Instant Pot Christmas Soup

Instant Pot Christmas Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the festive spirit to your table. This rich, red and green tomato and cheese soup resembles a velveeta-rotel dip but in a warm, hearty form. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even just a quick weeknight meal. With its easy preparation and satisfying flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, cheese, and spices creates a rich flavor that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this soup fits various meal settings and occasions.
• Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly days, it wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
• Easy Cleanup: Utilizing the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Instant Pot Christmas Soup successfully, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker allows for quick cooking and maximum flavor infusion while saving you time.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your soup.
• Cutting board & Chef’s knife: These are crucial for efficiently prepping your ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

A red and green tomato and cheese soup that is like velveeta-rotel dip in a soup form. A dump and go soup to feed a crowd!

For the Base

• 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian stewed tomatoes with juice
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Original tomatoes with green chilies with the juice

For the Pasta

• 1 (12 oz) bag of tri color spiral shaped pasta

For Creaminess

• 16 ounce Velveeta cheese
• ¼ cup milk

For Flavor

• 1 Tbsp fresh basil
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

How to Make Instant Pot Christmas Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the counter to make the cooking process smooth. Measure out each item for easy access during cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot

Add the chicken or vegetable broth, petite diced tomatoes, Italian stewed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tri-color spiral pasta, Velveeta cheese, milk, fresh basil, and cayenne pepper into the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Close the lid securely on the Instant Pot. Set it to cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to sealing.

Step 4: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Open the lid carefully. Stir the soup well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Serve hot with your favorite bread or toppings! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Instant Pot Christmas Soup!

How to Serve Instant Pot Christmas Soup

Serving Instant Pot Christmas Soup is a delightful experience, especially during festive gatherings. This vibrant soup not only warms the heart but also becomes a centerpiece of your meal. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

In Individual Bowls

• Serve each guest in their own bowl for a personalized touch. Garnish with fresh basil for added color and flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. A little shredded cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

Accompanied by Salad

• Offer a side salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens, to balance out the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Christmas Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Christmas Soup will ensure that every bowl is delicious and satisfying. Follow these tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and good-quality broth can significantly improve the flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper to match your heat preference; start with a small pinch if you prefer milder flavors.
• Stir Well: Ensure all ingredients are well mixed before sealing the Instant Pot; this helps in even cooking.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Garnish Creatively: Use additional herbs or even avocado slices as garnishes for extra flair and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Christmas Soup

Complementing your Instant Pot Christmas Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted with butter and garlic, it’s perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing adds freshness.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide a bite-sized treat that pairs well with soup.
4. Crackers and Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses with assorted crackers creates a fun appetizer spread.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet, buttery cornbread muffins bring a comforting element to the table.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer crunch and heartiness beside the smooth soup.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with chips or vegetables makes for an indulgent side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Christmas Soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and results.

• Ignoring Prep Time: Skipping the prep time can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Always gather and measure your ingredients before you start cooking.
• Overfilling the Instant Pot: Filling the pot beyond its limit can prevent proper cooking. Make sure to leave enough space for steam to build up.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid may cause burning. Ensure you have enough broth or liquid in the pot for a smooth soup consistency.
• Skipping the Stirring Step: Not stirring before sealing can create uneven cooking. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly before closing the lid.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot Christmas Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Christmas Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Instant Pot Christmas Soup special?

The combination of tomatoes, cheese, and pasta creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Christmas Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Christmas Soup?

The total time is approximately 10 minutes of prep plus about 8-10 minutes of cooking under pressure.

Is Instant Pot Christmas Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep! Store it in portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Just use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients while keeping the other components as listed.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Christmas Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices for a personal touch. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit!

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