Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable)

Creamy, comforting soup with tender broccoli and rich cheddar prepared in the Instant Pot for a quick warming meal.

# What You'll 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 Make It:

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.

# Tips from dashanddishes:

01 -
  • The pressure cooker transforms tough broccoli into silk in literally five minutes
  • Sharp cheddar plus that tiny pinch of nutmeg creates the most sophisticated flavor profile
  • You probably have everything in your fridge right now
02 -
  • Cheese can separate if boiled, so always add it after pressure cooking
  • The soup thickens considerably as it cools, so thin with extra broth when reheating
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese for the smoothest results
  • Taste the broth before seasoning, as brands vary wildly in salt