Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup combines the rich, creamy depth of smoked gouda with fresh, tender broccoli in a velvety broth. Balanced with warm spices and finished with a hint of smokiness, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or an elegant first course for dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture should become thick and slightly golden, which will help prevent a raw flour taste and form the soup’s base.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Pour in the milk and continue stirring to fully incorporate and prevent clumps.
- Add Broccoli & Season: Add the chopped broccoli, salt, black pepper, paprika, ground mustard, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the broccoli is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend Soup: Reduce the heat to low. Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some small broccoli pieces for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded smoked gouda cheese, mixing until completely melted and the soup is creamy and cohesive.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- For a thinner soup, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some or all of the milk.
- You can use pre-shredded smoked gouda, but shredding your own cheese melts more smoothly.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, ensure the smoked gouda is made with microbial or vegetable rennet.
- This soup reheats well, but avoid boiling after adding cheese to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 59mg