Instant Pot Broccoli Soup: Your Ultimate Guide to Creamy, Healthy & Quick Broccoli Cheese Soup

Craving a quick, comforting meal that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this amazing Instant Pot Broccoli Soup recipe! In a matter of minutes, you can transform simple ingredients like fresh broccoli, aromatic onion and garlic, rich broth, smooth cream, and sharp cheese into a gloriously smooth and creamy broccoli and cheese soup. It’s the ultimate homemade vegetable soup experience – fast, flavorful, and a true weeknight winner for busy families and food lovers alike.

Soup holds a special place in my heart as one of the ultimate comfort foods. Beyond its incredibly satisfying taste, soup is a fantastic vehicle for incorporating more nutrient-rich vegetables into our daily diets. There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup to warm you from the inside out, especially as the colder months approach. My homemade cream of broccoli soup, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, truly embodies this cozy feeling.

As we transition into Fall, soup consistently finds its way onto my family’s meal plan. This particular Instant Pot broccoli and cheese soup has quickly become a firm favorite, cherished for its rich flavor and the ease with which it comes together. It’s a comforting classic redefined for modern, busy kitchens.

Why This Instant Pot Broccoli Soup Stands Out

What makes this Instant Pot broccoli soup so exceptional? It’s not just its speed, but the depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort. The pressure cooker tenderizes the broccoli perfectly while melding the onion and garlic with the broth, creating a robust base. Adding cream and cheese at the end transforms it into a luxuriously smooth and rich soup that feels gourmet, yet is simple enough for any home cook. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to get your family to enjoy more greens!

If you share my passion for delicious soups, you’ll love exploring some of my other favorite vegetable soup recipes. These are perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire and enjoying the wholesome goodness of homemade meals:

• Thai Roasted Pumpkin Soup: A vibrant, aromatic blend of sweet pumpkin with exotic Thai spices.
• Lemon Lentil Soup: A bright and tangy, protein-packed lentil soup, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Vegan Pinto Bean Soup: A hearty, flavorful, and completely plant-based soup for a nutritious option.
• Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup: An exotic and warming soup with sweet carrots and earthy red lentils, infused with Moroccan spices.
• Lebanese Lentil Soup: A traditional, simple, and deeply nourishing lentil soup from the heart of Lebanon.
• Vegetable Soup with Cabbage: A wholesome and detoxifying soup brimming with fresh vegetables and tender cabbage.

And if you’re a true broccoli enthusiast, don’t stop at soup! Broccoli is an incredibly versatile vegetable that shines in many dishes. Here are some more broccoli-centric recipes to inspire your next meal:

• Creamy Broccoli Pasta: A comforting pasta dish featuring tender broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce.
• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup: (Yes, this is a related recipe, highlighting the versatility of the Instant Pot for broccoli creations!)
• Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken: A hearty and satisfying casserole combining chicken, broccoli, and melted cheese.
• Broccoli Cheddar Cups: Perfect bite-sized appetizers or snacks, packed with broccoli and sharp cheddar.
• Roasted Broccoli: A simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that brings out the best in broccoli.
• Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese: A family-friendly classic elevated with lean chicken and healthy broccoli.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Broccoli Soup

You’ll be delighted by how effortlessly this recipe comes together, utilizing simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. It truly stands out as one of my go-to recipes for a comforting and quick meal!

• Broccoli: The star of our soup! I typically opt for fresh heads of broccoli, breaking them down into small florets. This ensures they cook evenly and blend into a wonderfully smooth texture. While fresh is ideal, don’t hesitate to use frozen broccoli for convenience. If using frozen, simply increase the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes instead of 5 to ensure it’s perfectly tender. The final result is remarkably similar in taste and texture, making it a great pantry staple. You can also experiment with broccolini for a slightly milder flavor.
• Aromatic Vegetables: A foundation of flavor for any great soup. Diced onion and minced garlic create a fragrant and savory base, sautéed to perfection before pressure cooking. These simple ingredients are crucial for building the soup’s depth.
• Broth: Vegetable broth is the liquid base, infusing the soup with more vegetable goodness. You can use homemade or store-bought. If you don’t need the soup to be strictly vegetarian, chicken broth can also be used for a richer flavor profile. Ensure your broth is low-sodium to control the overall saltiness of the soup.
• Cream: For that luxurious, velvety texture, heavy cream is my top choice. It adds richness and body that truly elevates the soup. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, light cream or even low-fat crème fraîche can be substituted. For a dairy-free or vegan version, full-fat coconut milk can provide a similar creaminess (see modification tips below).
• Cheese: The secret to that irresistible cheesy goodness! I recommend adding about ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and contribute a fantastic depth of flavor, making this a truly satisfying broccoli and cheese soup. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and beginning the flavor development.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Always adjust at the end to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Optional Garnishes: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little heat, and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make This Creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Soup

Preparing this velvety smooth Instant Pot Broccoli Soup is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. The Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, ensuring a perfectly cooked soup every time. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics. Begin by activating the sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Once it indicates “hot,” add the olive oil. Allow it to heat for a moment, then add your sliced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory base for your soup. Next, add the minced garlic clove and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds, or until you can smell its inviting fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

After the aromatics are fragrant, stir in the broccoli florets and vegetable broth. Make sure everything is well combined and the broccoli is mostly submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking under pressure.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Soup. Carefully close the lid of your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure. This short cooking time is perfect for tenderizing the broccoli without making it mushy. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a manual (quick) release of the steam by carefully turning the sealing valve to “Venting.” Stand clear of the steam as it releases. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid and valve.

Step 3: Achieve Creamy Perfection with Blending. Now it’s time to transform your cooked ingredients into a smooth, luxurious soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the broccoli mixture directly in the Instant Pot until it reaches your desired consistency – a beautifully even and smooth texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure not to overfill the blender, and always remove the center cap of the blender lid (covering the opening with a kitchen towel) to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup. Blend until smooth, then return the puréed soup to the Instant Pot.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Seasoning. With the Instant Pot still on a low heat setting (or off, using residual heat), add the heavy cream and the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the puréed soup. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated, creating a rich, smooth, and cheesy consistency. This step should be done gently to prevent the cream from curdling. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your delicious, piping hot Instant Pot Broccoli Soup immediately, perhaps with a final flourish of your favorite garnishes!

Creative Ways to Modify Your Instant Pot Broccoli Soup

This Instant Pot Broccoli Soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic ways to get creative:

• Add More Vegetables: While delicious on its own, this soup base is perfect for extra veggies. Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of pressure cooking, or blend in some cooked cauliflower for a broccoli-cauliflower blend. Carrots or even a diced potato (which also naturally thickens the soup) can be added with the broccoli.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Elevate your soup with delightful toppings. Beyond the suggested crushed red pepper and fresh parsley, consider roasted broccoli florets for texture, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang, crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch, or even croutons for added texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a different shredded cheese also works wonders.
• Vegan Version: To make this soup completely plant-based, simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Ensure you use a high-quality vegetable broth and substitute the cheese with your favorite vegan cheese shreds. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free vegetable broth. Most broths are GF, but always double-check the label to be sure.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or extra crushed red pepper can be added at the end.
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs. A touch of dried thyme or a bay leaf added with the broth can enhance the savory notes.

How Do You Thicken This Creamy Broccoli Soup?

Achieving the perfect creamy consistency is key for a comforting soup. Traditionally, many soups are thickened using a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) or cornstarch slurry. Another popular and healthier method is to add starchy vegetables like potatoes, which naturally thicken the soup as they break down during cooking, eliminating the need for added flour or thickeners.

However, for this specific Instant Pot Broccoli Soup, the combination of blending the vegetables into a smooth purée and then stirring in the heavy cream and shredded cheese provides ample thickening. The rich fats in the cream and the melting cheese contribute significantly to its luxurious, velvety texture, making additional thickeners completely unnecessary.

Recipe Tip: For ultimate convenience and a perfectly smooth soup, I highly recommend using an immersion blender. It allows you to purée the soup directly in the Instant Pot liner, saving you from transferring hot liquid to a regular blender and reducing cleanup. If an immersion blender isn’t available, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, ensuring the lid is vented to release steam as you blend.

What is the Best Cheese for This Broccoli Cheese Soup?

The choice of cheese can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your creamy broccoli soup. For melting into soup, you generally want cheeses with a lower melting temperature that will integrate smoothly without becoming grainy or stringy. Excellent choices include:

• Mozzarella: Known for its exceptional melting qualities, mozzarella will give your soup a smooth, slightly stretchy consistency and a mild, creamy flavor that complements the broccoli beautifully.
• Cheddar: A classic choice for broccoli cheese soup, cheddar brings a robust, sharp, and savory flavor. The older the cheddar, the more pronounced its taste will be. For best results, use a medium or sharp cheddar.
• Swiss Cheese: Offering a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, Swiss cheese melts wonderfully and adds a sophisticated depth to the soup.
• Monterey Jack: A semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties, Monterey Jack will contribute to a very creamy and approachable soup.
• Gruyère: For a more gourmet touch, Gruyère is a fantastic option. It boasts a rich, nutty, and earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with broccoli and adds a luxurious quality.
• Provolone: Similar to mozzarella but with a bit more flavor, provolone melts smoothly and can add a nice, subtle tang.

Ultimately, the “best” cheese comes down to your personal taste preference and the flavor profile you desire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties or even a blend of two to create your signature Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Broccoli Soup

This Instant Pot Broccoli Soup is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can savor its deliciousness for days to come:

• Fridge: Once your soup has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, this soup freezes surprisingly well. After it has fully cooled, store the soup in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay freezer bags flat to save space. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency, as it can thicken slightly upon cooling. Avoid boiling, especially if reheating from frozen, to maintain its creamy texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Broccoli Soup

This creamy broccoli soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to make it a more complete and satisfying dinner. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Sandwiches or Paninis: A classic pairing, especially a grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey panini.
• Roasted Vegetables: While the soup is packed with broccoli, a side of roasted root vegetables or asparagus can complement the meal.
• Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier meal, serve a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice in the bottom of the bowl before ladling in the soup.

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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Broccoli Soup

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

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If you are looking for a quick meal that can be ready in minutes, my Instant Pot Broccoli Soup is the recipe for you.

Ingredients 

• ▢ 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• ▢ 1 small onion, sliced
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic , minced
• ▢ 5 cups broccoli florets
• ▢ 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• ▢ 3/4 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded
• ▢ Salt and pepper , to taste
• ▢ Crushed red pepper , to serve
• ▢ Parsley, to serve

Instructions 

• Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and onion and cook until translucent, around 4 minutes.
• Add the garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds more or until fragrant.
• Mix in the broccoli florets and broth and stir to incorporate. Close the lid and valve and set on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Manually release steam and open the lid and valve.
• With the help of an immersion blender, purée the broccoli until evenly combined and smooth.
• Add the heavy cream and cheese and stir to incorporate until melted and smooth.
• Serve warm with crushed red pepper, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley. This soup is delicious! You can also top it with roasted broccoli florets, Parmesan cheese, or a sour cream dollop.

Notes

• This soup is incredibly delicious and versatile! Feel free to customize your bowl with various toppings like roasted broccoli florets for texture, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a cooling dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• If opting for convenience, you can certainly use frozen broccoli. When cooking from frozen, simply adjust the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes instead of 5 minutes. The extended time ensures the broccoli is perfectly tender, yielding a final soup that is incredibly similar in taste and texture to one made with fresh broccoli.

Nutrition

Serving: 4Servings,
Calories: 306kcal,
Carbohydrates: 15g,
Protein: 12g,
Fat: 24g,
Saturated Fat: 11g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g,
Cholesterol: 54mg,
Sodium: 1031mg,
Potassium: 459mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 6g,
Vitamin A: 1905IU,
Vitamin C: 104mg,
Calcium: 295mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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