If you are a fan of creamy, comforting soups with a smoky twist, you are going to absolutely love this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender broccoli and sweet carrots, all enveloped in a velvety broth enriched with melted smoked gouda cheese. Every spoonful provides a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy goodness paired with fresh vegetable flavors, making it a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special to impress friends, this recipe is a total keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this delicious soup shine. Each one is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together effortlessly.
- Unsalted butter: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, giving the soup a rich base without overpowering the flavors.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that complements the smoky cheese beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a creamy, comforting consistency.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid that blends all ingredients together.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brightens the final dish.
- Paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and a subtle pop of color.
- Pepper: Gives just enough spice to keep the soup lively.
- Broccoli florets: The star vegetable, fresh and chopped small for even cooking and bite-sized comfort.
- Grated carrot: Adds a natural sweetness and a lovely splash of orange.
- Smoked gouda, freshly grated: The magic ingredient that melts into the soup to create a smoky, creamy flavor that defines this recipe.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent with just a hint of golden brown, about 4 minutes. This gentle caramelization brings out the onions’ natural sweetness, which perfectly balances the smoky gouda later on. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its delicious aroma — this short sauté ensures the garlic flavor is mellow and inviting.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the butter, onions, and garlic mixture. Cooking this roux for about a minute will remove any raw, floury taste and start thickening your soup. This step is crucial because it helps achieve that rich, velvety texture we all crave in a good broccoli cheese soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth followed by the whole milk, working steadily to keep the mixture perfectly smooth. This careful blending prevents lumps and sets the stage for a creamy final soup. Then season it gently with salt, paprika, and pepper — these simple spices let the flavors shine without competing with the smoked gouda’s distinctive smoky tang.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Fold in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot, stirring to combine everything. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables reach your perfect tenderness. This simmering step allows the broccoli and carrots to soften while soaking up all those beautiful flavors in the broth.
Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda
Remove the pot from heat and slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda, stirring constantly. This gradual addition is key to achieving a luxuriously smooth texture without the cheese clumping or separating. Watch as the cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, transforming it into a creamy masterpiece with that irresistible smoky depth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe into bowls, and if you like, add some crunchy croutons on top for an extra layer of texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the soup at its best—comfort in a bowl that’s simple to make but feels like a special treat.
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like toasted croutons, a sprinkle of extra smoked gouda, or even a drizzle of olive oil can add contrast to the creamy soup. A handful of crispy bacon bits or fresh chopped chives also elevate each spoonful with added texture and bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The richness of the soup balances perfectly with lighter sides, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic and charming presentation that doubles as edible dishware. You can also top bowls with a swirl of cream or a dash of smoked paprika for a pop of color and an inviting finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an easy and delicious meal to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but because it contains dairy, it’s best to freeze it before adding the smoked gouda. Freeze the soup in portions and add freshly grated smoked gouda when reheating to keep the texture and flavor fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping or curdling. Adding a splash of milk can help restore its creamy texture as it warms back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked gouda?
Absolutely! While smoked gouda adds a unique smoky flavor, you can experiment with sharp cheddar, fontina, or even a mild mozzarella depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the character of the soup will change slightly.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth, this recipe is completely vegetarian. Using chicken broth would make it non-vegetarian, so choose according to your dietary preferences.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works well in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is already partially cooked and releases more water.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
This soup is creamy and moderately thick but still spoonable. The flour roux and cheese melt create a smooth texture that coats the broccoli and carrot perfectly.
What’s the best way to grate smoked gouda?
Use a fine or medium grater and ensure the cheese is well-chilled for easy grating. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and avoids clumping in the soup.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe enough. It’s such a comforting, flavorful soup that feels perfectly homemade with minimal effort. The way the smoky cheese blends with fresh veggies is delightful, and it’s sure to become a staple in your soup rotation. So gather those ingredients and treat yourself to something wonderfully cozy today!
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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 blend of tender broccoli, grated carrot, and rich smoked gouda cheese simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy stovetop recipe yields a smooth soup with a smoky, cheesy depth and a hint of paprika for warmth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 8 ounces (226 g) smoked gouda, freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes until they soften, brown slightly, and become translucent. 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 thick paste (roux). Cook the roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the whole milk, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables become tender according to your preference.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and slowly add the freshly grated smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously. Allow the cheese to fully melt and incorporate into the soup, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with croutons for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Freshly grate the smoked gouda to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly.
- Adjust the paprika and pepper to taste for subtle or stronger smoky warmth.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer a few minutes longer uncovered to reduce slightly.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons to add crunchiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid splitting the cheese.
