Thick and creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a healthier and naturally gluten free broccoli cheddar soup prepared in only 15 minutes!

It started with a simple craving for healthy, homemade, thick and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup.

What should have been an easy task to find THE PERFECT RECIPE sent me down a Google rabbit hole with an overwhelming amount of recipes, ingredients, and soup consistencies.

My brain literally turned into Broccoli Cheese Soup mush and I still didn’t have one recipe I was entirely convinced of. They were either not gluten free, extremely unhealthy, looked too blah, or weren’t easy to throw together.

So our family consumed a virtually 100% Broccoli Cheese Soup diet for the following weeks while I tried my hand at making THE PERFECT Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup RECIPE.

You Say This is THE BEST BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP recipe???

Try it for yourself and see. But if you need some convincing first, I’ve come prepared.

1. It takes 15 minutes! If you don’t have 15 minutes to make soup, go to Panera. (However, I must point out it will take longer than 15 minutes to go to Panera.)
2. The recipe requires only a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients.
3. Don’t have an instant pot or still scared to use it? I’ve included stove top directions too. Equal-Opportunity-Equipment soup here.
4. The taste is spot-on Broccoli Cheese Soup heaven!

What’s Your Beef With Bagged Shredded Cheese?

I’m not going to call the shredded cheddar police if you’d rather save your arm strength, but hear me out.

Bagged shredded cheese has a tendency to leave a grainy texture. Manufacturers add cellulose to prevent the cheese from clumping together. The additives make the cheese not melt as smoothly.

So, although both types of cheese can be used interchangeably in the recipe, I find shredding your own cheese yields better results and it’s cheaper to boot!

Speaking of Cheese, Can I Substitute Other Kinds?

Of course you can! I love using sharp or extra sharp cheddar because the cheese flavor shines through more than mild cheddar.

Some people prefer using Velveeta cheese in Broccoli Cheese Soup. Velveeta will guarantee smooth results and is very tasty, but the “cheese” flavor will be more subdued.

A mixture of cheeses can also be used. Extra sharp cheddar, pepper jack, white cheddar, or gouda would also work perfectly!

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used in this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. It’s just a matter of preference.

I’ve cooked it both ways and there is no noticeable difference between using fresh or frozen. Whichever used, though, make sure the broccoli is cut in small florets or use frozen florets (not stalks or chopped).

Using a smaller-sized broccoli eliminates the need to process the soup with a blender.

Substituting Milk, Cream, or Non-Dairy Milk 

This recipe calls for half and half because it’s creamy but doesn’t have as many calories as heavy cream.

Regular milk or non-dairy milk, such as almond milk may also be substituted. It would reduce the calories in the soup and make it even healthier. However, the soup will be thinner and not as rich tasting.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a richer taste use heavy cream and more power to you.👊

Can I Freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Broccoli Cheese Soup can be frozen, BUT the soup may “break” or have a thinner consistency upon thawing.

Defrost the soup in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. If the soup is thinner than desired mix together 2-4 tablespoons of cornstarch with equal amount of water.

Bring soup to a boil, add cornstarch slurry, and stir until thickened.

How To Make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. Cut broccoli in small florets. This eliminates the need to process the soup with a blender.
2. On the SAUTE function, cook onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
3. Add broccoli, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook on HIGH pressure in the Instant Pot 2 minutes for fresh broccoli, 1 minute for frozen broccoli.
4. Quick release the pressure and change back to SAUTE function. Add cornstarch slurry to pot and boil until thickened.
5. Stir in cheese to melt. Slowly stir in half and half.

Intimidated by using an Instant Pot? Learn in minutes with this Easy Start Instant Pot Guide full of tips, hacks, and tricks.

SAVE THIS EASY BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

And let’s be friends on PINTEREST or INSTAGRAM! I’m always sharing great recipes!

4.71 from 17 votes

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Thick and creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a healthier and naturally gluten free broccoli cheddar soup prepared in only 15 minutes!

Course: gluten free soup, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli, cheddar, cheese, instant pot, pressure cooker, soup

Servings: 8 1 cup servings

Calories: 271 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds fresh or frozen broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 8 ounces freshly shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup half and half

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Select SAUTE function on pressure cooker to melt butter. Once butter is melted add onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds more.

2. Stir in fresh or frozen broccoli, broth, salt, and pepper. Lock lid in place and select HIGH pressure for 2 minutes cook time for fresh broccoli or 1 minute cook time for frozen. When the timer ends, carefully quick release pressure, wait for valve to drop, and remove lid.

3. In a small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth. Select SAUTE function and add cornstarch / water slurry to pot, stirring constantly until soup comes to a boil and thickens. Hit CANCEL to turn off pressure cooker. 

4. Add handfuls of cheddar at a time, stirring to melt between each addition. Once cheese is melted, stir in half and half. Serve hot with additional shredded cheddar on top, if desired. 

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Recipe Notes

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup on the Stove

1. Complete step on in a large saucepan. 
2. Add broth, salt, pepper, and broccoli. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. In a small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth. Add cornstarch slurry to pot and boil until thickened.
4. Return to pot and add handfuls of cheddar at a time, stirring to melt between each addition. Once cheese is melted, stir in half and half. Serve hot with additional shredded cheddar on top. 

Substituting Milk, Cream, or Non-Dairy Milk 

Regular milk or non-dairy milk, such as almond milk may also be substituted. It would reduce the calories in the soup and make it even healthier. However, the soup will be thinner and not as rich tasting.

Can I Freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Broccoli Cheese Soup can be frozen, BUT the soup may "break" or have a thinner consistency upon thawing.

Defrost the soup in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. If the soup is thinner than desired mix together 2-4 tablespoons of cornstarch with equal amount of water.

Bring soup to a boil, add cornstarch slurry, and stir until thickened.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 271 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 19g 29%

Saturated Fat 11g 55%

Cholesterol 56mg 19%

Sodium 817mg 34%

Potassium 529mg 15%

Total Carbohydrates 15g 5%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 11g 22%

Vitamin A 25.5%

Vitamin C 132.6%

Calcium 30.3%

Iron 6.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

OTHER RECIPES TO LOVE:

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Chorizo Chicken Chili

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