Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you’re craving a warm, creamy bowl of comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect recipe.

Made with tender broccoli, carrots, celery, onions, heavy cream, and plenty of freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese, this easy soup comes together quickly in the Instant Pot for a rich, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Using the Instant Pot makes it easy to develop incredible flavor in less time than traditional stovetop soups. After pressure cooking the vegetables until perfectly tender, you’ll stir in the heavy cream, fresh garlic, and cheddar cheese for a smooth, creamy soup that’s loaded with fresh vegetables in every bite.

Serve this comforting soup with a slice of crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or in a sourdough bread bowl for an easy lunch or cozy dinner.

Looking for the stovetop version? If you prefer making soup on the stove, be sure to try my Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s naturally thickened with potatoes and is another family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Rich, creamy, and full of cheesy flavor
• Loaded with fresh broccoli and vegetables
• Easy enough for busy weeknights
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Freezer-friendly
• Family-friendly comfort food

Why This Recipe Works

The Instant Pot quickly cooks the broccoli, carrots, celery, and onions until perfectly tender while locking in flavor. After pressure cooking, heavy cream, fresh garlic, and freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese are stirred in for a rich, creamy finish without overcooking the dairy.

Unlike many broccoli cheese soup recipes, this version doesn’t rely on canned soup or processed cheese. Fresh vegetables and real cheddar cheese create a homemade soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for cool evenings, easy lunches, or comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1½ cups diced onion
• 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Broccoli

Fresh broccoli florets give this soup the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be substituted if needed. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it first.

Cheddar Cheese

I used freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese, which gives this soup its rich, classic cheddar color and smooth, creamy texture. For the best results, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.

Water

This recipe uses water. If you’d like to add even more savory flavor, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the water. Either option will give the soup a slightly richer flavor without changing the cooking method.

Heavy Whipping Cream

Heavy whipping cream creates a rich, creamy soup and is less likely to separate than milk during cooking.

Garlic

Adding the garlic after pressure cooking helps preserve its fresh flavor and aroma instead of cooking it under pressure.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot
• Box grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spoon
• Ladle

How to Make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Once it reads Hot, melt the butter.

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2

Turn off the Sauté function.

Stir in the chopped broccoli and water.

Step 3

Lock Instant Pot lid into place and set seal to sealing.

Press Manual and set time to 5 minutes.

Step 4

Once the timer beeps, release pressure.

Remove the lid and select Saute mode.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and minced garlic.

Step 6

Slowly add the freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.

Step 7

Turn off Saute and add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately, or allow the soup to cool completely before freezing for later.

Roscoe’s Tips

• For the smoothest, creamiest soup, use freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• Stir the cheese into the soup a handful at a time over low heat to help it melt smoothly.
• Don’t skip sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery. This simple step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
• If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before adding the cheese. Leave some of the vegetables whole for the best texture.
• Taste the soup before adding salt. Depending on the cheddar cheese you use, you may not need very much additional salt.

Variations

This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is easy to customize to fit your family’s tastes.

Add Protein

Turn this soup into a heartier meal by stirring in:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Diced ham
• Crumbled bacon

Make It Vegetarian

Use vegetable broth instead of water if you’d like a richer vegetarian-friendly soup.

Add More Vegetables

Try adding one or more of these vegetables:

• Cauliflower florets
• Fresh spinach
• Diced mushrooms
• Extra broccoli

Make It Extra Cheesy

Love a really cheesy soup? Stir in an additional 1 cup of freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese after the first 3 cups have completely melted.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

This creamy soup pairs well with all kinds of homemade breads and comforting side dishes.

Try serving it with:

• Fresh garden salad
• Garlic bread
• Crackers
• A crusty sourdough bread bowl

Make Ahead

This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or using the Sauté function on your Instant Pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover soup slowly over low heat on the stovetop or use the Sauté setting on the Instant Pot, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens during storage, stir in a splash of water, milk, or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it before adding it to the Instant Pot.

Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded orange sharp cheddar cheese melts much more smoothly and creates the creamiest soup. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can sometimes make the soup grainy.

Can I substitute chicken broth for the water?

Yes. This recipe was originally developed using water, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted for a richer, more savory flavor if you prefer.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Yes. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why did my cheese become grainy?

Cheese can become grainy if it’s added while the soup is boiling or if it’s heated too quickly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese gradually for the smoothest texture.

How long does it take the Instant Pot to come to pressure?

Although the pressure cook time is only 5 minutes, it will usually take about 10–15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking timer begins.

Save This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe to Pinterest so you can make it again whenever you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, here are a few more comforting recipes to try next:

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Pasta
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Almonds
• Honey Butter Biscuits

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a star rating—it helps other readers find the recipe and supports Roscoe’s Recipes.