Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable Version)
A velvety blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar, ready in just 25 minutes for a quick, satisfying dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Base
05 - 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Dairy & Cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Spices & Seasoning
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Thickener
13 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
# How-To:
01 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add butter. Once melted, add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
02 - Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
03 - Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking well to avoid lumps.
04 - Add in broccoli florets and grated carrot. Season with paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
05 - Seal the lid. Set to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.
06 - Perform a quick release. Open the lid and stir.
07 - Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your preferred consistency (either completely smooth or slightly chunky).
08 - Set Instant Pot to Sauté (Low). Stir in milk and cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This soup comes together faster than delivery would arrive
- The texture is incredibly silky without hours of stirring
02 -
- Never add cheese while the soup is boiling or it can separate and become grainy
- Letting the soup cool slightly before blending prevents dangerous steam explosions
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from a block since pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop