The feeling of indulging in a warm, comforting soup in the chilly autumn season is quite unbeatable. What if I told you there’s a way to enjoy restaurant-quality broccoli cheddar soup right from your home in less than 30 minutes? Yes, that’s right! Our copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe made in an instant pot will bring the finest flavors and ingredients, elevating your dinner table with ease.

This delicious classic American soup features a velvety texture with fresh broccoli florets submerged in creamy broth, complemented by mild cheddar cheese added to the mix. The easy instant pot recipe requires minimal prep work, enabling you to whip up a bowl of goodness easily on those busy weekdays when time is of the essence.

One of the beauties of this recipe is the flexibility it offers when it comes to variations and substitutions. We’ll also provide you with our expert tips and recommendations for storing, reheating and making ahead of this dish. The best part? You can enjoy it as an independent meal to warm your soul or pair it with some crispy bread or crackers for extra comfort. Stay tuned for more exciting details as we delve further into how to create this delectable soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you a broccoli cheddar soup lover looking for a quick and easy recipe? Look no further! This Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe is a must-try. Trust me; you’re going to love it!

The creamy texture of this soup will send your taste buds into overdrive. Plus, the mix of fresh broccoli florets and shredded carrots provides a perfect harmony of flavors. And did I mention the delicious nutmeg aroma that fills your kitchen? It’s simply irresistible.

This recipe is also packed with nutritious ingredients. Every serving comes loaded with protein from chicken broth and milk, along with vitamins A and C from the broccoli and carrots. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to fit various dietary preferences by substituting evaporated milk for heavy cream or using frozen broccoli for fresh.

Furthermore, this recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it as an appetizer or add bread to make it a meal on its own. You can also pair it with salads or sandwiches to create a fulfilling lunch or dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Cooking this soup in an instant pot makes the process stress-free and straightforward. All you have to do is mix the ingredients in your instant pot, set the timer, sit back, and let your pot take care of the rest.

In conclusion, if you’re searching for an easy-to-make, tasty, and nutritious soup recipe that’s guaranteed to delight your senses, then look no further than this Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

“Comfort in a bowl: Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup”

Ingredients are the heart of every recipe.

The Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe requires ingredients that can be easily found in your local grocery store. With a mix of vegetables, dairy products, and spices, this recipe has the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Here is a list of everything you will need:

Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted.
Onion: 1 small onion diced and 1 medium carrot chopped.
Broccoli florets: 3 cups chopped broccoli.
Carrots: 1 medium carrot that has been peeled and shredded.
Heavy cream: 3 cups.
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Cream cheese: 4 tbsp cream cheese.
Chicken broth: 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought).
Milk: 1 cup milk or evaporated milk.
Nutmeg: just a pinch for taste.
Salt and black pepper: to taste.

This soup recipe is flexible enough to make substitutions based on your preferences. Try frozen broccoli instead of fresh, or add shredded carrots for added sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

The Recipe How-To

“Get cozy with a warm bowl of this creamy soup”

Now, let’s get into the heart of this recipe and learn how to make an easy and delicious Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe using your very own instant pot.

Prep Time

Before we start cooking, the first step is to prepare all the soup ingredients. Here is a quick summary:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
1 medium carrot, shredded
3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces (keep the stems too!)
1 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

Start by turning on your instant pot on sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt.
Once melted, add diced onions (1 small), shredded carrots (1 medium), and chopped broccoli florets (3 cups) to the pot. Mix well for about 4 minutes until everything is coated in butter and slightly softened.
Now add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot followed by nutmeg (1 teaspoon). Mix everything together.
Place the lid on the pressure cooker set it on high pressure for 5 minutes.
After five minutes do a quick release and remove the lid when all of the steam has escaped from the instant pot.
Turn off sauté mode and add in 8 oz of cream cheese cut into chunks until they melt completely. Stir constantly so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Gradually add in,milk (1 cup)andheavy cream (1 cup) while stirring. Continue stirring while adding in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until all ingredients are fully mixed.
Let the soup get to a simmer, and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with any extra cheese, shredded carrots, or broccoli if desired.

Note

Remember that you can always adjust the recipe by reaching for your own favorite flavors or adding extra broccoli florets or shredded carrots. If you’re on a keto diet or want a lower calorie option, you can make some simple swaps like using evaporated milk or frozen broccoli instead of fresh ones.

With these easy steps, you’ll be able to create an addictive and savory bowl of Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe that will warm your soul, time after time. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

“Say cheese! Broccoli and Cheddar soup never looked so good”

When it comes to making this Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try out to make it your own. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, lighten it up a bit, or add some extra flavor, there are plenty of options available.

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also opt for vegan cream cheese and evaporated milk substitutes.

For those looking to cut down on calories, try using low-fat milk or half and half instead of heavy cream. Additionally, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for low-fat cheddar cheese or a cheese alternative such as nutritional yeast.

If you’re looking to add more complexity to the soup’s flavor, consider adding some spices such as cumin, paprika, or turmeric. You can also add some extra vegetables such as diced potatoes or red bell peppers.

For a heartier version of the soup, try adding shredded chicken or cooked bacon. You can also add other types of cheese such as Gouda or Parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

Finally, if you want to serve the soup in a creative way, why not try serving it in a bread bowl? Or for those following a keto diet, substitute bread with roasted broccoli florets.

Overall, there are many ways to personalize this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different ingredients and see what works best for you.

Serving and Pairing

“A match made in soup heaven: broccoli and cheddar”

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to comfort your soul on a cold day. With this Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Recipe, you’ll have just that. But it gets even better when paired with the right sides – trust me on this one.

Firstly, let’s talk about bread. Soup bread bowls seem like the perfect match for this broccoli cheddar goodness, but any crusty bread will do. Toasted or grilled with butter, adding a side of bread takes this soup from delicious to divine.

For something lighter, add a side salad. A simple garden salad with vinaigrette dressing or a Caesar salad with croutons pairs well with the creamy soup. Fresh greens add some crunch and balance to the richness of this dish.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider making some grilled cheese sandwiches to go along with the soup. Using cheddar cheese in the sandwich complements the tanginess of the soup’s cheddar cheese.

On its own, the Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is already a filling meal. However, if you’re not in the mood for bread or salad, consider adding some protein to your soup. Some cooked chicken or shrimp can be added to give it an added layer of flavor and texture.

Whatever your preference may be, this Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup Recipe is versatile enough to pair well with many different sides. Keep it classic with some toasted bread, balance it out with a salad, indulge in a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or add more substance with some added protein – every option enhances the flavors of this rich soup in its own unique way.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“Instant Pot magic: homemade broccoli and cheddar soup in minutes”

There’s nothing quite like having a delicious pot of soup that can be savored for days to come. Luckily for all you soup aficionados, this Panera Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup is a great make-ahead dish that allows for easy storage and reheating later on.

Once the soup has finished cooking in your instant pot, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months if you’re planning to enjoy it at a later date.

When you’re ready to reheat the soup, there are a few options available depending on preference and convenience. The easiest way is to simply heat it up on your stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can also use your microwave, ensuring that the soup is heated in intervals of 1 minute with stirring in between.

One helpful tip when reheating this soup is to add a splash of heavy cream or milk while heating it up, as this will help bring back some of the lost creaminess and smoothness that tends to decrease during the cooling and storing process.

So, whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking to get ahead of the game for your future dinner parties or gatherings, this make-ahead Panera Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup recipe offers both convenience and satisfaction for all who crave its velvety goodness.

Tips for Perfect Results

“Winter nights made better with this hearty soup”

Are you ready to take your Panera-inspired Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips that can help you achieve a perfect result every time you make this dish.

1. Use fresh ingredients

Freshness is key to make any dish taste its best, and it’s especially true for soups. When buying the ingredients for this recipe, make sure to get fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese, and look for the brightest carrots and onions you can find. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavors of the soup and give it a more vibrant color.

2. Cut the broccoli evenly

Uniformly cut broccoli florets will ensure that they cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with mushy pieces or crunchy ones. Take your time when chopping the broccoli into small florets and try to keep them as uniform in size as possible.

3. Use chicken broth instead of water

This recipe calls for chicken broth, which is an excellent source of flavor for soups. If you don’t have any on hand, it’s better not to substitute it for water because that would result in a blander soup. You can use vegetable broth instead if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option.

4. Add cream cheese for extra creaminess

If you want to take the creaminess of this soup to the next level, try adding a few cubes of softened cream cheese before stirring in the cheddar cheese. The cream cheese will add richness without overpowering the flavor of the soup.

5. Don’t overcook the soup

The Instant Pot does a fantastic job at cooking soups quickly, but that doesn’t mean you should skip paying close attention to your dish. Overcooking can turn your soup into a bland, watery mess with mushy vegetables. Once your Instant Pot reaches high pressure, cook it for four minutes only.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to elevate this classic soup by adding your own personal touch. Whether you’re looking for a comforting winter dish or a cozy summer dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

FAQ

As any chef will tell you, cooking can be a delicate art, with countless variables affecting the outcome of each dish. Inevitably, questions arise about ingredients and nuances of preparation, especially when trying out new recipes. To help simplify this recipe even further, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, these insights will help ensure that your broccoli cheddar soup turns out perfect every time.

Did Panera change their broccoli cheddar soup?

Panera has renamed its broccoli cheddar soup in honor of Chrissy Teigen.

How long to heat up Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

To heat up my Vietnamese dish quickly, begin by taking off the lid and film from the cup. Afterwards, put the cup on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely. Microwave the cup on high for approximately 3-4 minutes, but keep in mind that heating times may differ. Ensure the food’s temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before stopping. Don’t forget to stir halfway through the microwaving process. After heating, let the cup rest in the microwave for one minute before removing it.

Does Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup have flour in it?

Regrettably, the broth of the broccoli cheddar soup contains wheat.

Is there sugar in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?

This dish clocks in at 370 calories and contains 25 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and 8 grams of total sugars. It also packs a punch with 13 grams of protein.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, for those who are in search of a quick and easy yet comforting and flavorful meal, this Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup Recipe is definitely worth trying. With fresh broccoli florets, creamy cheddar cheese, and chicken broth combined with a touch of nutmeg and cream cheese, this soup truly is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl.

In addition to its delicious taste, this soup also offers various options for customization to fit everyone’s taste preferences. You can add shredded carrots for more crunch or mix in some evaporated milk for a creamier consistency. This recipe is also versatile enough to be paired with a toasted bread bowl or served as part of a keto-friendly meal.

Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who wants to enjoy a warm and delicious bowl of soup without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for any occasion or season, from a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy gathering with friends and family. Give it a try and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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