Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a beloved Instant Pot recipe for good reason. When prepared correctly, it becomes thick, tangy, and richly cheesy, with broccoli providing the ideal counterpoint to sharp cheddar. This Pressure Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers comfort, speed, and deep flavor—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Originally published 2/9/2018
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This classic broccoli-cheddar soup adapts wonderfully to the Instant Pot. It’s a straightforward recipe that yields a creamy, cheesy soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
I prefer using frozen broccoli because it softens quickly and evenly in the pressure cooker. If you choose fresh broccoli, allow a little extra cook time to reach the same tenderness.
Which Cheese is Best?
- For a smooth, melty texture, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting cleanly.
- Use a sharp cheddar for the most pronounced flavor. A good quality medium cheddar can work, but sharp cheddar gives the soup the best balance against the broccoli.
- Add the cheese off heat (or after canceling the Sauté function) and stir gently. Overheating or boiling cheese can cause it to become grainy.
Does this soup freeze well?
- Yes. Cool completely before freezing and portion into individual containers for easier reheating.
- Thaw before reheating when possible and reheat slowly over medium-low heat for the best texture.
This pressure cooker version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is quick and forgiving, making it a reliable choice when you want a hearty, homemade soup without fuss.
If you try this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, please leave a comment and rating. Feedback helps refine the recipe and lets others know what to expect.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
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6-quart Electric Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 1 large Carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 small Potato (optional), peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or ¾ tsp table salt)
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth, low sodium
- 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon
- 1 ½ lbs Broccoli Florets, fresh or frozen (chopped, about 6-8 cups)
To Thicken
- ¼ cup Flour
- ¼ cup Butter
To Finish
- 6 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups)
- 4 oz Monterey Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups Half and Half
Instructions
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Gather and prepare all ingredients: dice the onion, shred the carrot, peel and dice the potato if using, and shred the cheeses. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.
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Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. When hot, add the butter and olive oil, then cook the onion for a few minutes until softened.
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Stir in the grated carrot and potato (if using) and cook a minute to soften.
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Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Cook for another minute, stirring to combine the spices.
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Pour in the broth and stir to deglaze the pot.
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Add the broccoli on top without stirring. Close and lock the lid, and set the steam release to Sealing.
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Cancel Sauté, then choose Pressure Cook/Manual and set to High pressure for 3 minutes.
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When cooking ends, let the pot rest for a 10-minute Natural Release. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to Venting, then turn off the pot.
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Once the pressure pin drops, open the lid.
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Mash the vegetables with a potato masher for a rustic texture. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée to your desired consistency.
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Combine the flour and ¼ cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 15 seconds, then whisk until smooth to form a quick roux.
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Turn Sauté back on, stir in the roux, and cook until the soup begins to thicken.
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Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted. Cancel Sauté, then add the half-and-half and stir until combined and heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot with crusty bread or your preferred accompaniment.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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