Hey y'all! If you're craving a bowl of silky, cheesy comfort that wraps you up on a chilly evening, this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is exactly what you need. Bursting with the smoky richness of gouda and the wholesome earthiness of broccoli, it's a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve for everything from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers. Cozy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Ultra-creamy texture with a rich, smoky cheese flavor that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Quick and easy—ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with wholesome broccoli for a nutritious veggie boost.
- Versatile recipe—easily adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
- Great make-ahead option, and leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients for Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded (learn about gouda cheese)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Crusty bread or croutons, for serving (optional)
How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should turn pale golden but not darken.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Carrots
Add broccoli florets and grated carrot to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the roux mixture.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 5: Cook the Veggies
Simmer the soup for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is very tender.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender (compare blenders) right in the pot, blend until your desired level of smoothness is reached (smooth or a little chunky—your call!). Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded smoked gouda, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle hot Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or homemade croutons. Enjoy!
Notes for Making Perfect Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- For ultra-smooth soup, blend until completely creamy—an immersion blender makes cleanup easy!
- Buy a block of smoked gouda and shred it yourself for the creamiest melt and best flavor (learn how to shred cheese).
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and drain excess water to avoid diluting the soup.
Variations on Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based milk and your favorite vegan smoked cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add a cup of cauliflower or spinach during simmering for even more nutrition.
- Hearty Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or white beans just before serving.
Required Equipment for Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently—do not boil after adding cheese, to prevent separation.
Serving Recommendations for Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Top with extra shredded smoked gouda or cracked black pepper for a gourmet touch.
- Serve alongside thick slices of toasted, crusty sourdough or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
- Pair with a crisp, green salad for a balanced meal.
Pro Tips for Incredible Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Don’t overcook the cheese—add it once the soup is off the heat for the silkiest finish (tips for melting cheese).
- If you prefer a chunky soup, set aside a handful of broccoli florets before blending and stir them in at the end.
- Season generously! Smoked gouda is bold, but the right balance of salt, pepper, and paprika makes everything pop.
FAQ: Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Can I use regular gouda or another cheese?
Absolutely! Regular gouda, sharp cheddar, or even fontina make tasty swaps if you don’t have smoked gouda, but the signature smoky flavor will be missing. - Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, due to the flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or omit entirely for a thinner, gluten-free soup. - Can I make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better a day or two later as flavors deepen. Store and reheat carefully for best results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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2Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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3Stir in the broccoli florets and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
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4Puree the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a standard blender until smooth.
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5Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded smoked Gouda cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
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6Serve hot, garnished with additional smoked Gouda or fresh herbs if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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