Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Instant Pot: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting Delight 🥦🧀✨

1. Introduction: Craving Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Use Your Instant Pot!

If you’re searching for a warm and hearty dish, look no further than this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a comforting classic that’s incredibly easy to make in an Instant Pot! This rich and creamy soup is reminiscent of the beloved Panera broccoli cheddar soup, perfect for colder days or whenever you crave a quick yet nutritious meal. Many people wonder about the Panera broccoli cheddar soup nutrition; this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it potentially healthier. Not only will you enjoy its savory flavors, but you’ll also benefit from the wholesome nutrition packed in every bowl. Join me as we journey through this simple yet satisfying recipe! If you need something to pair with it, try this homemade bread!

Deliciously finished broccoli cheddar soup served warm, a perfect comfort dish reminiscent of Panera's famous recipe.

2. Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting broccoli cheddar soup in your Instant Pot. Remember, fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavour!

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base for Ultimate Flavor

Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This is an essential step in achieving the rich, savory flavors that characterize a great broccoli cheddar soup. Don’t skip this step – it’s key to developing the soup’s depth of flavor, much like a gourmet broccoli cheddar soup that you would find at a great restaurant, for example.

Sautéing onions and garlic for broccoli cheddar soup, a key step in creating rich flavors, perfect for Panera broccoli cheddar soup nutrition.

Step 2: Add Vegetables for a Nutrient-Packed Soup

Incorporate the fresh broccoli florets and diced carrots into the pot. Stir well to combine, and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Following this step ensures that the vegetables become slightly tender before adding the broth, resulting in a perfect texture for your broccoli cheddar soup. Use fresh ingredients for quality.

Adding fresh broccoli and vegetables to the pot for a delicious broccoli cheddar soup, ideal for instant pot recipes.

Step 3: Pressure Cook and Add the Creaminess

Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully release the pressure. Open the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. This creates that beloved creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the soup, making it taste very similar to Panera’s famous recipe. Make sure the cheese is fully melted for optimal creaminess!

Incorporating sharp cheddar cheese into broccoli cheddar soup, enhancing flavors and creaminess, a delightful comfort food.

Step 4: Blend, Season, and Serve Your Delicious Soup

For a wonderfully creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a traditional blender (be careful with hot liquids!). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your delightful broccoli cheddar soup warm, topped with extra cheese or croutons if desired! Enjoy this lunch with a side of Irish Soda Bread.

Blending broccoli cheddar soup for the perfect creamy texture, a satisfying step for making this classic dish.

4. Storage Tips for Your Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Leftover broccoli cheddar soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage; just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for optimal freshness. This is a great homemade dish.

5. Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Soup

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For an extra touch, serve it in a bread bowl for that perfect Panera experience! You could also garnish with additional cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, or even fresh herbs to elevate the flavors even further. Consider adding a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It is the perfect dinner.

6. FAQs: Your Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Soup Answered

What about the Panera broccoli cheddar soup nutrition?

The Panera broccoli cheddar soup contains a blend of ingredients that provide carbohydrates and fats. The nutritional values are a blend of ingredients that can be high in calories and sodium. However, making your own version allows you to precisely control the ingredients, potentially leading to a healthier nutritional profile and lets you adjust sweetness.

Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup vegan?

Absolutely! To make this broccoli cheddar soup vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based richness. Crucially, use vegan cheddar cheese alternatives to maintain the cheesy flavour. Furthermore, ensure you opt for vegetable broth to maintain a fully plant-based dish.

How can I thicken my homemade broccoli cheddar soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and simmering until thickened. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup to incorporate more chunks to provide a more enhanced texture.

7. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only a comforting and delicious dish, but also offers a potentially healthier alternative to the pre-made options, such as the Panera broccoli cheddar soup. With its incredibly rich flavors and luxuriously creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Now you can enjoy this heartwarming soup with your family and friends, and absolutely revel in the delightful taste of homemade goodness! Also, you can contact me, if you need help!

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Deliciously finished broccoli cheddar soup served warm, a perfect comfort dish reminiscent of Panera's famous recipe.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a creamy delight that mimics the beloved Panera version, perfect for cold days and satisfying your comfort food cravings.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
  2. Add broccoli florets and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure and stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
  4. Blend the soup until smooth for a creamier consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can freeze the soup for longer storage; cool completely before freezing.
  • This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
  • For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheddar cheese.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 290 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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