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Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Published: Oct 28, 2021 · Modified: Oct 28, 2021 by Farah Abumaizar · 24 Comments

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The easiest instant pot Panera broccoli cheddar soup is made in minutes, so rich and comforting and absolutely delicious. Just as good if not better than Panera’s famous soup and so simple to make at home.

intant pot panera broccoli cheese soup in white bowl on linen

What’s so good about Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?

One of the more popular Panera bread offerings, this instant pot broccoli cheddar soup is so delicious.

It’s creamy and rich, with broccoli, shredded carrot and seasonings in a creamy cheese base. Broccoli and cheese are such a natural pairing!

It’s a really simple soup to make, and is really filling and hearty.

The simple seasonings in this just highlight the natural flavors of the carrots, broccolis, and cheese.

Why make instant pot broccoli cheddar soup?

spoon in broccoli cheddar soup with bread on the side

An instant pot makes soup so good! You can saute the onions and veggies, then pressure cook them all in an instant pot. The flavor is really intense from the pressure cooking, and the time is cut down significantly.

The keep warm function of an instant pot is super useful too. Once the soup finishes, the instant pot will automatically switch to keep warm mode and keep the soup warm for you until ready to serve.

Instant pot or not, this soup is absolutely delicious. So filling, creamy and cheesy. It’s more like a treat than soup! But still packed with veggies for that nutritional value.

Ingredients for copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup:

ingredients to make copycat panera broccoli cheddar soup

Butter and olive oil: used to sauté the vegetables in and add some flavor.

Onion and garlic cloves: for aromatic flavor

Carrots: An essential part of Panera’s soup, the shredded carrots give lovely texture and visual appeal, plus a hint of sweetness to the soup. Don’t worry too much about getting super thin julienned carrots, regular grated carrots will do just fine. If you want to save on time, get these at the supermarket already shredded.

Broccoli: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. My slight preference would be for fresh broccoli, but frozen broccoli is more affordable and saves on chopping time. It may be a little softer after cooking, but I don’t see this as an issue in a soup recipe.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth: If you want to keep this recipe vegetarian, you can definitely use vegetable broth. Either work equally well!

Spices and seasoning: I kept it super simple, with salt, pepper, paprika and a pinch of nutmeg. Nutmeg is optional, but I always think it compliments creamy sauces very well.

Melted butter and flour: These two ingredients mixed together will get our soup really nice and thick. They make a roux that you’ll stir into the other liquid ingredients to thicken it.

Shredded cheddar cheese: I like using yellow cheddar for the color, but you can also use a mix of white and yellow cheddar if that’s what you have on hand, something I frequently do.

Steps to making Instant Pot Panera broccoli cheddar soup:

broccoli carrots and garlic being sauteed in instant pot
  1. Turn instant pot to saute mode. Add the tablespoon of butter and olive oil, and once hot, sautee the diced onions for a few minutes, then the garlic, carrot, and broccoli for another few minutes.
  2. Add the broth, then turn the instant pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. Make sure valve is sealed, and once cooking time is over, release the pressure immediately.
  3. Turn the instant pot back onto saute mode, and warm the milk and cream slightly in the microwave, this is so that the soup doesn’t separate when cold dairy is added to it. Add the milk/cream mixture, whisking, then stream in the melted butter/flour.
  4. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes while you whisk constantly to thicken. Add the cheddar cheese a little at a time, and stir until melted and combined.
  5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup a little to combine and thicken. Alternately, you can leave it chunky and as is.
wooden spoon in instant pot with broccoli cheddar soup

How to make copycat Panera broccoli soup on the stovetop:

Start off my sautéing the vegetables in the butter and oil like detailed in the recipe card. Once you add the chicken broth, add the milk and heavy cream alongside the broth. Stir in the melted butter/flour mixture and all the spices.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender. Add the cheese, stir to melt, and remove from heat. Blend soup slightly with an immersion blender or leave it as is

FAQS and tips and tricks for soup success:

  • If using fresh broccoli, cut into equal sized florets so they are evenly cooked
  • Make sure not to add dairy until after the cooking process so it doesn’t curdle.
  • Add cheese a little at a time to prevent graininess, stirring well between each addition.
  • Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly!
  • To make the soup thicker, you can mix together 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and add at the end of the cooking process while instant pot is on saute mode.
  • Don’t do a mistake I commonly do and accidentally have the instant pot valve sent to vent while you’re trying to build up pressure! Make sure it’s sealed before you start cooking.
overhead photo of instant pot cheesy broccoli soup on linen

How to serve broccoli cheddar soup:

I like having a bowl of this with some toasted sourdough bread on the side. You could even serve this in a bread bowl for a really filling meal!

Storing leftover broccoli cheddar soup:

Leftover soup can be refrigerated tightly covered for 3 days.It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Either freeze in one big container, or divide it into individual portions and freeze. Wait for soup to cool (put it in the fridge) before freezing.To reheat frozen soup, let it thaw in the fridge (overnight or for a few hours) then place in a saucepan on the stove and heat on medium low. Whisk constantly while heating so that the milk and water combine again and they aren’t separated.

Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy, rich, cheesy and delicious, this instant pot recipe is the perfect thing for chilly weather. Comfort in a bowl and so easy to make!
4.8 from 10 votes
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 372kcal
Author: Farah Abumaizar

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • heaped 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 3-4 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen) 400g see note 1
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk 230g see note 2
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 250g

To thicken the soup:

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted 56g
  • 1/4 cup flour 31 g

Instructions

  • Turn the instant pot to saute mode. Melt the 1 tablespoon of butter and oil then add the onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften.
  • Add the carrot, garlic, and broccoli, and saute another 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, (making sure valve is sealed) then turn the instant pot on high pressure for 4 minutes. Immediately release the pressure when cooking time is over.
  • Warm the milk and cream slightly in the microwave, and separately mix together the melted butter and flour.
  • Turn the instant pot back onto saute mode, then add the warm milk and cream, and the melted butter and flour mixture.
  • Add all the spices, and mix in the shredded cheese a little at a time until smooth and melted.
  • Blend the soup slightly with an immersion blender for a creamier soup, or keep it as is if you want a chunky soup. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1: Fresh broccoli is my preference, as frozen can turn a little mushy, but that’s still fine in a soup so it doesn’t matter much! If using frozen broccoli you don’t need to thaw it.
Note 2: You can use all cream, or all milk based on what you have on hand and your preferences.
Storing Leftovers:
Leftover soup can be refrigerated tightly covered for 3 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Either freeze in one big container, or divide it into individual portions and freeze. Wait for soup to cool (put it in the fridge) before freezing.
To reheat frozen soup, let it thaw in the fridge (overnight or for a few hours) then place in a saucepan on the stove and heat on medium low. Whisk constantly while heating so that the milk and water combine again and they aren’t separated.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annabelle says

    April 10, 2022 at 10:05 pm

    4 stars
    In the instructions it said to add cream then later it says heavy cream but no amounts are given in the recipe. How much is suppose to be added?

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      April 10, 2022 at 10:10 pm

      Oh thanks for bringing that to my attention Annabelle, I’ll fix that! Basically you can add 1 cup of either milk, cream, or a mix of both! Whichever you have on hand

      Reply
  2. Gail says

    March 27, 2022 at 4:27 am

    4 stars
    I enjoyed this recipe. I only had 2% milk which I used along with 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      March 27, 2022 at 8:45 am

      I’m so glad you liked it Gail!!

      Reply
  3. Alise says

    January 22, 2022 at 5:33 pm

    I am going to make this tonight! I know it’s for 6 servings but I was just curious about how much is in each serving size? Does it come out to be a cup per serving? Or less?

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      January 25, 2022 at 7:40 am

      Hi Alise! Yes I’d say a cup for 6 people, or a bigger bowl each for four ! Hope you like it

      Reply
      • Alise Andreoli says

        January 25, 2022 at 2:56 pm

        5 stars
        It was amazing!!!! I doubled the recipe and had some leftovers so I gave some to my parents and sister. Everyone LOVED it. This recipe is definitely a keeper. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Farah Abumaizar says

          January 25, 2022 at 5:53 pm

          I am so happy to hear that! What a win, love having leftovers of a good recipe thanks for letting me know Alise!

          Reply
  4. Amy Squires says

    January 05, 2022 at 4:56 am

    5 stars
    I’m a instant pot newbie- this is my 3rd recipe I’ve made in 2 days! Directions were excellent! My boys love Panera’s broccoli cheddar and this did not disappoint! Substituted whole milk with fat free half and half and it was creamy and delicious.
    Thanks so much for not only an excellent recipe but very clear directions!
    Amy Squires

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      January 05, 2022 at 10:10 am

      Oh I’m so glad you liked it! An instant pot is a game changer for sure , and I’m happy you liked it as much as my family does. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

      Reply
  5. Nancy Hochstetler says

    December 24, 2021 at 4:04 am

    5 stars
    Turned out perfect. Very tasty!! Good way to use up broccoli before it goes bad!

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      December 27, 2021 at 6:45 am

      Thanks so much Nancy for taking the time to comment, so glad you enjoyed it !

      Reply
  6. Victoria says

    December 17, 2021 at 1:09 am

    How much cream to use? It says warm milk and cream in microwave.

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      December 17, 2021 at 1:12 am

      Hi Victoria! Sorry for the the mixup I’ll correct the recipe. Basically, you can use 1 cup of milk, or 1 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 cup of each . The more cream the richer!

      Reply
  7. Jessica Stroup says

    October 28, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a big fan of broccoli cheddar soup. This recipe was easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      October 28, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Thanks so much Jessica!

      Reply
  8. Aimee Mars says

    October 28, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    Ah, the broccoli cheddar soup at Panera is my favorite! I can’t wait to make a huge batch of this and have it on hand. Lately, I’ve been eating soup every day for lunch so I can’t wait to add this recipe in.

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      October 28, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      Perfect lunch! Hope you like the recipe!

      Reply
  9. Carrie Robinson says

    October 28, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    5 stars
    This is my kids’ favorite soup from Panera! I will have to try your recipe soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      October 28, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      Hope you do and like it!

      Reply
  10. Shashi says

    October 28, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! This sounds absolutely amazing. So comforting and creamy! Today it is cold and dreary here and I wish I was slurping on a BIG bowl of this!

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      October 28, 2021 at 5:59 pm

      So happy to hear that!!

      Reply
  11. Danielle Wolter says

    October 28, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    5 stars
    This came out perfect – it tasted just like the Panera version! So yum!

    Reply
    • Farah Abumaizar says

      October 28, 2021 at 3:11 pm

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Farah! I've been cooking and baking most of my life. I love Middle Eastern food, and decadent breakfast and desserts. Welcome to my food world!

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