• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Receive Free Recipes by Email
Sign Up
  • About
    • Meet Sara
    • Work With Me
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Discount Codes
    • Contact
  • Resources
    • Business
    • Keto
    • RB Friends FB Group
    • Nut-Free Keto Recipes FB Group
  • Cookbooks

Real Balanced

A food blog dedicated to sharing easy and delicious low-carb, nut-free, and 30-minute recipes and resources.

  • 30-Minute
  • Main Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Low Carb
  • All Recipes
Home Recipes Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Net Carbs:5.1g
Published:03/01/21Updated:07/14/22
24 Comments This post contains affiliate links.
Jump to Recipe·★★★★3.7 from 3 reviews
instant pot broccoli cheese soup pinterest image
K CF VG NF EF IP

When you are craving a warm, quick, and comforting meal, this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup will satisfy your every craving! This recipe is low-carb, nut-free, egg-free, coconut-free, gluten-free, and grain-free, and can be prepared, cooked, and served in 1 hour!

overhead shot of instant pot broccoli cheese soup in serving bowl beside spoon

Be sure to read through the blog post for the answers to frequently asked questions before you move on to the recipe card and begin making this recipe. You will find step-by-step photos within the blog post (located above the recipe card) that will help you to successfully make this instant pot broccoli cheese soup.

Keto and low-carb Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup

This is a very flexible recipe, as you have the ability to substitute in different ingredients based on what you have on-hand (ingredient substitution suggestions are listed below).

The soup is made in an Instant Pot, which means you’ll have a flavorful meal in much less time than if you were to cook this on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

two bowls of instant pot brococli cheese soup atop a marble kitchen counter

Instant Pot broccoli cheese soup FAQs

Here are answers to the most commonly asked question about this low-carb Instant Pot recipe:

Are there any ingredient substitution options?

  • Unsalted Butter: You can substitute olive oil or avocado oil at a 1:1 ratio for butter.
  • Minced Garlic: If you want to use freshly-minced garlic, use 5-6 medium-sized cloves (use a food scale, if you can, to weigh 30g for accuracy). Garlic paste can be subbed in for minced garlic at a 1:1 ratio. For garlic powder, use 3/4 tsp in place of the minced garlic called for in the recipe.
  • Broccoli: Substituting the broccoli florets for cauliflower florets 1:1 will reduce the net carb content slightly. You could also make this soup with a combination of both vegetables.
  • Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be subbed in for chicken broth at a 1:1 ratio. Doing this will also make the soup vegetarian-friendly. Alternatively, beef broth can be used in place of chicken broth.
  • Shredded Cheese: You should be able to use any variety of shredded cheese in place of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack called for in the recipe. White cheddar or Colby-Jack in place of cheddar and shredded mozzarella in place of Monterey Jack would be my suggestions.
  • Stone-Ground Mustard: Dijon mustard or yellow mustard be subbed in at a 1:1 ratio. I do highly suggest using stone-ground though as I personally think this is the “game-changing” ingredient in this soup.
  • Paprika: Chili powder can be subbed in for paprika at a 1:1 ratio. Note that using chili powder will add some extra heat to this recipe and will alter the flavor just slightly.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Combining milk and butter is the easiest substitute for heavy whipping cream. Thoroughly mix 1/4 cup of melted butter with 3/4 cup of milk to make 1 cup of heavy cream.
  • Xanthan Gum: Glucomannan powder can be subbed in for xanthan gum at a 1:1 ratio.

What size Instant Pot should I use?

I personally use a 6 qt Instant Pot, but you can also make this in an 8 qt. If you have a mini 3 qt Instant Pot, you will need to use half of the listed amount of ingredients.

Regardless of the size of Instant Pot you use, do not change the cook time. That will remain the same.

Can I add protein to the soup?

Yes! I actually would highly encourage it. Every time I make this soup, I crisp up 8-10 slices of bacon in the oven. I crumble the cooked bacon up and stir half of it into the cooked soup and use the remaining half as a garnish.

How many net carbs per serving?

Per serving, this recipe contains 5.1 grams of net carbs. The recipe, as written, yields 10 servings and 1 serving is equivalent to ~3/4 cup of soup. Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbs, subtracting fiber, and subtracting sugar alcohols.

The full nutrition information for this recipe, including the calorie content, total carbs, protein, and fat per serving, can be found in the nutrition label located below the recipe instructions.

What diets is this recipe compliant with?

  • Keto and Low-Carb: Each serving of this recipe contains only 5.1 grams of net carbs, which makes it a great low-carb and keto-friendly dinner option.
  • Nut-Free: There are no nuts or nut products in this Instant Pot broccoli cheese soup recipe.
  • Coconut-Free: This recipe does not contain any coconut ingredients.
  • Egg-Free: Eggs are not used to make this soup.
  • Vegetarian: This recipe can easily be made vegetarian-friendly by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
  • Refined Sugar-Free and Sweetener-Free: This recipe does not include sugar or added sweeteners.

How should this recipe be stored?

  • Refrigerator Storage: Once cooled, this Instant Pot broccoli cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer Storage: Wait for the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or storage bag. If you transfer it to the freezer before it’s cooled, condensation will occur and will degrade the flavor. Freeze for 1 month. I would not recommend freezing longer than this as the flavor begins to change rather quickly after this timeframe. Thaw soup in its container overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Instructions: Spoon portion you plan to eat into a saucepan or into a bowl to microwave and heat until the desired temperature is reached (taste test and add more time if desired). Stir regularly while reheating otherwise it will not reheat evenly, especially if microwaved.

How to make this low-carb broccoli cheese soup recipe

Turn Instant Pot to Sauté setting, add butter, and, once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

instant pot with sauteed garlic in butter

Add broth and sauté for 1 minute.

broth poured into instant pot with sauteed garlic in butter

Add broccoli florets and screw-on lid. Set Instant Pot to cook on Manual setting for 10 minutes. (It will take 10-15 minutes for it to come to pressure and then the timer will begin to countdown.)

broth garlic butter soup with fresh broccoli florets

Quick-release pressure once Instant Pot timer has gone off. Remove lid, add shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mustard, paprika, and pepper, and stir until cheese begins to melt.

broth with cooked broccoli cheese and spices in instant pot

Pour in heavy cream and continue to stir until all ingredients are well-incorporated. Taste mixture and, based on your preferences, add salt or omit altogether.

heavy cream poured into instant pot that has broth with cooked broccoli, cheese, and spices

Using a ladle, scoop out ¾ cup of soup and transfer to a mixing bowl. In ¼ tsp increments, add xanthan gum and whisk vigorously until soup thickens. Transfer thickened soup back to Instant Pot and stir.

instant pot half full with broccoli cheese soup stirred with a wooden spoon

Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar before serving.

instant pot broccoli cheese soup garnished with more sharp cheddar cheese

Looking for other easy keto soup recipes?

If you are craving some more low carb easy soup recipes, try these delicious options:

  • Slow Cooker Taco Soup
  • Pumpkin SunButter Soup
  • Low Carb Beefy Cabbage Soup
  • Keto Zuppa Toscana
  • Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
  • Easy Keto Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
  • Keto Miso Soup
Looking for more free recipes?

Subscribe to my email list and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter for all of the latest updates.

two bowls of instant pot brococli cheese soup atop a marble kitchen counter

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup


★★★★

3.7 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara Nelson
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

When you are craving a warm, quick, and comforting meal, this Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup will satisfy your every craving! This recipe is low-carb, nut-free, egg-free, coconut-free, gluten-free, and grain-free, and can be prepared, cooked, and served in 1 hour!


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp (1 oz) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp (30g) minced garlic
  • 3 cups (24 fl oz) chicken broth
  • 36 oz broccoli florets
  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15g) stone-ground mustard
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (240mL) heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional)
  • 1 tsp (~3g) xanthan gum

Optional Garnishes:

  • 2 tbsp (14g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese


Instructions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté setting, add butter, and, once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth and sauté for 1 minute. Add broccoli florets and screw-on lid. Set Instant Pot to Manual setting for 10 minutes. (It will take 10-15 minutes for it to come to pressure and then the timer will begin to countdown.)
  2. Quick-release pressure after Instant Pot timer has gone off. Remove lid, add shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey jack cheese, mustard, paprika, and pepper, and stir until cheese begins to melt. Pour in heavy cream and continue to stir until all ingredients are well-incorporated. Taste mixture and, based on your preferences, add salt or omit altogether.
  3. Using a ladle, scoop out ¾ cup of soup and transfer to a mixing bowl. In ¼ tsp increments, add xanthan gum and whisk vigorously until soup thickens. Transfer thickened soup back to Instant Pot and stir. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar before serving.

Recipe Notes:

Unsalted Butter Substitution: You can substitute olive oil or avocado oil at a 1:1 ratio for butter.

Minced Garlic Substitution: If you want to use freshly-minced garlic, use 5-6 medium-sized cloves (use a food scale, if you can, to weigh 30g for accuracy). Garlic paste can be subbed in for minced garlic at a 1:1 ratio. For garlic powder, use 3/4 tsp in place of the minced garlic called for in the recipe.

Broccoli Substitution: Substituting the broccoli florets for cauliflower florets 1:1 will reduce the net carb content slightly. You could also make this soup with a combination of both vegetables.

Chicken Broth Substitution: Vegetable broth can be subbed in for chicken broth at a 1:1 ratio. Doing this will also make the soup vegetarian-friendly. Alternatively, beef broth can be used in place of chicken broth.

Shredded Cheese Substitution: You should be able to use any variety of shredded cheese in place of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack called for in the recipe. White cheddar or Colby-Jack in place of cheddar and shredded mozzarella in place of Monterey Jack would be my suggestions.

Stone-Ground Mustard Substitution: Dijon mustard or yellow mustard be subbed in at a 1:1 ratio. I do highly suggest using stone-ground though as I personally think this is the “game-changing” ingredient in this soup.

Paprika Substitution: Chili powder can be subbed in for paprika at a 1:1 ratio. Note that using chili powder will add some extra heat to this recipe and will alter the flavor just slightly.

Heavy Whipping Cream Substitution: Combining milk and butter is the easiest substitute for heavy whipping cream. Thoroughly mix 1/4 cup of melted butter with 3/4 cup of milk to make 1 cup of heavy cream.

Xanthan Gum Substitution: Glucomannan powder can be subbed in for xanthan gum at a 1:1 ratio.

Adding Protein To The Soup: Every time I make this soup, I crisp up 8-10 slices of bacon in the oven. I crumble the cooked bacon up and stir half of it into the cooked soup and use the remaining half as a garnish.

Size Of Instant Pot: I personally use a 6 qt Instant Pot, but you can also make this in an 8 qt. If you have a mini 3 qt Instant Pot, you will need to use half of the listed amount of ingredients. Regardless of the size of Instant Pot you use, do not change the cook time. That will remain the same.

Net Carbs: Per serving, this recipe contains 5.1 grams of net carbs. The recipe, as written, yields 10 servings and 1 serving is equivalent to ~3/4 cup of soup.

Refrigerator Storage: Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage: Wait for the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or storage bag. If you transfer it to the freezer before it’s cooled, condensation will occur and will degrade the flavor. Freeze for 1 month. I would not recommend freezing longer than this as the flavor begins to change rather quickly after this timeframe. Thaw soup in its container overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Instructions: Spoon portion you plan to eat into a saucepan or into a bowl to microwave and heat until the desired temperature is reached (taste test and add more time if desired). Stir regularly while reheating otherwise it will not reheat evenly, especially if microwaved.

Keywords: instant pot broccoli cheese soup, how to make broccoli cheese soup, low carb broccoli cheese soup

Did you make this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram at @realbalanced or leave me a comment & rating below.

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Photo credit: Jess Larson

  • Facebook980
  • Twitter
  • Email
Previous Post
14 Keto-Friendly Date Night Recipes Made For Valentine’s Day
Next Post
Fudge Fat Bombs

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

24 Comments

  1. Kathy says

    April 9, 2023 at 1:13 pm

    PLEASE CAN YOU PROVIDE THE SODIUM IN YOUR RECIPES. I NEED THEM TO BE LOW SODIUM

    Reply
    • Sara Nelson says

      June 8, 2023 at 1:27 pm

      674.2mg sodium per serving. That can be decreased by omitting the added salt.

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome, Friend!

My name is Sara Nelson, and I am the face behind Real Balanced. I am a Mom to two and a proud Wisconsinite. Here, you will find easy and delicious tried-and-true recipes that can often be made in minimal time. Read More
K Keto W Whole30 P Paleo DF Dairy-Free CF Coconut-Free VG Vegetarian V Vegan NF Nut-Free EF Egg-Free IP Instant Pot

Popular Recipes

overhead close-up image of creamy tuscan chicken on a castiron skillet atop a marble kitchen table
Net Carbs:4.2g

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Golden Jicama Fries garnished with freshly chopped parsley on a parchment paper-lined plate atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:3g

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Creamy spinach chicken bake on a glass baking dish with a portion scooped up by a spoon.
Net Carbs:5.3g

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Close-up of Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats on a plate atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:4.5g

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

A pan of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce.
Net Carbs:6.8g

Chicken With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Cabbage and sausage on a pan with a wooden spoon.
Net Carbs:7.3g

Cabbage and Sausage

30-Minute Recipes

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach in a white ceramic baking dish.
Net Carbs:3.3g

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A pan of creamy dijon chicken.
Net Carbs:3.7g

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A large sheet pan with the sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner.
Net Carbs:5.5g

Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Overhead shot of the One-Pan Low-Carb Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and Italian seasoning, served in a cooking pot with a serving spoon.
Net Carbs:6.4g

Keto Tuscan Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Recipe (One-Pan!)

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole on a baking dish with a portion on a fork atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:5.8g

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad (With Sour Cream And Mayo) in a ceramic bowl with serving spoons atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:4.5g

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad (With Sour Cream And Mayo)

eBook cover for 30-minute low-carb recipe book.
Subscribe & receive my Free 30-Minute Low-Carb Recipes eBook!
Finding time to make quick, delicious, and low-carb meals, snacks, and desserts can feel like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! This eBook contains 10 recipes that are low-carb that can be made and served in just 30 minutes! Sign Me Up!

Reader Favorites

A pan of creamy dijon chicken.
Net Carbs:3.7g

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Two bowls of Keto Zuppa Toscana on a marble counter. One of the bowls has a spoon in it.
Net Carbs:2.8g

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy spinach chicken bake on a glass baking dish with a portion scooped up by a spoon.
Net Carbs:5.3g

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Garnished Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in a white pot with a wooden spatula, resting on a white kitchen towel, beside two small bowls with shredded parmesan and chopped parsley on a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:7.4g

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Baked zucchini slices on a baking sheet.
Net Carbs:0.5g

Baked Sliced Zucchini

As Featured On
Back to Top

Follow Along

  • Join My Groups
  • Nut-Free Keto Recipes
  • Real Balanced Friends
  • 30-Minute Recipes
© Real Balanced 2023
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimers
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Back to Top
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • 980
3363 shares
3363 shares
  • 980