The Best Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect easy dinner recipe, this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is seriously the best!

I'm all about quick and easy dinner recipes. While I'm usually good about meal planning and try to throw something in the slow cooker on busy day, there are times when I'm not in the mood for what's on the menu. Or there are days when the weather is rainy and gross and soup just sounds good.

Seriously, a small bowl of soup on a cold rainy day is one of my favorite things!

I've shared before that I think Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the best broccoli cheddar soup around, but it's expensive to buy Panera Bread for my whole family.

I love this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe, but sometimes I just don't have time to make it on the stove top. That's where pressure cooking comes in super handy! I'm so excited to share this new recipe with you!

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup recipe is perfect for busy nights when you don't have a lot of cooking time. Your whole family will love this delicious soup!

You can serve it in a bread bowl or in a regular bowl with a side of crusty bread. It's sure to be a huge hit…even with your picky eaters!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter (I use salted butter, but you can use unsalted butter)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 ½ cup diced onion
• 4 cups chopped broccoli florets (you can use fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli)
• 2 cups water (or chicken broth or vegetable broth or bone broth)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 5 cloves minced garlic
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (You could use mild cheddar if you don't have sharp)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the Instant Pot

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add butter once it gets hot.

Add your carrots, celery, and onions and cook for 5 minutes. You'll want to use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir frequently.

Once your onion is translucent, turn off your Instant Pot.

Add water and broccoli to your Instant Pot and then lock the lid.

Make sure your seal is set to sealing.

Use the Manual High Pressure Setting and set the time for 5 minutes.

Once the timer beeps, you'll want to release the pressure. Be very careful when you do the quick release as it will release a whole lotta steam and possibly a little hot water as well. I typically use a silicone glove or a pair of tongs to release the pressure.

Next, remove the lid and turn your Instant Pot to saute mode.

Add your heavy whipping cream and garlic and stir well.

Continue stirring and slowly add your cheese. Keep stirring until the shredded cheese is completely melted.

Turn off your Instant Pot (or use the keep warm function).

Season with salt and pepper.

You can serve this immediately or you can let it cool and freeze it for later.

FAQ {Frequently Asked Questions}

Do I have to use heavy cream?

You don't have to use heavy whipping cream, but if you use a substitute the soup won't be the same. Your best substitution would be half and half. Whole milk will work in a pinch as will almond milk, but your soup wont be as creamy.

If you like a bowl of creamy soup, you'll want to avoid skim milk (unless you want to end up adding xanthan gum or cream cheese to thicken it. I also would avoid coconut milk, as it has a pretty distinct flavor that will drastically change the taste of this great recipe.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yep, you sure can. But be aware that some olive oils have a distinct flavor, so this can change the end taste of your bowl of soup.

Can I use broth instead of water?

Yep, sure can! When I originally made this recipe, I didn't have any broth so I used water. I think adding vegetable stock or chicken stock or any other kind of broth or stock will make for a more flavorful soup. You can also make this with 1 cup of broth and 1 cup of water if you're looking for some balance.

I don't like big pieces of broccoli in my soup. Is there a way to change the texture?

Yep. While broccoli is the star ingredient, I know some people don't like chunks of it in their soup. Cut your broccoli pieces into smaller chunks to start out and then use an immersion blender before serving.

Is there a way to make this broccoli soup low-carb?

Yep, most of the ingredients in this soup are naturally low carb, but to lower the carb count, you can ditch the cup of carrots. I also like to grate my own cheese when I'm making keto or low-carb recipes as you can avoid fillers and extra carbs this way.

If you're looking for something to replace the carrots, I sometimes add zucchini when I make this low carb version.

I like spicy foods? Is there a way to make this spicier?

If you prefer a kick to your soup, you can doctor it up with some hot sauce or red pepper flakes before serving.

How do I store the leftover soup?

You can store the leftover soup in the fridge in an airtight container. You'll want to allow it to cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.

How do I freeze this soup to use later?

I like to freeze soup flat in freezer bags. Make sure you've allowed your soup to cool to room temperature before adding it to the freezer bags.

I have an Instant Pot, but I'm afraid to use it. Is it really easy to use?

Yep! It's super easy, but I totally understand your hesitation. I was afraid to use my Instant Pot when I first got it too. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Using Your Instant Pot Without Fear!

Do you have an Instant Pot you recommend?

Yes…and No. I know. Totally confusing. I have multiple instant pots and I've used various other ones as well. These are the ones I'm currently using.

Crock-pot Pot 8-Quart Multi-Use XL Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

And I bought this one because it's so pretty!

Need More Instant Pot Recipes?

Here are some of my favorites!

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Instant Pot Banana Bread with Caramel and Pecans

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Pin This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Later