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    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Easy Dinners > Instant Pot

    The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup

    Published: Feb 24, 2022 · Modified: Oct 27, 2022 by Melissa · 270 Comments

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    pinterest pin with text that reads "instant pot broccoli cheese soup" - a bowl of the finished soup garnished with cheese and rolls in the background
    pinterest pin with text that reads "instant pot broccoli cheese soup" - the instant pot is shown as it cooks down the broccoli and veggies
    A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup topped with shredded cheese and a fabric napkin and spoon next to the bowl with the words "Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup" written at the top
    A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup topped with shredded cheese and a fabric napkin and spoon next to the bowl with the words "Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup" written at the top
    The top and bottom photos are of bowls of broccoli cheddar soup with grated cheese on top with the words "Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup" written in the middle
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    Title Image for Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup with two white bowls of Broccoli and Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheese and served with squares of bread
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    This Instant 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

    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!

    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.

    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.

    More soup recipes:

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

    If you’ve tried this Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese recipe or any other recipe on Bless this Mess, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and 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 on Instagram so I can repost on my stories AND add your photo to your comment so that other can see your creation.

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    a marble table sets the scene for rustic white ceramic bowls of broccoli cheddar soup with rolls and raw broccoli around

    The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup


    ★★★★★

    4.9 from 101 reviews

    • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 40 min
    • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
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    Description

    This Instant 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!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 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
    • ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ cup corn starch
    • ¼ cup cold water
    • 2 cups cream or half-and-half
    • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    1. Select browning/saute to preheat the pressure cooker. Add the butter and onion and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
    2. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    3. Stir in the chicken stock, broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    4. Lock the lid in place, make sure the vent is set to seal, and select high pressure and 1 minute cook time.
    5. When the cooking time ends, use the quick pressure release. When the valve drops, remove the lid carefully.
    6. In a small bowl whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth.
    7. 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.
    8. Turn off the pressure cooker. Slowly stir in the cream or half-and-half.
    9. Add the cheese a handful at a time and stir until it melts.
    10. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

    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.
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: 30 min
    • Category: Soup
    • Method: Instant Pot
    • Cuisine: Soup

    Keywords: Instant pot soup recipe, Instant pot soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, gluten free soup, quick soup recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    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 Cooker is 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
    • Tortellini Vegetable 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.

    « Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce
    Quick and Easy Tortellini Soup with Spinach »
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    About Melissa

    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Diane

      September 02, 2022 at 9:20 am

      I've made this recipe multiple times. It's easy and delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Patty

      April 30, 2022 at 10:42 am

      Does anyone know if I can use fat free half & half.

      Reply
      • Angi

        May 18, 2022 at 7:31 pm

        I'm about to try it will let you know how it turns out

    3. Julie

      April 06, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      I use this recipe all the time and it is fantastic!
      I definitely suggest using grated carrots versus the pre-cut matchstick ones. The matchstick carrots come out still hard. It also doesn't hurt to add an extra minute or two in the instantpot. I also suggest pretty much only using cheddar cheese, first time I made it I used a tex mex blend and it doesn't taste "cheesy" enough. This soup also tastes better and more flavourful the next day. Next step is to try it with bacon!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. FeeFee

      March 25, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      Delicious! Making again tonight.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Jeanette

      March 07, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      Ok this soup is exceptional! I made it and it was perfect as is. I used fresh broccoli and it is the creamiest broccoli soup I have ever made. I have a niece with the name Lachelle. Is that you?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. LaChelle

      February 26, 2022 at 6:21 pm

      Absolutely fantastic & so easy to assemble. We made some tweaks, based on what we had, but kept the foundation of the recipe intact. So easy, yet so delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        February 28, 2022 at 8:38 am

        I have a sister named Lachelle (she doesn't capitalize the C) and I've never met anyone else with the name! So pleased to. So glad you liked that soup! I just made it this week too.

    7. Judy

      February 22, 2022 at 10:20 am

      I followed your recipe using half & half and we enjoyed the soup very much. I served it simply with a warmed whole grain baguette. Thank you! I will be looking at more of your Instant Pot recipes.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Susan

      January 07, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      What do you mean in the list of ingredients by “cream”? Whipping cream?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        January 09, 2022 at 5:39 pm

        Yep, cream, whipping cream, heavy whipping cream it'll all work great.

    9. Alyssa

      January 05, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      This is our GO TO broccoli soup recipe, lost count how many times I've made it now! My husband is a huge broccoli & cheese soup fanatic, he orders it at any restaurant we eat out at if it's on the menu, and for years I tried numerous recipes to make it at home with mediocre results. The day I made this and he declared it one of the best he's ever had, I knew I finally found our winner!!! The shredded carrots really add something special to this soup & it only taking a few minutes in the Instant Pot is the icing on the cake, making it the perfect, quick & easy, yummy dinner on busy days.

      Never leave reviews really, but figured a big THANK YOU has been long overdue! 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        January 05, 2022 at 6:53 pm

        I appreciate the review SO much and I'm glad that you make it as much as I do... sooooo easy and so good!!

    10. sally

      December 17, 2021 at 9:50 pm

      Followed directions. But came out really soupy.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        December 20, 2021 at 10:08 am

        That's odd, you used the cornstarch and everything? You can always double the cornstarch next time too.

    11. Dee

      November 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Added shredded chicken to this and it was fantastic!

      Reply
    12. Ivonne

      October 29, 2021 at 12:54 am

      This recipe sounds delicious! If I want to double the ingredients is it the same cook time?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        November 02, 2021 at 5:30 pm

        Same cook time yes, just make sure that much will fit in your pot. I can double it in an 8 quart no issues.

    13. Dorothy davis

      September 28, 2021 at 9:43 am

      What is the fibre count on this soup

      Reply
    14. Shaunte Kilgore

      September 06, 2021 at 8:23 pm

      Made this tonight almost to a T. I did almost double the cheese, double the garlic, added an extra cup of broth. Family of 5 here with 3 sons. It was superb. I actually started dancing after I tasted it! Will absolutely make this again and again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Heather M.

      August 20, 2021 at 12:40 am

      This soup is an absolute winner! I've made it several times now and it really is quick, easy and totally delicious, love it! My super picky kids actually cheered when they saw I was making this for supper tonight. I made bread bowls to go with it and my kids couldn't stop raving about it. Thank you Melissa for another fabulous recipe!

      Reply
    16. Alexis

      August 13, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      We tried the soup out tonight and it turned out amazing! Even my one year old twins couldn’t get enough!! I did everything as suggested other than I used evaporated milk since that was all I had on hand. Definitely will be making again in the future.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. catherine

      May 27, 2021 at 1:49 pm

      In an effort to avoid waste I peeled off the outer broccoli skin and used the whole bunch (rather than just the flowerets)
      I used a small potato for thickening and did not need the half and half. Amazing how rich the soup was without it. Homemade chicken broth and some extra red pepper brightened it up. My family loved it. Thanks for providing the basis for a good soup.

      ★★★★

      Reply
    18. Caroline

      April 12, 2021 at 6:21 pm

      Really was the best broccoli soup I’ve ever had. I used immersion blender after cooking which made it thick enough to skip slurry step. I used frozen carrots and frozen broccoli! Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Kristan Oakes

      April 02, 2021 at 11:54 pm

      I love this soup so much. Do you think it would freeze well? If so, how should I reheat it? Thank you 🙏🏻

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        April 03, 2021 at 8:42 am

        It does! Just don't reheat it from frozen, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge. The time I tried to warm up my frozen chunk of soup some of it got to hot and milk curdled a little. Still good but didn't look as nice.

      • Rita

        September 23, 2021 at 8:33 am

        Thanks for this question! I'm the only one eating it and I can make it now and pull it out each week. How long do you think it's good in the freezer?

        ★★★★★

    20. Bud

      March 22, 2021 at 9:38 am

      can I use cauliflower instead of broccoli for this recipe

      Reply
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