes, just add them at the end, a little at a time, letting it sit to absorb before adding more.

      Reply
  4. Vickie Buck

    June 1, 2020 at 7:04 am

    I made the Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup yesterday. The soup was delicious!! I did add a few Petite Gold Potatoes, unpeeled, chopped into eighths. I used a 2 pound bag of fresh broccoli florets, I try to use what I have on hand since I don’t get to the store for grocery pick up very often these days. I did use an Immersion Blender. Thanks for the great recipe, really good.

    Reply
  5. Kim

    March 23, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    Sandy, Do you have an Instant pot cauliflower cheese soup recipe as well?

    Reply
    • Sandy

      March 24, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Yes! Replace the smoked cheese with your favorite: Smoky Creamy Cauliflower Soup

      Reply
  6. Jennifer

    January 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! By far the best broccoli cheddar recipe I have tried. Definitely add the potato for a thicker/creamier texture; highly recommend! My family gobbled everything up the same night the soup was made. Thanks for the recipe Sandy!! 😁👍

    Reply
  7. Barbara

    January 4, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    Loved this! I did not have enough broccoli for 6 cups so I added cauliflower and it worked. Just got your cookbook today so I am marking all the recipes I have tried and loved. Thank you so much!!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 5, 2020 at 1:50 am

      That’s great, Barbara! Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Jane

    November 12, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    I shall definitely be making this soup again and again! Delicious and easy! I’m not great with an instant pot but I was with this recipe. My husband who DOES NOT like broccoli soup, said yes to this. Thank you!

    Reply
  9. PattiAnn

    November 11, 2019 at 10:22 am

    Hi Sandy,
    Great recipe as usual. But here is a tip I learned for thickening soup. Use instant potato flakes. Works great and tastes better than a flour or cornstarch roux. Just stir a couple of tablespoons in at the end of the cooking time till you get the consistency you want. (This way you can leave the potato out of the recipe too)
    Happy cooking!
    PattiAnn

    Reply
  10. lottidah

    October 30, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    Hi I am trying to make this recipe and hit a roadblock. I’m sorry this is probably really stupid but how do you chop frozen broccoli? Did you thaw it, chop it, then refreeze it?

    Reply
    • Sandy

      October 30, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      I would just toss it in as is. You can blend it after it cooks and has cooled down a bit.

      Reply
  11. Kaye M.

    October 20, 2019 at 10:11 pm

    Will this work, as is, in the 3 qt. Mini? If not, can everything be halved. Actually, would prefer halving everything, if possible. Since someone indicated the soup should not be frozen, and there is just me, I just can’t see doing a full recipe!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      October 26, 2019 at 10:59 pm

      Yes, you can halve the recipe for the Mini. Keep the cook time the same.

      Reply
  12. Mark Story

    March 21, 2019 at 6:21 am

    Sandy,

    I need to triple this recipe because I’m cooking for a bunch of guys tonight. I have 2 IP’s (6qt and 8qt). I have 2 hours to get this on the table. How do you recommend I proceed?

    Thanks,
    Mark

    Reply
    • Sandy

      March 21, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      Do a double batch in the 8 qt and a single in the 6 qt. Cook times stay the same. Good luck!

      Reply
  13. Kerri

    March 17, 2019 at 7:12 am

    Hi there, as a new instant pot user, can you fit a double batch in the instant pot? Thanks !

    Reply
    • Sandy

      March 17, 2019 at 8:11 am

      HI Kerri, I would try 1 1/2 batch, then see how much that makes.

      Reply
  14. Trisa McConkey

    February 23, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    I uswd squash instead of carrot and potato. Excellent!

    Reply
  15. Joella

    February 5, 2019 at 11:28 am

    It was delish…my roommate & I both loved it. I used fat free Half and Half and it turned out great.

    Reply
  16. Olga K.si

    February 1, 2019 at 9:49 am

    Thank you so much for this easy recipe of such delicious soup. I made it twice, with and without potato – first time with broth left over from cooking chicken with veggies in intapot, and second time with chicken broth. They both turned out great, but classic version with chicken broth and without potato was our favorite.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      February 2, 2019 at 1:38 am

      That’s nice! Thank you for your review!

      Reply
  17. Zaynab

    January 13, 2019 at 9:45 am

    Absolutely delicious and perfect for a cold winter day!

    Reply
  18. Jenny

    January 3, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    Delicious – easy to make! I added a little paprika and a parsnip but otherwise kept everything the same. My kids loved it 🙂

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 3, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      That’s great! Thank you for your review!

      Reply
  19. Jayde Ward

    January 3, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    Very good . First time using the instapot ever and it was very descriptive. Wasn’t confused at all.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 3, 2019 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you, Jayde! Glad it worked for you!

      Reply
  20. Tiffany

    December 23, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    This was delicious! I included the potato and felt like I could just use whole milk instead of half and half for a slightly lighter version. Five stars!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      December 23, 2018 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you, Tiffany. I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  21. Sandra Fritsch

    December 22, 2018 at 8:02 am

    This sounds delicious but because of the ingredients I am wondering if this soup freezes well. I am alone but love broccoli cheese soup and would love to try this recipe.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      December 22, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      I’m not sure. I haven’t tried freezing it.

      Reply
    • Ashley M.

      January 9, 2019 at 10:34 am

      Sandra,
      Because of the half and half, it will probably not freeze well. However, you can make the base and freeze, then add the butter, flour and half and half when re-heating. You can also use almond milk and skip the roux. It is not as thick and creamy, but is safe to freeze and still delicious.

      Reply
  22. Meaghan

    November 25, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    This is a great recipe!! My family loved it!!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      November 26, 2018 at 8:02 am

      Hi Meaghan! So glad you all liked this soup! Thanks for your review!

      Reply
  23. MelanieCR

    September 12, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    This soup is absolutely delicious! Used both the potato and the roux and it was so hearty, creamy and filling. Whole family demolished it in two days.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      September 13, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      That’s great, Melanie! Thank you for letting me know! I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  24. Robyn

    April 17, 2018 at 1:56 am

    Just to be clear….we mash up the broccoli as well?

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 17, 2018 at 7:06 am

      Yes, just mash up what is in the pot, and mash is as much as you like.

      Reply
  25. Valerie

    March 28, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    I made this soup today for the first time when I realized I had left over broccoli. I had been sick and couldn’t face broccoli, but I couldn’t waste it.
    I am so glad I made it. It was delicious – absolutely perfect even to the salt and pepper amount. I didn’t have to adjust it at all.

    Thank you so much for posting this.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      March 28, 2018 at 1:15 pm

      Hi Valerie! I’m glad you are feeling better. Also glad that this soup was something that could use up that broccoli, and your tummy could tolerate. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  26. Brenda

    February 13, 2018 at 11:32 am

    This is so good! The soup is creamy and thick (I didn’t add the potato). My family loved it, even my picky 5 year old ate his! Thank you for a great recipe!

    Reply

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Hi there!

Sandy wearing a black shirt and a red apron I’m Sandy - foodie with a passion for cooking and sharing my tasty recipes. My hubby Paul, our Pug Gizmo, and I live in Washington.

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