Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Panera Copycat

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes hold as much sway as a hearty bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. The creamy, cheesy concoction is a soothing balm for the soul, especially during the chilly months of winter. While traditional methods of preparing broccoli cheddar soup can be time-consuming, the Instant Pot offers a quick and convenient solution, allowing you to whip up this beloved dish in a fraction of the time.

The Instant Pot Advantage

The Instant Pot, is a versatile multi-cooker which has revolutionized home cooking, particularly for those seeking convenience and efficiency. Its pressure cooking function significantly reduces cooking time, making it ideal for preparing dishes that would otherwise require hours of simmering. In the case of broccoli cheddar soup, the Instant Pot can transform raw ingredients into a delectable soup in a matter of minutes.

A Symphony of Flavors

The essence of broccoli cheddar soup lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of broccoli, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the subtle aromatics of onions and garlic come together to create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating. The Instant Pot method preserves these delicate flavors, ensuring that every spoonful delivers a burst of culinary delight.

A Culinary Adventure

Making broccoli cheddar soup in the Instant Pot is an effortless culinary adventure. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add chopped broccoli, vegetable broth, and your favorite seasonings, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Once the cooking cycle is complete, you'll be greeted with a pot of perfectly cooked broccoli and fragrant broth.

A Touch of Indulgence

The final step in creating this culinary masterpiece involves the addition of cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with different varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère, for a unique twist on flavor. The cheese melts into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

A Versatile Delight

Broccoli cheddar soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, and even a dollop of sour cream can elevate the soup experience. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight meal or a cozy indulgence on a chilly day, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect solution.

So, embrace the convenience and culinary magic of the Instant Pot and embark on a journey to create this comforting classic. With its symphony of flavors, effortless preparation, and endless versatility, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

1 cup of broccoli florets

1 cup of carrots, chopped

1 small  white onion, diced

1 package of cream cheese

2 cups of chicken broth

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Chop broccoli, carrots and onions into smaller chunks and add them to the instant pot.

Add chicken broth.

Add the block of cream cheese.

Place the lid on the instant pot and seal.

Use the manual setting, and set the timer for 4 minutes.

It will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure.

When the timer sounds, use the quick release valve.

Remove lid, add cheddar cheese and stir.

Turn the instant pot to saute.

Allow the soup to cook for about 3 minutes, but keep an eye on it and do not let it boil!

Turn the instant pot off, serve immediately.

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before stirring in an airtight container in the fridge.

Serves 6

I love to serve this on a cold winter day as it delivers stick to the ribs comfort in just a few minutes of time. 

While this is not an exact copy of the always popular Panera option, it is very close, and maybe even better than the original!

You might also want to try my copycat Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe.

This copycat crumbl cinnamon toast crunch cookie recipe is perfect for dessert tonight.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

This is the best cookie recipe yet! It has juicy, sweet cherries baked into double chocolate chip cookie dough. Make these for the winter holidays like Christmas or Valentine's day. They are decadent, delicious and so easy! Let the kids help, or whip up a batch this afternoon to share with someone special.

I love everything about this recipe. It brings decadent chocolate cookie dough together with chocolate chips and juicy cherries! Drizzle chocolate over the top to set this cookie over the top!

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 c all purpose flour

1⁄2 tsp baking soda

1⁄2 tsp baking powder

1⁄2 c sweetened condensed milk

1⁄2 c of granulated sugar

1 cup of mini chocolate chips

3⁄4 c softened butter

1⁄2 c cocoa powder

A pinch of salt

1 cup of maraschino cherries, chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, or a baking mat.

Drain the maraschino cherries and allow them to dry on a paper towel.

Slice the maraschino cherries in halves or quarters, your choice.

Mix butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add sweetened condensed milk and blend until creamy.

Add baking powder, baking soda and pinch of salt, mix until combined.

Add flour and blend until fully incorporated.

Add chocolate chips, chopped cherries and cocoa powder.

Mix for 30 seconds on medium speed until the cocoa is incorporated.

Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough, and drop them 2” apart on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The tops should no longer look glossy.

Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

Drizzle with chocolate glaze when completely cool.

Remove and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

This recipe makes about 18 cookies.

Chocolate Glaze

1 cup of milk chocolate chips

3 tablespoons of milk

2 cups of powdered sugar

Melt the chocolate chips over medium heat, using the double boiler method, or pop them in the

microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring frequently, until the chocolate stirs smooth.

Add the milk and stir.

Add the powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.

Drizzle over cookies and allow to cool and harden for 15 minutes.

Find more favorite cookie recipes here:

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

The perfect fall cookie is easy to make in your home kitchen with this recipe for maple brown sugar cookies. This recipe creates cozy, warm cookies that are perfect to make and share.  Bake a batch with the kids, or surprise someone special with a dozen. Everyone will love these maple brown sugar cookies.

I love to bake and share my creations with neighbors and friends. I have fallen head over heals for maple and brown sugar flavors so I knew I had to bake cookie that captured them perfectly. I feel like maple should be an official flavor of fall. What do you think?

This recipe starts with simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar and Ohio maple syrup. It creates a cookie that is bakery quality. You are going to love the burst of buttery, maple flavor each bite offers.

 Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Cookie Ingredients:

2 ⅓ cup flour

1 stick of softened butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup of sugar

1 large egg

⅓ cup of maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoon maple extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

Directions:

Cream butter and both sugars together. Beat for 2 minutes.

Add egg, continue to mix for 1 minute and then add maple syrup.

As you are mixing add the vanilla and maple extracts.

Begin adding the flour, baking soda, salt. During this step I like to switch from my mixer to a mixing spoon to stir as the dough will be very creamy and soft and a little sticky.

Chill in the refrigerator for 90 minutes.

When you remove the dough from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Use a cookie scooper to form balls of dough and place them on a cookie sheet, 2” apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Icing Ingredients:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons of milk

2 teaspoons of maple extract

Combine all the ingredients in your mixer and blend over low speed until smooth.

Drizzle over cooled cookies.

These are so good with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They feel warm and cozy long after they have cooled off.

I am sure you will agree this maple brown sugar cookie recipe has a great crumb and a delectable buttery vibe going on that makes them perfect. 

If 3 dozen cookies sounds like too much for you to eat, you can freeze this recipe. Just scoop the dough into balls onto a cookie sheet. Pop it in the freezer for 2 hours or so until the dough is frozen, from there you can place the frozen cookie dough into a freezer bag. Mark the bag with time that they need to bake and the time to bake. Then you can pull a few cookies out as needed. 

You are sure to love these maple brown sugar cookies as much as my family does.

Find more great recipes here:

Golden Graham Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

Homemade Holiday Candies

 The holidays are near and that means it is time to start thinking about gifts to buy and treats to make. This year why not save a little money and give a gift from the heart with these homemade holiday candy recipes? These are decadent, delicious and easy to recreate at home in your own kitchen. Make a few varieties and package them in a pretty container for a great gift.

This collection has something wonderful for everyone! From cheesecake balls that are dreamy to simple dipped marshmallows that always delight and even a candy for the coffee lovers. 

While you are here you can't forget to visit some of my favorite bark recipes.

Everyone loves this celebration bark.  Fruity Pebbles bark is a perfect no bake candy option for cereal lovers.

Cheesecake Balls by Rich and Delish

These cheesecake balls are so creamy and dreamy! You are sure to love this recipe for homemade candy.

Dark Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows by Saporito Kitchen

This recipe is simple and delicious! Let the kids help with this one.

Homemade Snickers by The Short Order Cook

This homemade snickers bar recipe is perfect to make and freeze for later. Make these ahead of time for a homemade gift from the heart.

Honey Lollipops by The Monday Box

Homemade honey lollipops are perfect for sucking or stirring tea with! These would be great sticking stuffers.

Saltine Toffee by Spend with Pennies

Toffee made with saltines is a perfect treat to make and share.

Strawberry Hard Candy by In the Kitch

These hard candies are perfect for holidays. They are so fruity and flavorful!

Disneyland Copycat Churro Toffee  by In Fine Taste

No need to plan a trip to Disney to get your churro toffee fix. This is a perfect at home dupe!

Homemade Torrone Italian Nut Nougat by xoxo Bella

This homemade Italian candy would be so nice to share with your friends and neighbors this year.

Cookie Dough Truffles by Fantabulosity

These truffles are just the thing to serve to anyone who loves cookie dough flavor!

Rocky Road by Flavor the Moments

Homemade rocky road has never been easier than it is with this tasty recipe!

Peanut Butter Balls by Bitz n Giggles

If you love peanut butter flavor then you will want to make these delicious little treats this year!

Homemade Payday Bars by Sweet Peas Kitchen

This recipe is a perfect copycat for homemade, fresh payday candy bars!

Angel Candy by DIY and Fun

You are sure to love the layers of this candy! It is so tasty!

Turtles by The Cagle Diaries

Simple and delicious are always a good idea! This recipe for homemade turtles is sure to be a favorite!

Vegan Twix by Spabettie

If you are a fan of twix bars, you will want to make these for a sweet, homemade holiday candy to share.

Dalgona Coffee Candy by Corrie Cooks

Coffee fans would love to get a tub of these instant pot candies for the holidays!

Find more homemade candy recipes here

Cotton Candy Ice Cream Cones

Boozy Butter Creams

Festive Cranberry Cocktail Recipes

 The holiday season is near, and if you are gathering with friends to exchange gifts, or hosting a party, you are going to want to pin this list of festive cranberry cocktails for later. This list has some of the best options to help you ring in the holidays in style.

If you have been visiting me for a while, you know I love a good cocktail. This year I would love to include more cranberries into my happy hour, so I started visiting with some of my favorite bloggers to find the best recipes. I know you will find a few items you love on this list.

Cranberry Sage Cocktail by Salted Plains

Perfect Cranberry Cosmo by xoxo Bella

Cranberry Sangria by Flavor the Moments

Blushin Russian by The Good Hearted Woman

Frozen Cranberry Mimosa by Stephanie’s Way

Winter White Cosmos by Aleka’s Get Together

Cranberry Pear Mimosas by Entirely Elizabeth

Sorcerer's Stone Cocktail by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Orange Margarita by Emily Fabulous

Cranberry Orange Daiquiris by Small Town Woman

Cranberry Moscow Mules by Our Crafty Cocktails

Mezcal Cranberry Cocktails by Gastronom Blog

Sparkling Cranberry Champagne Cocktails by Homebody Eats

Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mules by The Forked Spoon

Cranberry Margaritas by A Splash of Taste

Don't these drinks sound perfect for the holiday season? Which would you like to make first? Don't forget to click over to view the full recipes and save them to your cocktail board.

While you are here you can find some of my favorite drink recipes here:

Wild Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Boozy Freezer Pops

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup