If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick and easy, you’re in luck! My Instant Pot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. With fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a velvety, rich delight in no time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your family. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen the coziest spot in your home!
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Required
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
Pantry Staples
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
You need fresh ingredients for the best flavor. I use broccoli florets, diced onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots. These veggies add color and nutrition to your soup. The carrots bring a nice sweetness, while garlic and onion provide depth.
Next, we have pantry staples. They are easy to find and help create a creamy base. The vegetable broth makes the soup rich. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a strong flavor. Heavy cream adds creaminess. Mustard powder and onion powder enhance the taste. Olive oil is for sautéing, while salt and pepper balance everything out.
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh and quality items make a big difference. Enjoy the process, and get ready to make a delicious soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Instant Pot
To start, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. This lets the pot heat up. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about three to four minutes. You want it to turn translucent and soft.
Next, add three cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for one more minute. Stir it often so it does not burn.
Adding Main Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Add one cup of diced carrots and four cups of fresh broccoli florets. Stir everything well to mix the flavors.
Pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Then, add one teaspoon each of mustard powder and onion powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Pressure Cooking
Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam vent is sealed tight. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for five minutes. This will cook the veggies perfectly.
When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. This will let the steam escape fast.
Blending the Soup
Now, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Open the lid and stir the soup well. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, you can blend in batches in a regular blender.
After blending, stir in one cup of heavy cream and two cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and combines well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar soup warm!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your soup smooth, use an immersion blender. Blend until it’s creamy and free of lumps. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup. You can also adjust creaminess. Add more heavy cream for a richer taste. If you want a lighter soup, reduce the cream or use more broth.
Flavor Enhancements
Boost the flavor with spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A bit of nutmeg can add warmth. You can also mix in other veggies like spinach or peas. These add color and nutrients without changing the taste much.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters! Serve the soup in a bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top. You can also add croutons for crunch. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. This makes a great meal that feels complete.
Variations
Different Cheese Options
You can switch up the cheese for a new taste. Using mild cheddar gives a softer flavor. Gouda adds a nice smokiness. Try cream cheese for extra creaminess. It will make your soup richer and smoother.
Vegan Alternative
If you want a vegan version, you can easily swap dairy. Use cashew cream for a creamy base. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy this soup.
Additional Ingredients
Want to boost the soup? Add protein like cooked chicken or beans. This makes it more filling. You can also sprinkle in nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a kick. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Storage Info
Proper Cooling and Storage
Cooling the soup well is key to keeping it safe. Let the soup cool at room temperature for no more than two hours. This helps avoid bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers. I like to use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. They keep the soup fresh. Label each container with the date you made it. This way, you can track how long it stays good.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating is simple and can be done in a few ways. You can use a microwave or a stove. If using a microwave, place the soup in a bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often. This helps keep the soup hot and tasty. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat over low to medium heat and stir frequently.
To keep the creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream while reheating. This adds richness back into the soup. Make sure to check the seasoning again before serving. You may want to add a little salt or pepper after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this soup.
– To use frozen broccoli, add it directly to the pot.
– No need to thaw it first; just keep an eye on the cooking time.
– Adjust cooking time to about 7 minutes for frozen broccoli.
Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. It is just as nutritious as fresh. Plus, it adds a nice texture to the soup. Just remember to check that it is evenly cooked.
How can I make it thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, you have a few easy options.
– Blend part of the soup and leave some chunks for texture.
– Add a little more heavy cream or cheese to enrich it.
– Mix in a cornstarch slurry, made from cornstarch and water.
You can also try adding mashed potatoes or cooked rice. These ingredients can add body without changing the flavor much.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free!
– All the ingredients listed are safe for gluten-free diets.
– Always check your broth and cheese for gluten content.
If you want to be extra careful, use gluten-free broth. This ensures your soup stays safe for those with sensitivities. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar soup without worry!
This blog post offers a simple guide to making a creamy vegetable soup in an Instant Pot. You learned how to use fresh and pantry ingredients, prepare, and cook the soup. I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture, along with storage advice. You can explore variations like vegan options or try different cheeses. This soup is versatile and allows for creativity. Now, you can enjoy a warm, tasty bowl that’s easy to make and great for sharing. Give it a try!
