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Home >> Soups >> Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Instant Pot, Stove Top

Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Instant Pot, Stove Top

Feb 7, 2019 · 18 Comments

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This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a easy one-pot recipe ready in under 30 minutes and is better than any take out!!! Creamy comfort in a bowl, perfect for winter nights.

 

 

 

WHAT IS BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

Broccoli cheddar soup is a thick and creamy soup made with all the goodness of broccoli and cheesy cheddar cheese. Love how well the flavors come together in a bowl. Flavorful and easy to make is one of my family’s favorite soup.

I believe that the quality of ingredients matters when it comes to food. I like to use fresh and least processed ingredients whenever possible, it just makes so much difference. The food tastes great and is healthy too.

The two key ingredients, or I must say star of this recipe are broccoli and cheddar cheese. I am using fresh broccoli in this recipe. I love broccoli and like to use plenty in this soup.

I am using broccoli florets, but you could totally use the combination of florets and stems as well, works just fine. Roughly chop the florets into bite-size pieces. If using stems, chop stems finely. Note: Stems require more time to cook than florets.

Good quality cheddar cheese is important. I am using extra sharp cheddar cheese. I have tried making this soup with the pre-shredded cheese verses the cheese I shredded at home, and I must say, there is a huge difference in the taste. The pre-shredded cheese does not blend well.

Again, this is just a personal choice. I know when it comes to convenience we always want things that are ready to use. But please if you can take this extra step of grating your own cheese, trust me you will thank me for this ?

 

 

 

HOW TO FLAVOR BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

There are few ways you could add more flavor to this soup. Some of the spices that go well with this soup are red chili powder or cayenne pepper, mustard powder, smoked paprika. I am not using any of these to flavor my soup.

One spice I absolutely love having in this soup is nutmeg. Nutmeg is great flavor enhancing spice, however, be advised it is also a overpowering spice. Just a pinch of nutmeg goes a long way.

I like to use fresh nutmeg, over the powdered one. I use cheese grater and grate the nutmeg straight into the pot, just a few grates is all you need to add flavor buster. Experiment with your food and you will be amazed how small things can actually add so much flavor.

HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

I like to make this soup in Instant Pot, but you can also make this yummy soup on a stove top. (Please checkout the recipe for stove top instructions)

All in just one pot, from start to finish. I start with sauteing  garlic and flour, in some butter. This is a very important step. Saute flour for couple of minutes to get the raw smell out of the flour.

After couple of minutes of sauteing, whisk in broth, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture. Rest is basically a dump and go recipe.

I add broccoli, carrots, garlic powder. Set Instant Pot to Manual / Pressure cook mode (high) for “0” minutes, vent sealed, followed by natural pressure release around 5-10 minutes. Note: “ZERO” minutes is NOT a typo!!

Add cream and cheddar cheese, crushed black pepper, adjust the seasoning and you have piping hot, yummy broccoli cheddar soup ready to be served!!

 

 

 

HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP GLUTEN-FREE

The all-purpose flour helps give soup a nice thick gravy/sauce like consistency. However, there are other ways to thicken the soup and achieve desired consistency without using all-purpose flour, thus making the soup gluten-free. Here are some gluten-free substitutes:

USE GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR

ArrowRoot flour, Sorghum flour, Chickpea flour, Corn flour (white or yellow) are all starch-based flours and can be used as a thickening agents. Thus, making it gluten-free.

USE A POTATO

Other way you could make this a gluten-free is by using a potato. Yes, a potato gives this soup a nice thick texture without actually using any flour. Thus, keeping it gluten-free.

Take a medium size potato, peel and chop, add it to the soup. The starch from the potato acts as thickening agent and also adds some creaminess to the soup. This is thus by far the easiest and the simplest way of making a gluten-free soup.

Does adding a potato make this soup taste like potato soup and not broccoli cheddar soup??- Not at all. Since we are adding a very small quantity of potato, it does not overpower the soup at all. All it does is give a nice thick texture to the soup without any flour.

ADD RICE (BROWN / WHITE)

Add 1-2 tablespoon of rice (brown or white), the starch from the rice acts as a thickening agent, thus adding thickness and creaminess to the soup, keeping it gluten-free. Note: Short-grain rice is more starchy as compared to long-grain rice.

 

 

 

TIPS FOR DELICIOUS BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

Fresh broccoli tastes best in this soup, but you can substitute with frozen broccoli too. If using frozen broccoli reduce the quantity of liquid(broth) in the recipe.

Using sharp cheddar cheese adds so much flavor to this soup. I prefer extra sharp cheddar cheese for strong flavor, but you could use cheese of your choice. Gruyere also tastes great in this soup. Choose to grate your own cheese verses store bought pre-grated cheese, for best results.

Add cheese once the soup is completely off the heat, the heat from the liquid is sufficient to melt the cheese. If cheese is boiled, it might start to separate, leaving a undesirable texture and looks.

Use carrots to add an extra flavor to this soup, you can chop the carrots or shred it. I love veggies, and try to incorporate as much as I can into our daily diet. And what could be a better way to sneak in the veggies without your little ones even knowing about it.

You can also add onions, celery in this soup. Recipe does not use any.

Use a low-sodium vegetable broth, instead of chicken stock. You could use either one, but since cheddar cheese has quite a bit of salt,

I prefer low-sodium vegetable stock to balance the sodium level in the soup and also keeping it vegetarian.

You can use heavy cream, half and half or just milk, works absolutely great. Higher the fat content, the creamier the soup will be.

Garlic adds lots of flavors to this soup, I like combination of fresh garlic and garlic powder in this soup. Try not to skip on fresh garlic, it does give this soup a nice flavor.

HOW TO SERVE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

I like to serve this soup piping hot, top it with some extra broccoli, some extra cheese and some freshly crushed black pepper. You can serve it in a classic way, with some crusty bread or with some crackers like my kids love it. Either way this soup tastes just WOW!!!

 

 

 

HOW TO STORE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

The soup stays good for 3-4 days in refrigerator. Reheat well in a microwave or on a low heat on a stove top.

If planning on freezing this soup, do not add any cream or cheese to it. Note: Dairy products (cream, cheese) do not tend to freeze well, at times it turns grainy or losses its texture.

Once the soup is at room temperature, divide it into freezer safe containers and store into freezer for up to a month. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, once thawed completely, bring it to boil, turn off heat. Add cream and cheese, let the cheese blend in well. Serve hot!!

 

Here are some more SOUP recipes from blog. Enjoy!!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup – restaurant style chicken gnocchi soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup – cream, comforting, earthy flavors in a bowl of soup

Chicken and Cabbage Soup – healthy, low-carb, chicken and cabbage soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup – spicy, hearty soup inspired by Mexican cuisine

Tomato Carrot Beetroot Soup – smooth, velvety textured, different version of tomato soup

Here are some more recipes from blog. Enjoy!!

How to grow Sprouts – Lentil and Beans

How to Steam Broccoli / Instant Pot – easiest and a healthier way to make broccoli 

Strawberry Jam – 3-ingredients, super easy, finger-licking homemade Strawberry Jam

Top 10 recipes of 2019 – collection of top 10 recipes of 2019

Chocolate Fudge

HOT CHOCOLATE ON STICKS

 

★ If you have tried this recipe, we would love your feedback. Please leave a comment. You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, for all the latest on my blog!!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for easy and delicious video recipes. Happy Cooking!!

 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Instant Pot, Stove Top

Jyoti Behrani
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a easy one-pot recipe ready in under 30 minutes and is better than any take out!!! Creamy comfort in a bowl, perfect for winter nights.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups broccoli, coarsely chopped (around 24 oz)
  • 3/4 cup carrot, medium shredded
  • 8 oz block, extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 3 cups broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup flour (For gluten-free see the recipe notes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions for Instant Pot Cooking:

  • Turn on Instant Pot on saute mode (high). When it displays "HOT" add oil, butter. When butter melts, add garlic, saute for 30 seconds. Add flour, saute for 2-3 minutes.
    Note: For gluten-free, see the recipe notes.
  • Whisk in broth, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
  • Add broccoli, carrots, garlic powder, nutmeg. Mix well. Cover the Instant pot and lock the lid. Make sure valve is in "sealing". Note: Using a cheese grater, fine grate nutmeg couple of time.
  • Set Instant Pot on Manual/Pressure Cook mode (high) for 0 minutes. Let pressure release naturally, around 5 minutes.
    Note: "ZERO" minutes is NOT a typo!!
  • After 5 minutes, move the valve to "venting", carefully open the lid. Set Instant Pot to saute mode (high), let the soup come to a gentle boil. Turn off Instant Pot.
  • Add cream, cheddar cheese, crushed black pepper, mix well. Let the cheese melt completely, around 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning - salt & pepper to taste.
  • Ladle into bowl and garnish with some extra cheese and serve!

Notes

  1. How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free? - checkout the discusion earlier in the post.
  2. Tips  - checkout the discussion earlier in the post.
  3. Reheat the soup on a low heat. Dairy(cream, cheese) if heated on high heat, might start to separate, leaving with an undesirable texture.
  4. How to store and freeze the soup?-checkout the discussion earlier in the post.
  5. Instructions for Stove Top Cooking: Follow the same recipe, except instead of pressure cooking, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat cover and cook for 3-5 mins or until veggies are soft. Rest is same as Instant pot.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
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KEYWORD

broccoli,broccoli cheddar soup, soup recipes, instant pot broccoli cheddar soup, instant pot recipes, instant pot vegetarian recipes, instant pot soup,gluten free

 

30 minutes or less, American, Gluten-free, Instant Pot, Soups, Vegetarian 30 minutes or less, American, Gluten-free, Instant Pot, Soup /Chili, Vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    November 2, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Used the potato method to keep it gluten free and it was perfect! We had this for dinner last weekend and it is now going to be part of my rotation! Great for those cold fall evenings!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      November 2, 2019 at 9:30 pm

      Hi Cheryl, I am so glad you liked the soup. Thank you for your feedback!

      Reply
  2. Dawn Johnson C/O Screenforce says

    November 5, 2020 at 2:20 am

    Could you substitute anything lighter for the heavy cream?

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      November 5, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      Hi, You can use half and half, evaporated milk or regular milk instead of heavy cream. Thanks!

      Reply
  3. susan says

    January 13, 2021 at 6:31 pm

    can you use can coconut milk instead of heavy cream?

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      January 15, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      Hi, You can use half and half, evaporated milk, regular milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Thanks!

      Reply
  4. Alicia says

    January 15, 2021 at 2:24 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight. It was very good. I used half and half, and chicken broth, since I had those on hand. I used a potato instead of flour. I’ll be adding this to my recipes the family likes.

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      January 15, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 15, 2021 at 9:45 am

        5 stars
        Really delicious and so easy to make with the instant pot. I didn’t change a thing, it was perfect. Thanks

        Reply
        • Jyoti Behrani says

          April 15, 2021 at 2:53 pm

          Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

          Reply
  5. Laura says

    January 30, 2021 at 3:32 am

    5 stars
    Loved it! So yummy! My family ate the entire pot of soup for dinner! Will definitely make again!! Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      January 30, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe ? Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  6. MarKen says

    February 4, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe, simple, quick and quite tasty. Added a little extra cheddar cause who doesn’t love extra cheese. Of note, use the stems of the broccoli as well, they break down and give the soup a nice hearty texture.

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      February 15, 2021 at 4:31 pm

      Awesome! I am so glad you liked my recipe ? Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  7. Bianca says

    October 11, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    The only broccoli cheese soup I make now for the past year . The best one out there ! Thank you for sharing the recipe ! So so good !

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      October 13, 2021 at 1:44 am

      Awesome! I’m so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    March 22, 2022 at 12:17 am

    5 stars
    Easy and delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!! My husband (who complains every time I make broccoli) told me it was “very tasty”. That’s high praise coming from him 🙂

    Reply
    • Jyoti Behrani says

      March 22, 2022 at 5:32 pm

      Hi Christina,
      I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply

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Hello! I'm Jyoti. Glad to meet you! I'm a mother of two beautiful kids and a wife to a loving and caring husband Welcome to my blog, my journey Living Smart and Healthy! Here you will find easy and delicious meals from around the globe.

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