If you are seeking a delightful bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is exactly what you need. It combines the creaminess of smoked gouda with the vibrant freshness of broccoli and a hint of sweetness from grated carrots. This soup is silky, rich, and packed with flavor, yet comforting and easy to make. Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smoky cheese and wholesome vegetables, making it a standout choice for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion where you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh, and quality ingredients is the secret to making this soup shine. Each component plays a pivotal role, contributing to the soup’s luscious texture, bold flavor, and beautiful color contrast that makes this dish irresistible.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Provides a rich base and enhances the savory depth of the soup.

Medium onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle sharpness that complements the cheese.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Offers a warm aromatic punch without overpowering the other flavors.

All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your soup is creamy and velvety.
Broth (16 ounces, vegetable or chicken): Creates the savory liquid foundation and balances the creaminess.

Whole milk (16 ounces): Gives the soup a smooth, luscious mouthfeel.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and keeps everything perfectly seasoned.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the smoked gouda.

Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of subtle heat.
Large head of broccoli (chopped into small florets): The star vegetable offering freshness, vibrant green color, and great texture.
Large carrot (grated): Introduces a hint of natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue.

Smoked gouda (8 ounces, freshly grated): The hero cheese that melts into a rich, smoky, and creamy base for this soup.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook gently until it softens, turns translucent, and begins to develop a golden brown edge. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness and builds flavor right at the base. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Finally, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for a minute to form a smooth roux that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in the Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in the broth—chicken or vegetable works brilliantly—and whole milk, blending everything smoothly. Add salt, paprika, and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly. The paprika here elevates the dish with a gentle smoky hint that foreshadows the rich smoked gouda flavor to come.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Now, add the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot to the simmering mixture. These vibrant veggies bring freshness and subtle sweetness to the soup. Cover the pan and turn the heat down low to let the vegetables cook through gently for 10 to 12 minutes; this ensures they remain tender but still retain a slight bite and plenty of color.

Step 4: Melt in the Smoked Gouda

Remove the soup from the heat and begin adding the freshly grated smoked gouda slowly. Stir consistently to help the cheese melt fully and become creamy, blending seamlessly into the soup base. This step transforms your broth into a thick, luscious, smoky masterpiece you’ll want to savor with every spoonful.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Pour your rich, dreamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into bowls and get ready to delight in its velvety texture and smoky flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh and warm, perfectly paired with crunchy toppings or bread for dipping.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate the whole experience. Try topping your soup with toasted croutons for crunch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for brightness, or a small drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. A few cracked peppercorns or a dusting of smoked paprika can add an appealing flair and hint at the soup’s complex flavors.

Side Dishes

The smoky richness of this soup pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Think crisp garden salads, warm crusty baguettes, or a light grilled chicken breast for an added protein boost. A side of garlic bread is also heavenly for dipping and soaking up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve this soup in mini bread bowls to make it fun and rustic, perfect for a cozy gathering. Alternatively, garnish with tiny broccoli florets or edible flowers to brighten the bowl visually. If you’re serving guests, ladle it into elegant ramekins or clear glass mugs, allowing the vibrant green and creamy orange hues to shine through, enticing everyone’s taste buds before the first sip!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, this soup will taste just as delightful as on day one.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance or save portions for busy days, freezing this soup is an excellent option. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture may slightly change due to the cheese and milk, but reheating it with gentle stirring will revive the comforting flavor wonderfully.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through and creamy again. Avoid boiling as it could cause the dairy to separate. If the soup is too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked gouda gives this soup its signature flavor, you can substitute with sharp cheddar, fontina, or gruyere for a different cheesy twist. Just keep in mind the smoky, creamy component may vary slightly.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors remain full and satisfying, making it a perfect meatless meal option.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Making this soup fully dairy-free would require some creative tweaks since the rich smoked gouda and milk are crucial for the creamy depth. However, plant-based cheeses and milk alternatives can work if you experiment with flavors and textures carefully.

How thick should my soup be?

The ideal texture is creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still smooth and sipable, not overly dense. The flour roux and cheese melting together create this perfect balance.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Cauliflower, zucchini, or even potatoes can be added to customize your soup. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy your personalized take on this classic.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup that comforts the soul and delights the palate. It’s one of those recipes that feels both elegant and homey in the best possible way. I urge you to whip up a batch, invite a friend over or savor it solo, and experience the magic of this creamy, smoky, and fresh soup in every spoonful. It’s not just a meal; it’s love in a bowl.

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup that combines the smoky richness of gouda cheese with fresh broccoli and carrots, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the year.

Instructions

Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they are translucent and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and onions, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add the salt, paprika, and black pepper, whisking well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with croutons if desired. Enjoy this smoky, cheesy broccoli delight!

Notes

For a smoother soup, blend the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
Substitute smoked gouda with regular gouda or cheddar if preferred.

Use low-fat milk for a lighter version, but whole milk adds creaminess.
Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup

Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 550 mg

Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g

Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Smoked Gouda, Broccoli Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe