Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Making soup in the Instant Pot is among my top preferences. Simply toss all the ingredients into the pot and return to find the soup ready to enjoy in a remarkably short time.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a symphony of flavors and textures. This creamy concoction comes to life within minutes, marrying tender broccoli florets with a rich, cheesy broth.

The Instant Pot effortlessly melds the ingredients, intensifying the flavors while maintaining the broccoli's freshness. With each spoonful, you're met with a perfectly balanced blend of creamy cheese and earthy broccoli to create a truly satisfying experience. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a delightful lunchtime treat, Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is sure to warm both body and soul with its irresistible taste and ease of preparation.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active cook time: 6-8 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 5 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients needed to make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This high-quality oil adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor to the soup. When sautéing the shallots and red pepper, it helps to enhance their natural flavors and aromas.
2. Shallots, diced: Shallots bring a mild, sweet onion flavor to the soup base. Dicing them finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the broth, providing a savory foundation for the other ingredients.
3. Red Pepper: Diced red pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the soup. It contributes to the overall flavor profile, complementing the broccoli's earthiness and the cheese's richness.
4. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic cloves. It enhances the dish's savory notes and adds depth to the overall taste.
5. Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings provide essential flavor and balance to the soup. Sea salt enhances the ingredients' natural flavors, while black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
6. Yellow Potato: Diced yellow potatoes serve as a hearty addition to the soup, adding texture and body. They help thicken the broth while providing a creamy consistency and subtle sweetness.
7. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid base of the soup, infusing it with savory notes and depth of flavor. It provides a comforting backdrop for the other ingredients to shine.
8. Frozen Broccoli Florets: These convenient frozen florets offer a quick and easy way to incorporate broccoli into the soup. They retain their freshness and vibrant color, contributing to the dish's flavor and visual appeal.
9. Monterey Jack Cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully into the soup, adding richness and a subtle tanginess. It helps create a velvety texture and enhances the cheesy goodness of the broth.
10. Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese brings bold, tangy flavor and a deep golden color to the soup. Its robust taste complements the broccoli and adds a satisfying cheesy punch to every spoonful.
11. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream lends luxurious richness and creaminess to the soup, creating a velvety smooth texture. It adds a decadent touch and helps balance the flavors of the cheese and vegetables.

Directions for making Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Add olive oil to Instant Pot® inner cooking pot and select the “Sauté’ function. Use the “Adjust” button to select the “Normal” (medium) setting.

Once hot, add the diced shallot, all but 2 tablespoons of the red pepper, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Add the potatoes and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes or until the potatoes start to develop some color.

Deglaze the Instant Pot® inner cooking pot by pouring in the chicken broth and gently scraping the bottom with a rubber spatula to release the brown bits. Press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button to turn off the Sauté function.

Add the frozen broccoli and cover. Lock the lid into place and make sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” setting and adjust setting to “High,” if necessary. Set cook time to 2 minutes.

When cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining steam before carefully removing the lid.

Add the cheese, one cup at a time, and stir until completely melted.

To prevent curdling, temper the heavy cream by add 2-3 tablespoons of the hot liquid

from the Instant Pot® to it before adding it to the soup. Stir to combine.

Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed. Serve immediately topped with additional shredded cheese and remaining red pepper on top.

Foods that complement the Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes a comforting and delicious accompaniment to broccoli cheese soup.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread or garlic knots for an extra flavor boost and satisfying crunch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts add texture and variety to the meal.
5. Fresh Fruit: Slices of fresh fruit such as apples, grapes, or pear can provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of soup.

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