There is something truly comforting about a warm, velvety bowl of soup on a cool day, and this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe delivers exactly that with a delightful twist. Combining the smoky richness of gouda with fresh broccoli and a touch of garlic and paprika, this soup is a cozy hug in a bowl. Its creamy texture and vibrant green color make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, making it a go-to favorite for anyone craving something wholesome yet indulgently flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, hearty ingredients is the first step toward making an unforgettable Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, or brightening the overall dish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Acts as the rich, silky base to sauté your onions and garlic, adding depth to the soup’s flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and enhances the savory profile once caramelized.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle pungent kick that melds beautifully with the smoked cheese.
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the roux to thicken the soup without lumps.
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth: Forms a flavorful liquid base, giving the soup body and a touch of umami.
- 16 ounces whole milk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture, balancing the soup perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and melds all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a hint of color to brighten the bowl.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets: The star vegetable that delivers freshness, nutrients, and that lovely green vibrancy.
- 1 large carrot, grated: Adds a natural sweetness and texture contrast, plus a pop of color.
- 8 ounces (226 g) smoked gouda, freshly grated: The heart of the Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe, providing its signature smoky, creamy richness.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook them gently until they become translucent and golden, about 4 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds so its aroma blooms without becoming overpowering.
Step 2: Make a Roux for Creamy Goodness
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour to the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a paste-like roux. Cooking it for about a minute helps to get rid of that raw flour taste, which is key to a smooth, creamy soup without any gritty bits.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now for the magic—gradually whisk in your vegetable or chicken broth along with whole milk, making sure the mixture stays silky and lump-free. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper. This combination adds a bit of warmth and balance, enhancing the smoked gouda without overshadowing it.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables to Tender Perfection
Stir in those fresh chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the broccoli and carrots reach just the right tenderness — tender but still bright and appealing.
Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda
Off the heat, slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda, stirring continuously. Patience pays off here as the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, transforming it into the creamy, smoky delight that makes this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Serve While Warm
Ladle your luscious soup into bowls. For an extra touch, scatter some crunchy croutons on top or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its creamy best.
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley can add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich smoky cheese perfectly. Croutons or crispy bacon bits offer crunch and textural contrast, elevating each spoonful with a bit of excitement.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty baguette or garlic bread, making it a satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully, making sure you’re left feeling nourished, not weighed down.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a charming presentation that guests will love. Or try layering it in clear glass mugs with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs on top so the gorgeous colors show through. It’s comfort food with flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any extra soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy go-to for busy evenings.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a good option. Just be aware that soups with cheese can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep the smoked gouda from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore that luscious creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular gouda instead of smoked gouda?
Absolutely! While smoked gouda gives the soup its signature smoky flavor, regular gouda will still provide creamy richness; just consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe can easily be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Everything else remains the same for a delicious, meat-free option.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use a dairy-free smoked cheese alternative, though the flavor and creaminess will vary slightly from the original.
How finely should I chop the broccoli?
Chopping the broccoli into small florets helps it cook evenly and blend nicely into the soup so that every spoonful has a smooth texture with delightful little bites of tender broccoli.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Sure! Cauliflower or zucchini make great additions or substitutes, adding more variety without overpowering the comforting flavor of the smoked gouda and broccoli.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, with the smoky cheese and fresh vegetables creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to meals to share with those you love.
Print
Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender broccoli and sweet carrot with the rich, smoky flavors of gouda cheese. Perfect as a warming lunch or dinner, this smoothie soup delivers a velvety texture balanced by savory seasoning and is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 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
- 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.
- Add 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
- Use freshly grated smoked gouda for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after adding cheese as it may add saltiness.
- For a smoother consistency, blend the soup partially or fully with an immersion blender.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Reheat gently to prevent cheese from separating.
