Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Name: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 3-4 cups broccoli florets (about 18 ounces); 1-2 cups cauliflower florets (about 10 ounces); 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 10-12 cranks fresh-ground black pepper; 3 cups veggie or chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 2 and 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Last week, I was rushing to whip up something quick after returning home from Alex's soccer practice. I needed something that was hearty yet simple enough to handle amidst all the chaos. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup came to my rescue, blending comfort with speed effortlessly. This soup not only warms our tummies, but it also brings a smile to Sarah’s face, who often helps me sprinkle the cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish has become a household staple that we keep coming back to. If you’re curious about other family favorites, check out my creamy mango banana smoothie for a fresh morning boost.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Why you’ll love this recipe

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for when you need comfort in a bowl that doesn’t take forever to prepare. It’s a kid-approved way to sneak in veggies while keeping everyone at the table happy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and simply delightful, making it the kind of recipe you'll want to save for those hectic weeknights. Plus, it keeps that beloved homemade charm that makes it a dinner favorite.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3-4 cups broccoli florets (about 18 ounces)
1-2 cups cauliflower florets (about 10 ounces)
2 teaspoons dried thyme
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
10-12 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
3 cups veggie or chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
2 and ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Step-by-step instructions

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function, then add olive oil, butter, onion, and carrots. Cook these for about 5 minutes, just enough for everything to get aromatic and a bit soft.

Next, toss in the broccoli and cauliflower, along with the thyme, salt, nutmeg, cayenne, and black pepper. Pour in the broth, cover, seal, and cook everything for 8 minutes on manual/high pressure.

After the cooking is done, carefully use the quick release to vent the steam. If you have an immersion blender on hand, puree the soup right in the pot. No immersion blender? No problem—transfer the mix to a regular blender first, then return it to the Instant Pot.

With the pot set to keep warm, stir in the milk and cheese. Let the mix sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy delight.

Finally, garnish if you wish, with fresh herbs or even more cheese. Serve your Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Recipe tips & variations

There’s always room to play with this recipe. Swap out the cauliflower if you prefer just broccoli, or add a dash more nutmeg for warmth. Giving Sarah the chance to sprinkle in extra cheese means a lot; she considers it an art form. Feeling adventurous? Stir in some crispy bacon bits just before serving for a smoky twist.

Storage & reheating

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. When it comes to reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, or pop it in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a boil as this might split the cheese.

FAQs

Can I make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup without cauliflower?

Absolutely, just increase the broccoli to keep the texture similar.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy in broccoli cheddar soup?

Using freshly grated cheese can help. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well. It might just need a slightly longer cooking time.

How can I make this broccoli cheddar soup thicker or creamier?

Try reducing the broth slightly or stirring in a little more cheese or cream at the end.

Recipes you may like

If you’re loving this soup, you might also enjoy my gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies. Seeking something to accompany breakfast? My pineapple green smoothie is a refreshing option.