Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Are you craving a bowl of comfort? You’re going to love this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup! This delicious recipe combines the richness of broccoli and cheese in a creamy base that will satisfy your craving. Thanks to the convenience of pressure cooking, you can have this mouthwatering Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe ready to enjoy in just minutes.

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (1)

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I love to cook in the Instant Pot. I grew up with my Mama Knight cooking in her “pressure cooker.” It is a super handy appliance in any kitchen, providing convenience and delicious results with little hassle.

  • Shorter cooking times make quick after-work meals easier
  • Hands-off cooking method. Set it and let it cook.
  • The sealed cooking environment allows the food to retain flavors, moisture, and nutrients.
  • Most Instant Pots have multiple cooking applications
  • Consistent and reliable results… every time
  • Energy-efficient
  • Great for meal prepping
  • Lots of built-in safety features

Can I Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, my original is cooked on the stove top. It’s an excellent option for those who have not joined the Instant Pot owners club.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

  • Butter – adds richness and flavor
  • Onion – for savory to sweet taste
  • Garlic Cloves – big flavor adding depth and complexity
  • Chicken Broth – flavorful base
  • Heavy Whipping Cream – brings a rich and creamy texture to the dish
  • Broccoli – slightly bitter and earthy co-star
  • Cheddar Cheese – sharp and tangy
  • Swiss Cheese – mild and nutty
  • Cream Cheese – adds richness and creaminess
  • Nutmeg – Slightly sweet, adding depth
  • Parsley – bright and fresh flavor
  • Pink Salt – Mild saltiness
  • Black Pepper – gives depth and heat to the soup
  • Red Pepper Flakes – optional to kick up the spice
  • Xanthum Gum – thickening agent

How to Make Keto-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Set your Instant Pot to Saute mode. Add butter, diced onions, and minced garlic.

  1. Let the onions and garlic saute until the onions start to become translucent.
  2. Add chicken broth and frozen broccoli. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
  3. Lock the lid and switch to Manual mode. Adjust the time to 5 minutes, let it come to pressure, and cook.
  4. Once the 5-minute cycle is complete, carefully put a dish towel on the valve and perform a quick release (QR).
  5. Once the pin drops, remove the lid and add the remaining chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and spices to the pot.
  6. Switch the Instant Pot back to Saute and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Gradually add cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until they melt and create a smooth and creamy texture.
  8. When the cheese fully melts, set the Instant Pot to the Keep Warm setting.
  9. Sprinkle the Xanthan Gum on top of the soup and stir to let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
  10. Your delicious Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is now ready. Enjoy!

Tip: I love freshly shredded blocks of cheese. The texture is so much better than pre-shredded cheese. Anddd I may or may not sneak a pinch of the fresh-graded cheese while no one is looking.

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (2)

Variations for Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Feeling creative? Want to switch things up a little? Here are a few ideas that could add a nice twist to the Cheddar and Broccoli Instant Pot Soup Recipe.

  1. Bacon and Broccoli: Crumble some crispy bacon on top of the soup before serving. Bacon makes everything better, right?!
  2. Cauliflower and Broccoli: Swap out some of the broccoli with cauliflower. Swapping vegetables gives a slightly different taste and texture.
  3. Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Spice things up with some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You’re in control of the heat!
  4. Smoked Gouda Cheese: Try some smoked gouda with the sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky twist.
  5. Broccoli and Ham: Add some additional protein with some diced cooked ham.
  6. Vegan or Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based ingredients like coconut milk or cashew cream instead of ingredients containing dairy or animal-derived ingredients.
  7. Vegetable Broth: Instead of using chicken broth, vegetable broth works, too.

How to Thicken?

To make your broccoli cheese soup thicker, you have a few options:

  1. Xanthan gum – Sprinkle a small amount of xanthan gum over the soup and stir it well. The gum acts as a thickening agent and helps achieve the desired consistency. Start with a little and add more if needed.
  2. Immersion blender – After cooking the soup, carefully blend a portion of it directly in the pot using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help break down the broccoli and cheese, creating a thicker and creamier soup.Be cautious with the hot liquid, and ensure the immersion blender is fully submerged before turning it on.

Non low-carb options:

  1. Roux – Melt equal parts butter and flour in a separate pan, whisking until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the roux to the soup while stirring continuously. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
  2. Cornstarch slurry – Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water in a separate bowl, then add the slurry to the soup while stirring constantly. Cook the soup for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Remember, adjust the thickness according to your preference by adding more thickening agent if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely, I usually go for the frozen broccoli florets because it is so easy and quick, but if you want to use fresh, go for it!

What is the best cheese for making Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Cheddar and Swiss melt beautifully and are perfect for the flavor profile of Broccoli Cheese Soup. If you want a slight twist, try Pepper Jack or Smoked Gouda.

How do I avoid lumpy cheese?

When cheese gets lumpy and grainy, it makes the entire pot of soup taste yucky. You can avoid this common issue with a bit of patience.

  1. Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually to the soup.
  2. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and smooth.
  3. Avoid overheating the soup.
  4. Use full-fat cheese.
  5. Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding.

Why is my cheese not melting in broccoli soup?

  1. The soup is not warm enough to melt the cheese.
  2. Excessive heat can cause the cheese to become stringy or lumpy.
  3. The cheese was added too quickly to melt properly.
  4. Used the wrong kind of cheese. Not all cheese melts smoothly. Mozzarella is a perfect example of this.
  5. The cheese was too cold, causing the cheese not to melt properly.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this broccoli cheese soup recipe is gluten-free, as written with the ingredients I used in my kitchen. When making the soup, make sure to check labels and choose a gluten-free chicken broth, cheeses, spices, and other ingredients. It’s also important to opt for gluten-free versions of thickening agents if available By being mindful of the ingredients you use and avoiding cross-contamination, you can enjoy a tasty gluten-free broccoli cheese soup.

Storing Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

If (and that is a big IF) there is leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup, store it in an airtight container or zippered storage bag in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. Thaw leftovers and reheat to the desired temperature.

Can I Freeze This Soup?

My short answer is yes. You can freeze this soup in an airtight container or freezer storage bag for up to 3 months. However, the texture of frozen dairy may be altered when reheated. The good news, the flavors won’t be affected.

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (3)

What to Serve with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I have a few go-to sides for comfort food soups. Check out these options.

  • Simple Side Salad – Crisp, light, and refreshing
  • Cheddar Garlic Biscuits – Crusty bread or breadsticks are great if you’re not eating low-carb.
  • Keto Cheese Crackers – Your favorite cracker from the pantry works for non-keto folks.

More Keto Soup Recipes

  • Comforting Low-Carb Chicken Pot Pie Soup
  • Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup
  • Hearty Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
  • Delicious Keto Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
  • Keto Seafood Chowder

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (4)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

4.82 from 22 votes

Instant Pot Broccoli & Cheese Soup Recipe {Keto/Low Carb}

Indulge in Keto Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with this mouthwatering recipe! Creamy cheeses, tender broccoli, and flavorful spices come together in this comforting low-carb soup.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Idle time5 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Brunch, lunch, Main Course, main dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, casual

Servings: 10 cups

Calories: 477kcal

Author: Kasey Trenum

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Turn on the Instant Pot and choose the Saute mode. Add the butter, onions, and garlic to the pot.

  • Cook the onions and garlic until the onions start to look a little see-through.

  • Now, it's time to add 3 cups of chicken broth and the frozen broccoli. Give it a good stir and wait for it to start boiling.

  • Lock the lid in place and press the Manual button. Adjust the time to 5 minutes.

  • When the 5 minutes are up, carefully put a dish towel on the valve and do a quick release. This means letting the steam escape quickly.

  • Once the pin drops down, it's safe to open the lid. Add the remaining chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and spices.

  • Switch the Instant Pot back to Saute mode and wait for the soup to boil.

  • Now, it's time to add the cheese. Slowly pour it in while stirring the soup continuously.

  • Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

  • Once the cheese has fully melted, switch the Instant Pot to the Keep Warm setting.

  • Sprinkle the Xanthan Gum on top of the soup and stir it. This will help thicken the soup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Notes

Helpful Tips:

How do I avoid lumpy cheese?

When cheese gets lumpy and grainy, it makes the entire pot of soup taste yucky. You can avoid this common issue with a bit of patience.

  1. Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually to the soup.
  2. Stir continuously until the cheese is totally melted and smooth.
  3. Avoid overheating the soup.
  4. Use full-fat cheese.
  5. Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding.

Why is my cheese not melting in broccoli soup?

  1. The soup is not warm enough to melt the cheese.
  2. Excessive heat can cause the cheese to become stringy or lumpy.
  3. The cheese was added too quickly to melt properly.
  4. Used the wrong kind of cheese. Not all cheese melts smoothly. Mozzarella is a perfect example of this.
  5. The cheese was too cold, causing the cheese not to melt properly.

Nutrition

Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1094mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1858IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 473mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @kaseytrenumblogger or tag #kaseytrenumblogger!

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (5)

Instant Pot Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs in keto broccoli cheddar soup? ›

Conventional broccoli cheese soup often contains flour or cornstarch as thickeners, so it's not low carb. The popular soup from Panera has 25g of carbs per serving. However, this recipe for Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup has only 8.3g of carbs and 2.3g of fiber. That's means it has 6g net carbs per serving.

Why won t my cheese melt in my broccoli cheddar soup? ›

Grate the cheese yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting into a lusciously creamy soup. To ensure that your broccoli cheddar soup has the best smooth and creamy texture, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

Why won t my broccoli cheddar soup thicken? ›

flour: So, if you don't use flour here, it won't thicken quite like a broccoli cheddar soup should, even with this recipe being a “brothy” version. I recommend using it, or swapping for gluten free flour if needed.

Why is my broccoli cheddar soup separating? ›

Avoid too high of heat when using dairy (milk or cream) because the soup can curdle and separate. Try not to take it to the boiling point.

Can you eat unlimited broccoli on keto? ›

Yes, broccoli is keto-friendly! It is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. One cup of cooked broccoli contains only 3 grams of net carbs, which is well within the daily limit for those on a keto diet.

Which soup is keto-friendly? ›

These cozy soup recipes are seriously indulgent, but they're all keto-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Pot Pie Soup. ...
  • Creamy Roasted Garlic and Mushroom Soup with Bacon. ...
  • One-Pot Creamy Meatball Soup. ...
  • Vegetable Soup. ...
  • 30-Minute Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chowder. ...
  • Low Carb Lasagna Soup. ...
  • Instant Pot Keto Stuffed Pepper Soup.
Dec 2, 2022

What cheese melts best in soup? ›

Mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Swiss and queso blanco can all work well. “The best cheeses to melt into soups are cheeses that are higher in moisture and have a lower melting point,” says Bauer. In addition to cheddar and Monterey jack, he recommends Fontina and Gruyère.

How to add cheese to soup without curdling? ›

To prevent cheese from curdling, it's important to add it to the soup slowly and at a lower temperature. Gradually incorporate small amounts of cheese into the hot soup while stirring continuously. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese.

Why does my broccoli cheddar soup taste grainy? ›

The temperature you cook Broccoli Cheese Soup at is key to making sure it doesn't end up grainy or curdled. Medium heat is best for dairy-based soups so it doesn't boil and curdle.

Why does my broccoli soup taste bland? ›

If your Broccoli Soup tastes bland, there are several potential reasons. Here are some common culprits and suggestions to enhance the flavour: Insufficient seasoning. Solution: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.

How do you thicken vegetable soup on keto? ›

To thicken a keto soup without using flour or cornstarch, consider using xanthan gum, guar gum, or cream cheese. These low-carb thickeners add richness and texture without compromising ketosis.

How do you fix watery broccoli soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

How do you keep broccoli cheddar soup from breaking? ›

The common solution is to use a flour-based roux. Flour can thicken up the water phase of the soup, which in turn makes it difficult for fat globules to coalesce. Just like in a creamy Mornay sauce, the cheese can't separate.

Why isn't my cheese melting in my broccoli soup? ›

Why won't my cheese melt in my broccoli cheddar soup? This tends to happen when you use a pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses include anti-caking agents that will prevent them from melting properly in your soup. If you shredded your own cheese and it's still not melting, it may just need more time on the stove.

Why does broccoli cheddar soup make my stomach hurt? ›

Broccoli also can be the culprit behind a slew of stomach-related symptoms. Not only does the veggie — or more specifically, the intestinal bacteria that breaks the fibrous content down — cause gas, but that gas can actually be painful, too.

How many carbs are in cheddar cheese keto? ›

Cheddar cheese

Varieties range in flavor from sharp to mild, so most people can find a type that suits their taste preferences. Per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, a mild cheddar cheese provides 9 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of carbs. This means it's a good fit for the keto diet ( 1 ).

How many carbs are in 1 cup of broccoli soup? ›

Each 1-cup serving contains approximately 84 calories, 17 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein, less than 1 g fat, 82 mg sodium, and 2 g fiber.

How many carbs can you have on keto? ›

On the keto diet, you are allowed to have no more than 50 grams of net carbs per day – and the fewer, the better! But by focusing on “net” rather than “total” carbs, you won't be denying your body the essential fiber it needs for proper function.

How many carbs are in keto vegetable soup? ›

This keto vegetable soup is super nutritious and so flavorful! It makes a wonderful light yet filling lunch or dinner for the entire family - kids and adults alike. My hearty homemade vegetable soup is ready in just 30 minutes and 7.6g net carbs per generous serving.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 5823

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.