This Easy Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup is the best, quick pressure cooker recipe that includes stovetop directions, too. This copycat recipe is actually better than the real thing. Make this dish for meal-prep using fresh or frozen broccoli.
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Since Panera first opened I have always been a fan of their broccoli cheddar soup. I can eat it year round. It doesn't have to be cold outside for me to crave a bite! I'm sharing my favorite homemade version. I prefer to make it in my Instant Pot because it gives the broccoli the PERFECT texture. I have also included stovetop instructions below.
If you are a soup lover you will also love my Instant Pot Split Pea Soup and Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Table of Contents
How to Make Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Gather your ingredients.
- Saute the onions and garlic.
- Add the chicken broth, broccoli, and seasonings.
- Pressure cook for 4 minutes. Quick-release the steam and add the remaining ingredients.
What Type of Cheese to Use
I like to use sharp cheddar cheese. You can use whatever cheese you wish.
Substitutions and Ideas for Additional Ingredients
- Shredded or Chopped Carrots
- Spinach
- Kale
- Celery
- Crumbled Bacon
- Sausage
- Green Peppers
- Red Peppers
How Many Carbs are in Broccoli?
One cup of broccoli has about 3.5 net carbs. 4 cups of broccoli are used in this recipe, that is divided among 8 servings.
The low carb version of this soup has 6 net carbs per serving.
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
It will last tightly covered for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
I love to use these soup freezer molds from Amazon to freeze the soup. I reheat it using the slow cook function or you can thaw and microwave. It will freeze up to a few months.
You may also enjoy my Keto Cheeseburger Casserole and Keto Peanut Butter Cookies.
Popular Keto Recipes
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Keto Shrimp Alfredo
More Instant Pot Soups
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Instant Pot Chicken, Seafood, and Sausage Gumbo
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach
Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato Soup
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Also check out our Stovetop Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Slow Cooker Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Instant Pot Panera Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter Divided
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced
- 2 cups stock or broth I used chicken.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (with stems) You can use frozen if you wish, the pot may take a little longer to come to pressure.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese I purchase block cheese and grate it. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Instructions
- Place the Instant Pot on the saute function. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, chopped onions, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, broccoli florets, salt and pepper to taste to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal. Cook for 4 minutes on Manual > High-Pressure Cooking.
- While the soup cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Add the flour to the butter and stir.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, quick release the steam and place it on the saute function.
- Open the pot and add the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar to the pot.
- Scoop out a couple of tablespoons of the soup and add it to the bowl with the melted butter and flour. Stir and add the mixture back to the pot. This will thicken up the soup.
- Place the Instant Pot on saute for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve in bowls.
Stovetop
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter, chopped onions, and garlic to a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the broth, broccoli, salt, and pepper to taste to the pot. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- While the soup cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Add the flour to the butter and stir.
- When the broccoli is tender, add the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar to the pot.
- Scoop out a couple of tablespoons of the soup and add it to the bowl with the melted butter and flour. Stir and add the mixture back to the pot. This will thicken up the soup.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Allow a few minutes for the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken.
- Serve in bowls.
Christina says
This soup is GREAT!! I had to make it on the stove-top since I haven’t gotten an instapot. Took a little longer but still done in less than an hour! I’ll be making again soon because my sister loved it also and took half! 🤣 Thanks Brandi!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the soup!
Tiffany Bundy says
Seriously so freaking good! I don’t love soups. But this soup, I ate it 4 separate times. I did add more cheese and I used coconut milk. And I added shredded chicken and mushrooms.
This recipe is so easy. And you seriously only need 5 ingredients and it’s still amazing. You’ve gotta try it!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Glad to hear it worked out.
Tiffany Bundy says
I also found it very filling. No sides needed.
staysnatched says
Yay! That's good to hear!
Ana says
Love any broccoli cheddar soup and I will never do store bought again! This recipe came together so quickly and was absolutely delicious!
staysnatched says
Yay! Such a quick and easy one.
Kristen Cosentino says
SO GOOD! It’s so creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and delicious. I can’t see ever buying any at the store again. This is way better than Panera!
staysnatched says
No more store bought. Glad you enjoyed it.
Angela says
When I tell you that I want to shout from the roof-top about how freaking delicious this recipe is! It is quick, easy and so good. AND it tastes even better the next day... and the day after that... I may or may not, but definitely did, finish all of the leftovers over the course of a few days.... oops. Sorry not sorry.
staysnatched says
haha I love the sorry not sorry!
Kayla Perronie says
Made this tonight and O.M.G.! So so good, and I was easy and simple. Thank you for creating this!! Will definitely be a staple in the food prep game.
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Lindsey says
Absolutely perfect! I made the stovetop version using flour and it really hit the spot. Thanks for always bringing the best recipes to us!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Betsy says
This soup is the best!! If you like Panera's broccoli cheddar soup you will love this recipe, plus it's super easy and quick to make.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Carmen Munoz says
Sooooo Yummy! Brandi is right, the instant pot gives the broccoli the perfect soft texture. This recipe took so little time and was so satisfying. A really delicious was to add some vegetables to your diet.
Thanks for another great recipe!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Laura says
Rich, creamy and DELICIOUS! My family and I cannot wait to eat the leftovers and make again.
staysnatched says
This is perfect for leftovers!
Debbie Myers says
Made this tonight in my instant pot and it was easy and super delicious! Thank you for your fantastic recipie.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sara H says
This recipe is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing something easy and delicious that makes me look like the Queen of the Kitchen. This was easy and pure comfort!
Sara H says
This recipe is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this easy and delicious recipe that makes me look like the Queen of the Kitchen. This soup is pure comfort!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Shannon says
Quick & easy dinner that left the entire family satisfied! It’s becoming a staple for meatless Monday’s here!
staysnatched says
Yay! So good to hear.
Anne says
This soup is perfect! I love broccoli cheddar soup - and this recipe really is perfect! I have made it with fresh and frozen broccoli and its great either way. I love how easy this is to make, its become a staple in my meal prep rotation!
staysnatched says
Yay! Get it in the rotation.
Shaun says
Seriously this was so amazing!! We finished it and I’m already planning to whip up some more! Thank you for including the non-Keto option It was so good!! I did add shaved carrots because I’m just a mom trying to throw in extra veggies whenever I can haha! Love your recipes and the simplicity of it for this busy mom! Frees up my time for other more pressing things! Thank you
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad the tips helped!
Cherie says
Totally delish! I've tried a few other broccoli cheddar recipes, but this one has flavor, creaminess (is that word?) and fit perfectly into my macros. My only change was to use vegetable broth so my vegetarian husband could eat it. And he loved it too!
staysnatched says
It sure is a word!
Skye says
Great soup, super easy to follow. Good the day of as well as out of the freezer. Appreciate the recipe!
staysnatched says
This is so good for freezing!
ShaCara Telemaque says
I made this for lunch/dinner and WOW. My first time ever making soup and my first time using my instapot that I bought in November lol. I accidentally put too much broth and put a bit of mild cheddar instead of the recommended sharp(which I did add after I messed up) and it was STILL GOOD! I can only imagine how much more perfect it would have been if I follow the recipe exactly. Def would make this again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
MJ says
Tried this recipe and it was sooo good! Forgot the heavy cream so had to improvise a little, which might have been why the soup consistency was a little off. But the flavor was still there. Will try again without forgetting the heavy cream!
staysnatched says
Nice! Glad you enjoyed it.
Emily says
Delish and simple to make! Love the Instant Pot option.
staysnatched says
Yes! Such a simple recipe.
Coby says
This was my post-workout lunch today and I am NOT mad about it! It’s so easy and delicious! I love it!
staysnatched says
Great for that!
Ellevie says
This was so simple and SO DELICIOUS! Xanthan gum upsets my stomach so I added a 4 wedges of Laughing Cow spreadable cheese in place of a thickener, and the texture came out great. Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try more of your recipes.
staysnatched says
I love that tip!
Aja says
SO GOOD! I’ve made this recipe twice in 4 days. It freezes well and is easy to reheat.
staysnatched says
haha it's a good one to make!
LaKenya says
Hands down the best soup recipe! I make it at least once a month!
staysnatched says
Thank you! Glad to hear it.
Tanya says
I made this soup in preparation for after I had a baby. I wanted delicious food in my freezer that was easy to heat up. Not only did these freeze and thaw beautifully it was easy to make in the instant pot. WIN. WIN. WIN
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad to hear it.
Sarah says
So amazing! Everyone I make this for loves it!! I Make it exactly as directed.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Yavonne says
Absolutely the best broccoli cheddar soup ever! So bomb! You must try it. In my opinion better than Panera.
staysnatched says
Yay! Thank you.
Lisa says
All I can say is wow! I think I may like this better than Panera! And I get the broccoli cheddar there every time I go. Super easy to make and simple ingredients. Brandi hasn’t steered me wrong yet!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love to hear that.
Katie W says
This soup was delicious even with my Instant Pot malfunctioning! It didn’t come to pressure like it should have and cooked a little too long so I just added more stock and it was still great. My husband had 2 bowls!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Mallory says
I love broccoli cheddar soup, and damn Brandi’s recipe is so good!! It’s so easy to make and full of flavor. Definitely will make this again soon!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will make it again!
Erin G. says
Delicious soup and so very easy to make. The flavor is just like the soup at Panera! I couldn’t stop eating it! Also, it is a hit with my picky daughter! Brandi does it again! Thank you so much!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Sara says
This is the best Broccoli Cheddar Cheese soup recipe I have ever tried. I froze the leftovers and the soup was just as good after re-heating.
staysnatched says
Yes! I love to freeze this.
Dana Butler says
This soup is my favorite!! So easy to make and my whole family loves it. I used to purchase Broccoli Cheese soup from
Whole Foods but I don’t anymore because this soup is easy and fantastic!!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you can make it at home.
Catherine says
Recipe was very easy and tastes amazing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Melissa says
Not sure if I left a review last time I made this so here we are - love this soup, it's SO easy in the IP. I top mine with croutons & serve with a salad.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Ashley Fitzsimmons says
This recipe is so cheesy and delicious! Will definitely be a staple recipe. You knocked it out of the park again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it.
Sabrina Boucher says
Absolutely love this soup!!! Flavor is amazing and it’s so easy to make
staysnatched says
It's definitely an easy one!
Sarah S says
Who said homemade soup had to be complicated? Brandi breaks it down perfectly. Made this on my lunch break. So delicious. I made some subs based on what I had on hand and still came out great.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad it turned out great!
Abby says
So good, So easy!!! Why haven’t I made this sooner?!? Subbed cream cheese since I didn’t have heavy cream and the thickener and it was perfect. Thanks Brandi!!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Lynn says
This is such a great soup recipe! Especially if you have an abundance of broccoli. It’s a quick and easy to make soup. I followed the stovetop recipe as I do not have a pressure cooker. The flavours are delish! I halved the recipe…I don’t like eating the same thing for days.
I ate my cup of soup with a piece of low carb bread (toasted).
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Tori says
Easily THE BEST broccoli cheddar soup I've ever made at home. This recipe is awesome -- not only is it quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, but the leftovers taste even better the next day, too!
staysnatched says
Yes! This is great for leftovers!
Erin says
Hands down this is the best broccoli cheddar soup I’ve ever made! Really good flavor and texture, my only mistake was not doubling it for more leftovers!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love to hear that!
Taylor says
This recipe was BOMB!!! Came together in about 20 minutes. We used the flour substitute Brandi included in the notes section since we didn’t have xanthan gum on hand. Brandi couldn’t make it any easier! Tasted better than Panera and felt better since I knew exactly what was in it. Bring on soup season!!
staysnatched says
Soup season for the win!
Jessica Alvarado says
Soooooo good!! A new family favorite. My 6, 9, and 11 year old devoured their dinner in minutes, ha! Thank you 😁 I also sprinkled a little of the new Trader Joe’s cheesy seasoning in as well. Adding to the regular dinner rotation for sure!!
staysnatched says
I need to try that!
Abbey says
I made this recipe one year ago and I still think about it... it was that good!! I am huge Panera gal - and this recipe satisfied my craving for the broccoli cheddar soup. I followed the recipe super closely, just used the flour recommendation over the xantham gum. Thank you for all your recipes!! Please read the entire post, it will answer all your questions and take like 2 minutes.
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing that tip!
Collier Lewis says
Brandi you’ve done it again! This was such a quick and yummy soup. Thank you for satisfying my craving for broccoli cheddar soup without all the added crap! It’s so nice to have recipes that taste good and are good for you! No guilt this way!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Malika J. says
I say this every time, but I this was truly the easiest recipe to follow. Delicious and better than Panera. Do yourself a favor and shred your own cheese as she suggests. Way better than the pre-shredded. Thanks for another great recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
S Faison says
This was excellent! I had another recipe that I used to use, but it was too labor intensive. This delivers the same taste, or better, and it’s almost too easy!
I used frozen broccoli, and used the stovetop method with flour as thickener. I also blended it a bit with an immersion blender because my family prefers fewer chunks. Everybody should definitely follow the tip about shredding your own cheese. It melted like a dream.
I was supposed to have this for lunches this week, but we finished the entire pot. Thankfully it’s so easy that I’ll just make it again tomorrow. Five stars for sure.
staysnatched says
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.