The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (2024)

Bless This Mess Recipes Easy Dinners Instant Pot

By Melissa

4.94 from 111 votes

on Feb 24, 2022, Updated Oct 27, 2022

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ThisInstant Pot broccoli and cheese soup recipe has a ONE MINUTE cook time. It’s an easy Instant Pot soup that’s thick, creamy and healthy. Enjoy this gluten free and vegetarian soup for any meal!

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (2)

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  • The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup
  • The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup

I’ve been on the Instant Pot train for a while now, and I won’t be getting off anytime soon. While the slow cooker is the “set it and forget it” miracle dinner maker in the kitchen, consider the IP as your “oops, I forgot it” meal helper when you need a hot meal fast. Soups made in the Instant Pot are one of my favorite things pretty much ever, but it also does well with shredded pork and hard boiled eggs. What I’m saying is, the options are truly limitless when it comes to the fast and low-maintenance power of IPs!

And this broccoli and cheese soup recipe? It’ll knock your socks off. It *may* just be my favorite soup I’ve made in the Instant Pot (and that’s saying a lot because I’m a big IP soup maker!). It comes out impeccably rich, thick, and creamy with the most perfectly cooked veggies and a delicious texture. I’d say the best part is that the cook time is literally only one minute. Yep, you read that right. This one-pot meal will be a huge hit with your family, and I can’t wait for you to try it out!

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (3)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead?

Yep! You can use whatever you have on hand. Frozen and fresh will both work the same in this recipe, and no need to change the cooking time. Score! And sometimes I use the frozen broccoli and cauliflower mix and it works just great too. I don’t chop up the frozen broccoli, but it seems to cook up just great.

Can I make this soup if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

I know not everyone has an Instant Pot (but y’all MUST add it to your wish list!), so this recipe can easily be made on the stovetop, too. Follow the recipe as directed, but instead of pressure cooking the veggies, just let them simmer in the broth until tender, about 20 minutes. Then, move on with adding the cornstarch, cream, and cheese as directed.

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (4)

What can I pair with broccoli and cheese soup?

I love I love bread to for dipping into broccoli and cheese soup. I highly recommend serving this soup with fresh baguettes, sourdough bread, my mom’s easy French bread recipe, or this easy no-knead crusty loaf. You can also serve a fresh salad on the side to add more color and veggies to the meal!

What is the best cheese for melting in soup?

This recipe specifically calls for cheddar. I like to use a nice sharp cheddar for this recipe but we love sharp cheeses. Sometimes I’ll toss a variety of cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and pepper jack cheese! You can use what you like or have on hand and feel free to use a variety of cheeses if that’s what you have.

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (5)

More soup recipes:

  • Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Soup
  • Classic Minestrone Soup
  • Instant Pot Potato Soup
  • Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe

If you’ve tried thisInstant Pot Broccoli and Cheese recipeor any other recipe on Bless this Mess, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me onInstagramso I can repost on my stories AND add your photo to your comment so that other can see your creation.

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (6)

4.94 from 111 votes

The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup

By: Melissa Griffiths

ThisInstant Pot broccoli and cheese soup recipe takes only ONE minute to make. It's an easy Instant Pot soup that's thick, creamy and healthy. Enjoy this gluten free and vegetarian soup for any meal!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 5

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, (or chicken stock if not vegetarian)
  • 4 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
  • 1 cup matchstick or grated carrots
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, , plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 2 cups cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Select browning/saute to preheat the pressure cooker. Add the butter and onion and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.

  • Add the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  • Stir in the chicken stock, broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  • Lock the lid in place, make sure the vent is set to seal, and select high pressure and 1 minute cook time.

  • When the cooking time ends, use the quick pressure release. When the valve drops, remove the lid carefully.

  • In a small bowl whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth.

  • Set the pressure cook to saute/browning and slowly add the corn starch mixture to the pot. Stir constantly until the soup comes to a boil and thickens.

  • Turn off the pressure cooker. Slowly stir in the cream or half-and-half.

  • Add the cheese a handful at a time and stir until it melts.

  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Video

Notes

  • You can use frozen broccoli in place of the fresh, no need to change the cooking time. Sometimes I used the mixed broccoli and cauliflower that’s frozen and it works great too.
  • Feel free to use whatever cheese you like or have on hand, I use extra sharp cheddar for this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 5 servings, Calories: 435kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 91mg, Sodium: 1303mg, Potassium: 522mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 6067IU, Vitamin C: 68mg, Calcium: 476mg, Iron: 1mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

This recipe comes from a cookbook of a friend, Barbara, The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: 200 Fast and Foolproof Recipes for Every Brand of Electric Pressure Cookeris one you want on your shelf.

Complete this meal with these sides:

  • My favorite Easy Cornbread Recipe
  • The Best Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Check out these other yummy soup recipes:

  • Simple Cream of Tomato Soup
  • Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
  • Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Classic Ham and Bean Soup (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker recipe)
  • Quick, Easy, and Healthy White Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • Homemade Butternut Squash Soup
  • Healthy 30 Minute Alphabet Soup
  • Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
  • Healthy Cauliflower Sausage and Kale Soup
  • Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
  • Healthy Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup with Spinach

I know you are going to fall in love with this Instant Pot broccoli and cheese soup just as much as we have, and you’ll love how easy it is to make and how rich it tastes.

About Melissa

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The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup | Easy Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do I thicken my broccoli cheese soup? ›

Adding a potato to the simmering soup provides a natural thickener that helps the cheese emulsify and gives the soup a creamy texture.

What is the soup broth function on Instant Pot? ›

The soup/broth function uses pressure, but in a different way than just the plain pressure button. I believe it regulates the pressure inside the pot to keep it from boiling hard, which results in a clearer broth.

How to prevent broccoli cheddar soup from separating? ›

Sometimes an acidic ingredient, like wine, can prevent the soup from curdling. Slowly add the cream or milk and continually stir after adding. This will help prevent it from curdling. Use shredded cheese and always reduce the heat to about low to medium before adding.

What is the best melting cheese for soup? ›

Mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Swiss and queso blanco can all work well. “The best cheeses to melt into soups are cheeses that are higher in moisture and have a lower melting point,” says Bauer. In addition to cheddar and Monterey jack, he recommends Fontina and Gruyère.

Why isn't my cheese melting in my broccoli soup? ›

If you are using pre-shredded cheese it has been coated with an anti-clumping agent, which may mean it melts more slowly or needs more heat. If you are adding cold cheese to the soup, adding too much at once will lower the temperature of the soup.

Do you use low or high pressure for soup in Instant Pot? ›

Soup. The soup program is 30 minutes on high pressure. Depending on wether your are using fresh or frozen meats, soup times can range from 20 minutes to an hour.

Can you overcook broth in Instant Pot? ›

It's absolutely possible to overcook Instant Pot bone broth.

Overcooked bone broth will taste bitter and I can't imagine it'd be very enjoyable. You'll want to boil the chicken feet for 5 minutes or so before using them in the Instant Pot. Boiling them just helps remove any impurities from the skin.

How full can you fill Instant Pot with soup? ›

Maximum When pressure cooking, do not fill the inner pot higher than the PC MAX — 2/3 line as indicated on the inner pot. When cooking foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, pasta) do not fill the inner pot higher than the — 1/2 line as indicated on the inner pot.

Why is my cheese clumping in broccoli cheddar soup? ›

If heated too high, you risk clumping and if too low, not melting properly. With soup, you might be able to fix it with an immersion blender, or you might not. At a temperature of 150 or so, the protein bonds in the cheese break down and as a result, too much fo the moisture escapes too quickly.

Why does my broccoli cheddar soup taste grainy? ›

The temperature you cook Broccoli Cheese Soup at is key to making sure it doesn't end up grainy or curdled. Medium heat is best for dairy-based soups so it doesn't boil and curdle.

How do you make broccoli cheddar soup less salty? ›

Add a small amount of fresh herbs to the soup and stir until well combined. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes can also help to reduce the saltiness of soup. Add a small amount of acid to the soup and stir until well combined.

How do you thicken soup in an Instant Pot? ›

Just a bit of corn starch. Take a tbsp of cornstarch and mix with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into your sauce - make sure the sauce boils for a little bit with the cornstarch in it to activate it's thickeners, then let it cool.

What does L001 mean on Instant Pot? ›

Leave your Instant Pot alone after the timer goes off.

The monitor will read “L000” and start counting up to “L001,” “L002,” and so forth with each minute. This number represents how long the pressure has been releasing.

Can I leave soup in Instant Pot overnight? ›

Expert Response. The Instant pot can work like a slow cooker and when you leave it on a warm setting it will keep the food around 140 F so bacteria won't multiply. There would be a problem if they turned off the instant pot and left it over night. As long as the food stays warm out of the danger zone (40-140 degree F.)

How do you thicken broccoli sauce? ›

Use one tablespoon cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon cold water (aka a cornstarch slurry) for each cup of medium-thick sauce. Thoroughly mix the cornstarch and water together, then pour into your sauce. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.

How do you make broccoli not watery? ›

To avoid soggy broccolis try steaming it for 2 minutes and check the texture, if required cook for a minute more but not more than that. After this, you put the boiled broccoli into ice water, the constant shock will make them crispy.

How do you make watery soup more creamy? ›

Add Flour, Cornstarch, or Other Thickener: Starches thicken soup and give it body. Whisk a few tablespoons of starch into a little of the broth in a separate bowl before whisking it into the main pot. This prevents the starch from clumping and helps it dissolve into the soup evenly. 8.

How do you reduce soup to thicken? ›

"Reducing" simply means simmering a liquid long enough to evaporate the extra water, concentrating the flavors and thickening the dish. Remove large pieces of meat or vegetables from the liquid before reducing so they don't overcook. Sauces, broths and pureed soups can simply simmer as-is.

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