Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, get ready to fall in love with Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. This recipe is a creamy, flavor-packed twist on the classic broccoli and cheese soup, bringing together beautifully smoky gouda, fresh broccoli, and a medley of savory spices for a cozy meal that feels both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly night or serving it as the star at your next gathering, this rich soup is sure to be a new forever favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients can deliver such deep, comforting flavor. Each component here plays a starring role, from the smokiness of the cheese to the vibrantly green broccoli that adds both texture and color.

• Butter: Creates the rich base for sautéing the onions and adds a velvety finish to the soup.
• Onion: Gives the soup subtle sweetness and depth—don’t skip this for foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic notes that elevate the soup’s savory profile.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup and creates a creamy body when combined with butter.
• Vegetable broth: Adds a savory backbone while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Whole milk: Lends extra creaminess, ensuring the soup is luscious but not overly heavy.
• Broccoli florets: The main veggie attraction—chopping them small ensures tenderness and easy blending.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and pulls everything together.
• Black pepper: A gentle heat that wakes up the palette without overpowering.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and a subtle, appealing color.
• Ground mustard: A secret weapon for tang and complexity, highlighting the cheese.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra little kick, add this to spice things up just a touch.
• Shredded smoked gouda cheese: The hero of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, giving a melted, luxurious smokiness in every spoonful.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, letting it gently cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and give everything a stir for 30 seconds—the aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible and hints at the flavor to come.

Step 2: Build a Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. You’re creating a roux, which is the magic step for creamy soup. The flour will combine with the butter and onion to form a paste that thickens the base and ensures every bowl is luxuriously smooth.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps as you go. Once the liquid is fully incorporated, pour in the whole milk. This combination will create a pale, rich base that’s ready for all the good stuff that comes next.

Step 4: Broccoli and Seasoning

Add the chopped broccoli along with salt, black pepper, paprika, ground mustard, and an optional sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes—just enough time for the broccoli to become deliciously tender without losing its bright green color.

Step 5: Blend to Your Texture Preference

Reduce the heat to low, then grab an immersion blender and partially purée the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, blend half of the soup in a regular blender (careful with the steam!) and return it to the pot. This way, you get the best of both worlds: some creamy base, and some pieces of broccoli for soulful texture.

Step 6: Stir in the Smoked Gouda

Off the heat, fold in the shredded smoked gouda. Stir until it’s fully melted, creating that signature creamy, smoky hug that defines Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Taste and tweak the seasoning if necessary—sometimes an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of black pepper brings it all home!

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

Dress up each bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup with a little extra shredded gouda, a sprinkle of chopped chives, or even a few crisp croutons. These finishing touches add color, texture, and just a bit of restaurant-style flair to your homemade bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside a crusty baguette or warm sourdough for dunking—essential for soaking up every last drop. For a heartier meal, pair it with a fresh green salad, or serve with baked potatoes for a cozy dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that’s both practical and fun. For appetizers, use small espresso cups or shot glasses for soup “shooters” at a party. Or, drizzle with a swirl of cream and a pop of paprika for a restaurant-quality look at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup a fantastic option for meal-prepping lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? This soup freezes well, but keep in mind the cheese and milk may cause a slightly grainy texture when reheated. Freeze in individual portions for convenience, leaving a little space at the top of each container since the soup will expand as it freezes.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly to keep it smooth—avoid boiling, as that can cause the cheese to separate. If the soup thickens too much, whisk in an extra splash of milk or broth to bring it back to perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of smoked gouda?

Absolutely! While smoked gouda provides a distinct flavor, you can try regular gouda, sharp cheddar, or even a blend. Just keep in mind that the smoky element is what sets this soup apart.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free substitute like a gluten-free all-purpose blend or use cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup vegan?

You can! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use a non-dairy milk (like oat or soy), opt for a vegan smoked cheese, and be sure your vegetable broth is vegan. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a rich, creamy result.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely. Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even white beans after blending for a more filling, protein-packed version. They’ll complement the soup’s smoky flavors beautifully.

How can I make the soup even creamier?

For extra creaminess, swap half of the milk for heavy cream or add a dollop of crème fraîche before serving. Blending the entire soup, rather than part of it, will also give a silkier texture if that’s what you love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to experience a warm and satisfying bowl of comfort, Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is truly a must-try. It’s cozy enough for a solo night in but just special enough to serve to friends and family. Give this recipe a go—you may just find your new go-to soup for every occasion!

Print