Easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Looking for a warm, cozy hug in a bowl? Then you’ve hit the jackpot with this Easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. Seriously, if you’re tired of the same old boring lunches or need a simple, satisfying dinner that requires minimal effort, you’re gonna love this. Also, who can resist cheese, right?

I still remember the first time I made this soup. I was freezing my butt off one winter evening, craving something creamy and delicious. So I threw some broccoli and cheddar into my trusty Instant Pot, and boom—fabulous comfort food emerged. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this deliciousness in no time.

Why Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

A Comfort Classic
Broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re sick, cold, or just super hungry, this soup feels like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket. Plus, broccoli is a superhero vegetable packed with vitamins. Who doesn’t want to sneak some healthy stuff into their meals? Super stealth mode activated!

Quick and Simple
In less than an hour, you can be enjoying a bowl of creamy goodness. Seriously, you can spend more time scrolling through TikTok than actually cooking this soup. And let’s be real—that sounds way better than spending hours slaving over a stove.

What You’ll Need

Before we get rolling, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen in your Instant Pot:

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (Because frozen broccoli just doesn’t hit the same)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Cheddar is love, cheddar is life)
1 cup diced onion (Tears of joy, not from sadness)
2 cloves garlic (Your taste buds will thank you)
4 cups vegetable broth (Or chicken broth if you’re not feeling veggie vibes)
1 cup heavy cream (Because why not? Life is short.)
2 tablespoons olive oil (To keep it all from sticking)
Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t skimp on the seasoning)

Optional toppings: Croutons, additional cheese, or chopped green onions. Because toppings make everything better, right?

Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part: cooking! Grab your Instant Pot and let’s turn those ingredients into pure deliciousness.

Step 1: Sautéing

Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode.
Add olive oil, then toss in your onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent.
Add the garlic and sauté for an extra minute until fragrant. (FYI, this smells AMAZING!)

Step 2: Adding the Veggies

Stir in the broccoli florets.
Pour in your vegetable broth and give everything a good stir. It should be looking like a veggie party in there!

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, then switch to quick release to let the rest of the steam out.

Step 4: Blend and Add Cream

Carefully open the lid and use an immersion blender (or a regular one if you’re feeling brave) to blend the soup until smooth. You can blend it all the way or leave a few chunks for texture.
Stir in the heavy cream and the cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

It’s time to taste! Add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with your choice of croutons, extra cheese, or green onions for the fancy touch.

Tips for Perfect Soup

Choose Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your broccoli, the more vibrant your soup.
Don’t Rush: Letting the soup blend a little longer helps develop the flavors, so don’t skimp on the blending!
Cheese is Key: Don’t use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it. Grate it yourself for a creamier texture—trust me.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Bored with the classic? Not a problem! Here are some fun twists you can try:

Add Some Protein

Chicken or bacon can give your soup an extra punch. Just sauté them with the onions for that delightful flavor infusion.

Spice it Up

For those who like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. It’s like a little dance party for your taste buds! 🎉

Veggie Up!

Feel free to sneak in some other veggies like carrots or cauliflower. Whole broccoli and cheese is great, but a mixed veggie extravaganza never hurts!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your awesome soup:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers. It will last about 3 months.
Reheating: Just warm it up on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to get that creamy texture back.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—Easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup that will leave you cozy and satisfied! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or that random chilly day when you just want to have some fun in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on your chef hat (or your pajamas, no judgment here) and make this soup. Your future self will thank you. I promise it’ll be worth it! And hey, don’t forget to share your culinary success with your friends or on social media. Who knows, you might inspire someone else to give it a go!

If you have any questions about the recipe or want to share your own twists, drop a comment below! Happy cooking! 🍲