Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, velvety bowl of soup that sings with smoky, cheesy goodness and vibrant green broccoli, then this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is your new best friend. It’s a perfect blend of creamy textures and fresh vegetable flavors, all elevated by the rich, smoky notes of gouda that melt into every spoonful. This soup not only warms you up but impresses with its luxurious taste, making it a wonderful choice for cool evenings or when you need a little cozy indulgence. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to settle for any other broccoli soup again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and nutrition. From butter to build a luscious base, to fresh broccoli for that vibrant texture and color, every element is essential and easy to find.

• Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Creates a rich foundation and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
• Medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked gently.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the soup with a gentle savory warmth without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Acts as a thickening agent to give the soup its silky texture.
• Broth (16 ounces, vegetable or chicken): Provides a flavorful, savory liquid base that complements the vegetables.
• Whole milk (16 ounces): Adds creaminess and mellows the flavors beautifully.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives the soup a subtle warmth and vibrant color without heat.
• Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of spice and complexity.
• Large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets: The star veggie, fresh and nutritious, providing great texture and color.
• Large carrot, grated: Brings a pop of natural sweetness and bright color to the mix.
• Smoked gouda (8 ounces, freshly grated): The secret to that irresistibly smoky, cheesy flavor that defines this soup.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Create a Roux

Begin by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it slowly until it starts to soften and turn a lovely translucent brown after about 4 minutes. This step is where your soup’s flavor foundation forms. Add the minced garlic next, cooking for just 30 more seconds to awaken its fragrance without browning it. Now, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it well to make a smooth paste. Let it cook for a full minute, which helps eliminate that raw flour taste while thickening your soup base perfectly.

Step 2: Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in your broth and whole milk to keep the mixture silky and lump-free. Adding the liquids gradually while stirring ensures a creamy texture. Season the soup with salt, paprika, and pepper—these simple spices sharpen and deepen the flavors without stealing the spotlight, allowing the vegetables and cheese to shine.

Step 3: Simmer with Broccoli and Carrots

Next, toss in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, turning the heat down low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until your vegetables are tender but still retain a bit of bite. This careful cooking keeps the broccoli vibrant and the carrot’s sweetness intact.

Step 4: Melt in the Smoked Gouda

Once the veggies are just right, take the pot off the heat and slowly stir in the freshly shredded smoked gouda. Patience is key here—mix continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, creating that luscious, smoky creaminess that’s simply irresistible. The smoked gouda elevates this broccoli soup to a whole new level of comfort food brilliance.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls. Serve it warm, and get ready to savor each spoonful bursting with bright greens, creamy texture, and smoky cheese bliss.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

Elevate your soup presentation with fresh, crunchy toppings. Crispy croutons add wonderful texture contrast, while a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley brings a refreshing pop of color and mild oniony flavor. For a little more indulgence, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup with crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette to soak up every creamy drop. Light green salads or roasted vegetable medleys also complement the richness, balancing the meal with fresh, crisp elements. For a heartier option, consider crispy bacon bits or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at your next gathering, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic charm that’s as delicious as it looks. Mini cups or shot glasses filled with smaller portions make fantastic appetizers. You can even swirl in a pinch of smoked paprika or garnish with toasted nuts for unexpected layers of flavor and a sophisticated touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the soup properly sealed preserves its creamy texture and ensures all the smokiness and freshness stay intact for the next meal.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid separation.

Reheating

Reheat your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This gentle heat keeps the cheese smooth and prevents the soup from curdling. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the creamy consistency and full flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of smoked gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked gouda is the star of this soup, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or fontina for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the smoky flavor is unique to gouda and gives this soup its signature character.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by swapping butter for olive oil and using plant-based milk and broth. For the cheese, try a dairy-free smoked cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

Definitely. If you prefer a silky, smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup after cooking the vegetables but before adding the cheese. Stir the cheese in at the end for a luscious finish.

How spicy is this soup?

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup has very mild heat thanks to the paprika and black pepper. It’s more about smoky and savory flavors than spiciness, making it great for all ages and palates.

What can I do with leftover soup besides reheating?

Leftover soup makes a fantastic base for casseroles, can be drizzled over baked potatoes, or even transformed into a creamy pasta sauce with a bit of extra milk and cheese stirred in. Get creative—your leftover soup deserves an encore!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup that comforts the soul and pleases the palate. This recipe proves that simple ingredients, treated with care and combined thoughtfully, can create a memorable dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. So go ahead, dive into this creamy, cheesy, and bright-green goodness—you might just discover your new favorite soup to enjoy all year round.

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