If you are craving a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. The rich, velvety texture combined with the smoky, nutty flavor of smoked gouda cheese takes this classic broccoli soup to a whole new level. It’s a perfect balance of fresh vegetables and indulgent cheese that warms you up from the inside out on any day. Whether you are whipping up a quick lunch or an elegant starter, this soup promises satisfaction in every spoonful and is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe plays an essential role to build layers of rich flavor and creamy texture. The list is simple, fresh, and easy to find, making this dish a delightful and approachable kitchen adventure.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle savory foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch to brighten the soup’s profile.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect roux to thicken the soup smoothly.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Salt: Balances and enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Paprika: A subtle smoky warmth to complement the smoked gouda cheese.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat to keep the flavors lively.
- Large head of broccoli, chopped: The star vegetable that offers freshness, vibrant color, and texture.
- Large carrot, grated: Brings a slight natural sweetness and a beautiful hue.
- Smoked gouda, freshly grated: The showstopper cheese that melts into a smoky, creamy dream.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onions and cook them gently until they become translucent and just start to brown, which brings out their natural sweetness. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just long enough to awaken its aroma without burning it. This base sets a fragrant, savory tone for the soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Add the all-purpose flour to the buttery onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a thick paste known as a roux. Cooking this for about one minute is crucial to eliminate any raw flour flavor, ensuring your soup stays smooth and pure in taste. This step is essential for the soup’s velvety texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the whole milk, making sure the mixture remains smooth without lumps. This is when the soup really starts to come together. Season thoughtfully with salt, paprika, and pepper to layer in the warming spice and flavor balance that pairs perfectly with smoked gouda’s richness.
Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot into the pot, stirring everything together nicely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold some texture to avoid any mushiness. This step ensures the veggies shine through alongside the creamy base.
Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda
Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the freshly grated smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the soup. This step transforms the broth into a rich, creamy masterpiece filled with that signature smoky flavor. Take your time to get every last bit of melted cheese in for the best silky finish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy. This soup is perfect just as it is, but feel free to add garnishes for an extra special touch. Serve immediately to experience the full depth of flavors and creamy texture at its best.
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of crunchy croutons or toasted nuts adds a delightful contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can brighten the presentation and enhance the flavors with a fresh herbal note. A small drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of sour cream can also lend a lovely visual and taste boost.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a soft baguette to soak up every drop of the creamy broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully alongside, balancing richness with crunch and acidity. For a heartier meal, grilled cheese sandwiches or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or a fun family meal, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation. You can also top it with a handful of crispy bacon bits or even swirl in a spoonful of pesto for surprising complexity and color that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. Before storing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may slightly change after thawing, but stirring well while reheating will bring it back close to its original creaminess. Be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating or sticking to the pan. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can help restore the soup’s smooth consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the soup from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use cheddar cheese instead of smoked gouda?
While shaved cheddar will work in a pinch, the distinct smoky flavor of smoked gouda is what really defines this soup. Cheddar will create a different, milder taste and less creamy texture, but it’s still a tasty alternative if gouda is unavailable.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the soup vegetarian-friendly. The smoked gouda and fresh veggies offer plenty of hearty flavor and richness on their own.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with a creamy non-dairy alternative like oat or cashew milk, and use a dairy-free smoked cheese substitute if you can find one. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
How can I make the broccoli taste less bitter?
Choosing fresh broccoli and chopping the florets finely helps create a sweeter flavor. Cooking the broccoli just until tender—about 10 to 12 minutes—prevents bitterness from developing. Adding the grated carrot also helps balance any bitterness with natural sweetness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This soup scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use a larger pot and increase the cooking time slightly, especially for simmering the vegetables. The flavors will remain just as rich and delicious whether it’s 4 servings or 8.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about cozying up with a bowl of this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe. The smoky cheese, tender vegetables, and creamy broth make it a perfect dish for any occasion when you want comfort food with a satisfying twist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your favorite way to enjoy broccoli soup. So grab your ingredients, dive into the kitchen, and treat yourself to this deliciously creamy, smoky, and wholesome bowl of goodness.
Print
Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich smoked Gouda cheese. Perfect as a hearty lunch or a warming dinner, this quick and easy soup blends savory flavors with a velvety texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
Liquid Ingredients
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
Cheese
- 8 ounces (226 g) smoked gouda, freshly grated
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they begin to brown and become translucent, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the onion and garlic mixture, forming a paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth along with whole milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Incorporate the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot into the soup. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender to your preference.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and integrated into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with croutons for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially or fully before adding the cheese.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for more depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or paprika if desired.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded due to lack of anti-caking agents.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons to add extra texture.
