This cheesy broccoli soup cooks quickly and easily in the Instant Pot! It’s the perfect cozy comfort food when you’re craving something savory.

This cheesy broccoli soup is a rich and flavorful soup that combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with the creaminess of sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a warm, comforting soup with a creamy texture and a hearty flavor. The cheese adds a delicious tanginess to the soup, while the broccoli adds a fresh and slightly sweet taste that perfectly balances out the richness of the cheese.

This cheesy broccoli soup can be served as a starter or a main course and is often served with crusty bread or a side salad. It’s an excellent choice for a cold winter day or a cozy night in and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese. Looking for more soup ideas? Try my cheesy lasagna soup!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter– A little butter helps soften the vegetables and adds flavor to the base of the soup. You can substitute with olive oil, if preferred.
Celery, Carrots, & Onion– This basic mirepoix mix adds a savory flavor to the base of the soup and is a great way to add some extra veggies!
Garlic– I like to use fresh garlic but minced garlic is fine.
Broccoli– You can use fresh or frozen broccoli.
Broth– Vegetable broth or chicken broth both work well here.
Milk– I whole milk adds enough of a rich, creamy texture but you can substitute it with heavy cream if you want an even richer soup.
Cheese– I like to use extra sharp cheddar cheese. For best results, shred a block of cheese rather than buying pre-shredded cheese.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Add the butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Sautè for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and sautè for an additional minute.

How to Blend Soup Without an Immersion Blender

If you don’t have an immersion blender, there are still several ways to blend soup to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Here are a few methods:

Use a regular blender: This is a simple and effective way to blend soup. Let the soup cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a blender (in batches if necessary). Be sure not to fill the blender more than halfway to prevent the hot liquid from splattering. Hold the lid down firmly with a towel, then blend on low speed at first, gradually increasing to high speed until the soup is completely smooth. Pour the blended soup back into the pot and reheat if necessary.
Use a food processor: Similar to using a blender, a food processor can also be used to blend soup. However, since food processors are usually smaller than blenders, you may need to blend the soup in batches.
Use a potato masher or fork: If you prefer a chunkier texture for your soup, you can use a potato masher or a fork to mash the vegetables in the soup until they are broken down to your desired consistency.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Be sure to use a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese. Block cheese tends to melt more smoothly and consistently than pre-shredded cheese. When making this soup, the cheese must melt evenly to have a smooth, creamy texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly and could leave you with clumps of cheese that don’t fully integrate into the soup.
Use low-sodium vegetable broth so you can control the saltiness of the soup. Since cheese is quite salty, you want to ensure the broth doesn’t add too much salty flavor.
If you like a chunky soup, leave the vegetables as-is after cooking. If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup.
You can also get creative with toppings! Adding toppings like croutons, crispy bacon, or chives can add crunch and flavor to your soup. This can be a fun way to let your family customize their bowl of soup.

What to Serve with Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Looking for the perfect side dish to pair with your soup? Serving crusty bread with the soup is a classic and simple option that pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup. Sourdough, French bread, or a baguette are all great choices. Grilled cheese is a popular sandwich choice to serve with broccoli cheddar soup. You can also try a turkey or ham sandwich on whole-wheat bread for a heartier meal. A side salad is a fresh and healthy complement to the rich soup. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a Caesar salad with croutons, are both great options.

If you like this soup, be sure to try my creamy carrot ginger soup!