Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable)
Creamy, comforting soup with tender broccoli and rich cheddar, ready in 25 minutes.
# What goes in:
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Set Instant Pot to Sauté function. Melt butter, then add diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Sprinkle flour into pot while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux and remove raw flour taste.
03 - Slowly pour in vegetable broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
04 - Stir in broccoli florets and grated carrot. Add paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Distribute evenly.
05 - Seal lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes.
06 - Perform quick release when cooking completes. Open lid carefully and stir contents.
07 - Use immersion blender to puree soup to desired consistency, whether completely smooth or slightly chunky with vegetable pieces.
08 - Set Instant Pot to Sauté Low. Pour in milk and heavy cream while stirring. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and incorporated.
09 - Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The pressure cooker transforms broccoli into tender perfection in just five minutes
- Sharp cheddar creates that restaurant style creaminess you cannot get from mild cheese
02 -
- Never add cheese while the soup is still at full pressure or it will separate into oily bits
- Grating your own cheese is non negotiable for that smooth restaurant texture
03 -
- Cornstarch slurry works perfectly instead of flour for gluten free needs
- Extra sharp cheddar creates a more intense flavor that means you can use slightly less cheese overall