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Broccoli cheddar soup with title reading Creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Good Fork Daily Editorial Kitchen

Creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup with pressure-cooked vegetable body, just-tender florets and smooth off-heat cheddar.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Pressure build and release 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 392

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 pounds broccoli crowns with stems stems diced; florets cut to 3/4 inch and reserved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots cut into thin quarter-moons
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium Yukon Gold potato peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth divided
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk preferably room temperature
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • hot sauce optional, for serving

Equipment

  • 6-quart electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Box grater
  • Flat wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Peel and dice the tender broccoli stems. Cut florets to about 3/4 inch and reserve them separately. Shred cheddar from a block.
  2. Using Sauté, melt butter with oil. Cook onion and carrots 4 minutes; add garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Add 1/2 cup broth and scrape until the bottom is completely clear. Add remaining broth, broccoli stems, potato, Dijon, paprika, salt and pepper. Keep florets, milk and cheddar out.
  4. Lock the lid using the exact model's sealing setup and cook on High Pressure for 1 minute.
  5. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then release remaining pressure only as the model manual directs. Open only after depressurization is confirmed.
  6. Pulse the base three or four times with an immersion blender, leaving some vegetable texture.
  7. On the lowest Sauté setting, stir in reserved broccoli florets and cook uncovered 3 to 5 minutes until just tender. Cancel Sauté.
  8. When bubbling stops, stir in evaporated milk. Add cheddar one handful at a time, stirring until smooth. Add lemon juice, adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

  • Do not pressure-cook the florets, evaporated milk or cheddar.
  • Shred cheddar from a block and add it gradually off heat.
  • Deglaze fully before pressure cooking.
  • Follow the release and fill-limit directions for the exact cooker model.
  • This recipe was developed through culinary research and editorial review.