Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful soup that combines creamy richness with vibrant vegetables, this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is absolutely a must-try. The smoky undertones of the gouda perfectly complement the fresh broccoli and carrot, creating a luscious and hearty bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful bursts with layers of taste and texture, making this soup an instant favorite whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a casual lunch with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup truly special. Each item plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color that bring this soup to life.

• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds that silky richness and helps gently cook the onions and garlic.
• 1 medium onion (diced): Provides a sweet, savory base that deepens as it cooks.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): A punch of aromatic flavor that brightens the soup.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup into a creamy consistency without heaviness.
• 16 ounces broth (vegetable or chicken): Infuses savory depth and balances the creaminess perfectly.
• 16 ounces whole milk: Ingredients meet here to create that dreamy, velvety texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of color.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Gives a gentle kick to round out the flavors.
• 1 large head of broccoli (chopped into small florets): The star vegetable providing vibrant color and a fresh bite.
• 1 large carrot (grated): Adds natural sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
• 8 ounces smoked gouda (fresh grated): The secret weapon that melts into luscious creaminess with a luscious smoky flavor.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, letting it coat the pan with a golden sheen. Toss in your diced onions and cook them gently until they become translucent and start to turn a lovely golden brown — about 4 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste with the butter and aromatics. This step is crucial for thickening the soup without clumps. Let the mixture cook for a minute to toast the flour just enough to mellow out its raw edge.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in your broth and whole milk slowly while whisking to keep the texture smooth and lump-free. Then, add salt, paprika, and pepper. These simple seasonings elevate all the ingredients and ensure every spoonful is well-balanced.

Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables

Add in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot, stirring everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, then reduce the heat to low to let the veggies tenderize over 10 to 12 minutes. This tenderizes the broccoli while keeping enough bite to contrast beautifully with the creamy base.

Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda

Remove the soup from heat and slowly stir in the freshly grated smoked gouda. Take your time here and keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a smooth, smoky masterpiece that’s both creamy and comforting.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

To really elevate your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, consider topping it with crunchy homemade croutons, a sprinkle of extra smoked gouda, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor. A little swirl of cream or a handful of fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley will add freshness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a rustic crusty bread or a flaky baguette to soak up every creamy drop. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a warm grilled cheese sandwich, which complements the smoky notes in the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving the Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup in individual mini bread bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an impressive presentation. Another fun idea is to garnish the bowls with a little drizzle of chili oil or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture. The creamy color and green broccoli specks inside the bowl always invite curiosity and compliments from guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for easy weekday lunches or a quick dinner.

Freezing

This soup freezes quite well, though the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months and is a great option for meal prepping.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or the milk from curdling. Stir frequently and add a little extra milk or broth if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked gouda gives this soup its unique depth and smoky flavor, you can substitute with regular gouda, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, this recipe includes flour for thickening, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening.

Can I make this soup vegan?

For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use a plant-based milk such as oat or almond, and swap the smoked gouda for a vegan smoked cheese alternative. Also, pick vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based.

What’s the best way to chop broccoli for this soup?

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly and blend well into the soup texture. Smaller florets ensure tenderness without overcooking to mush.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Cauliflower, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can add interesting flavors and textures. Just adjust the cooking time so all veggies are tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is one of those dishes that feels both special and simple, comforting and vibrant. Its smoky, cheesy heart paired with wholesome vegetables makes it a perfect choice for any day you crave something nourishing and delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with friends and family. Go ahead and treat yourself to a big bowl — you deserve it!

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