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 to thicken up broccoli cheese soup? ›

The common solution is to use a flour-based roux. Flour can thicken up the water phase of the soup, which in turn makes it difficult for fat globules to coalesce. Just like in a creamy Mornay sauce, the cheese can't separate.

How to prevent broccoli cheddar soup from separating? ›

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. Don't add the cheese all at once or you risk clumping.

Why is my broccoli cheddar soup watery? ›

Sometimes soup just needs to simmer longer to reach the perfect consistency. Check to see if the vegetables are tender, and then taste the broth. If the soup tastes a bit watery, give it more time.

Why did my broccoli cheese soup break? ›

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.

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.

How do you keep broccoli cheese soup from curdling? ›

How do you keep broccoli cheddar soup from curdling? Curdling in a cream soup usually occurs when the milk or cream is added at too high of a heat. As you incorporate the milk and broth into the cooked onion and flour mixture, keep the heat at medium and stir continuously with a whisk.

Why won't my cheese melt in my broccoli cheddar soup? ›

Grate the cheese yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting into a lusciously creamy soup. To ensure that your broccoli cheddar soup has the best smooth and creamy texture, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

Why does broccoli cheddar soup make my stomach hurt? ›

Broccoli also can be the culprit behind a slew of stomach-related symptoms. Not only does the veggie — or more specifically, the intestinal bacteria that breaks the fibrous content down — cause gas, but that gas can actually be painful, too. Because the gas expands the intestines, its lining and walls become stretched.

Why is my broccoli and cheese soup grainy? ›

If you add cheese to your soup when it's too hot or boiling vigorously, it can become overcooked and develop a grainy or curdled texture rather than melting smoothly. To avoid this, reduce the heat to low or medium-low before adding the cheese.

Why does my broccoli soup taste bland? ›

If your Broccoli Soup tastes bland, there are several potential reasons. Here are some common culprits and suggestions to enhance the flavour: Insufficient seasoning. Solution: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.

Does heavy cream thicken soup? ›

Heavy cream

Use heavy cream as a keto-friendly thickening option for your soups and broths. Heavy cream has more fat than regular whole milk, so you can add it to your soup recipes without worrying about it curdling.

What is the best thickener for soup? ›

Soup Thickening Method: Cornstarch Slurry

Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient. I made a classic slurry by whisking cornstarch and hot broth until smooth in a small bowl.

Why do you avoid simmering your soup after adding the cheese? ›

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. Keep the heat very low, and make sure the cheese is one of the last things added to the soup.

Can you use pre-shredded cheese in soup? ›

Will cheddar cheese melt in soup? Cheddar will definitely melt here — but you'll want to start with block cheese for this cheddar potato soup. Pre-shredded cheese, though convenient, is coated with an anti-clumping agent that interferes with the cheese's ability to melt smoothly and evenly.

How to add cheese to soup without curdling? ›

To prevent cheese from curdling, it's important to add it to the soup slowly and at a lower temperature. Gradually incorporate small amounts of cheese into the hot soup while stirring continuously. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese.

How to thicken broccoli soup without cornstarch? ›

Try rice flour, tapioca starch or potato starch/flour. All will thicken a soup or sauce. Mix a spoonful (you'll have to experiment with quantity) into a small of cold liquid that will go into the soup (milk, water, broth) and then pour it into the hot soup stirring continuously. If it hasn't thickened enough add more.

How do you thicken broccoli sauce? ›

Use two tablespoons flour mixed with ¼ cup cold water for each cup of medium-thick sauce. Thoroughly mix in the water to prevent lumps. After stirring the combined flour and water into the sauce, cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Heat one minute more to cook the flour thoroughly.

How to fix bland broccoli soup? ›

Why is my broccoli soup bland? There are a few factors that can contribute to a bland soup. If the broth you used is sodium free you may need to add extra salt and seasonings. An extra splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice or vinegar can elevate the brightness of a bland soup as well.

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