Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy cheesy low carb keto comfort. Made with ROASTED broccoli it’s way better than Panera Bread

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera Bakery’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is hugely popular all over the world. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy cheesy low carb keto comfort. Made with ROASTED broccoli it’s way better than Panera Bread.

We love lots of flavor levels and seasoning in this house, so, I decided to make my own version. Of course, it had to be simple, quick and easy. Especially since I am now following a low carb diet. The best way to make a super flavorful soup, that is quick simple and easy, it to use an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker.

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

You will have a much better flavor if you use a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. The pre-shredded cheese is packed with a powdery substance, probably cornstarch.

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Ingredients for Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Fresh Broccoli – (for frozen broccoli method is different)
Butter
Onions and Carrots – don’t worry low carbers, the amount is small.
Salt and Pepper
Hot Sauce – this does not give the soup a heat spicy; it’s just added to enhance other flavors.
Nutmeg, Mustard Powder
Heavy Cream
Vegetable Broth, Homemade Bone Broth or Chicken Broth

As you can see from the list of ingredients, my Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is low carb and keto friendly. It is also vegetarian, made as is but can be made not to vegetarian, as well.

Chopped Broccoli

Broccoli only needs to be rough chopped. Florets and/or the entire head can be used. The stems of the broccoli are very tasty, so don’t toss them away.

Using roasted broccoli in broccoli cheese soup adds a ton of flavor. Using my quick trick, you can use your Instant Pot or pressure cooking to basically obtain a roasted flavor.

Roasting Broccoli in Pressure Cooker

As you are prepping the rest of the ingredients, the broccoli will “roast” in the butter.

How to “Roast” Broccoli in Instant Pot

Roasting broccoli in the Instant Pot is similar to searing onions, chicken, beef, etc. in the cooking pot.
The pot is heated until very hot. Butter is added, as well as the broccoli.
No stirring is needed and the broccoli will sear/roast in the hot butter. Don’t stir the broccoli at all!

This very simple trick adds an extra layer of flavor without you doing any extra work. While the broccoli is “roasting,” gather the rest of the ingredients and prepare them for adding to the pot. By the time the other ingredients are ready to be added, the broccoli will have nice brown spots on the side touching the bottom of the pot.

Process onions, carrots and celery in food processor

Onions, Carrots, Celery in Food Processor

A food processor is the quickest way to shred/chop the carrots.

Why Use a Food Processor?

A food processor is very valuable to every kitchen.
It is a huge time saver for when it doesn’t matter about the look or size of chopped vegetables.
It eliminates the need to hand chop or shred vegetables
It is a huge help with recipes like my Pressure Cooker Salisbury Steak w/Onion Mushroom Gravy and Pressure Cooker Greek Meatballs recipes, as well as others.

You can always hand chop everything if you prefer. This method for this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe, saved me tons of time.

All Seasonings and Veggies for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Get Added Together

The broccoli will continue to “roast” as you are adding ingredients, so take your time prepping.

My Microplane Stainless Steel Zester easily grates the nutmeg and gives this soup a very special taste. You don’t actually taste nutmeg, but if you want the essence, add more than what is called for in my recipe.

Vegetable or Chicken Stock

Vegetable Stock, Broth or Chicken Bone Broth

Vegetarians, obviously will use vegetable broth. For this recipe, I used this Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base and added water to make a broth. Short of making your own, I find it to be the best brand.
Vegetable broth or stock enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
The chicken broth will enhance the cheese flavor. This is the only brand I use.

If choosing the non-vegetarian option, I would suggest using my Homemade Bone Broth recipe. An alternative to my Homemade Bone Broth is Better than Bouillon Chicken Base.

Pro Tip: If you are following a low carb of keto diet, this soup recipe is a perfect meal for you, especially in the beginning. It is delicious and very, very filling. It helps to prevent the “keto flu” as the bone broth adds minerals, nutrients and electrolytes to the soup. Yes, there is such a thing…I just went through it.

Pour Heavy Cream Over Broccoli and Carrot Mix

Using Cream Under Pressure – Is it Okay?

Yes. Cream doesn’t break under pressure, so the soup will not curdle.
The high fat content keeps the cream from separating.
On a low carb and keto diet, full fat is important.

Heavy Cream gives the Broccoli Cheddar Soup a very rich and creamy flavor. There is need to simmer the soup to thicken after pressure as it will be perfect and ready to eat after blending.

Pro Tip: Those following Weight Watchers can use half and half to reduce fat content. However, make sure to add the milk AFTER pressure is released.

Immersion Blender will Smooth Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A powerful immersion blender makes quick and easy work of this soup. You can control the consistency very easily. No need to pour ho liquid into a blender..

Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

After broccoli is in the Instant Pot, gather and prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Use a food processor for the carrots, onions and celery.
Buy a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself in the food processor or use a hand shredder.
Save a few florets of broccoli to use as garnish.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I know you will enjoy my Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

More Low Carb Instant Pot Soup Recipes:

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Low Carb Keto