Creamy Smoked Gouda Soup

This smoky, creamy broccoli soup transforms a humble vegetable into an indulgent comfort meal that satisfies both cheese lovers and vegetable skeptics alike. The smoked gouda adds an irresistible depth that elevates this soup beyond ordinary broccoli cheese varieties, creating something truly crave-worthy even on the busiest weeknights.

I first made this soup when looking for ways to use a beautiful head of broccoli from our local farmers market. My husband who typically avoids vegetable soups requested seconds and now asks for this by name whenever temperatures drop below 60 degrees.

Ingredients

• Butter creates the rich foundation for the soup and helps develop flavor in the onions
• Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth look for firm onions with no soft spots
• All purpose flour thickens without making the soup gluey use the scoop and level method for measuring
• Broth adds savory backbone use homemade for best flavor or a high quality store bought
• Whole milk creates creaminess without heaviness avoid substituting with lower fat alternatives for best texture
• Broccoli is the star ingredient choose heads with tight dark green florets and firm stalks
• Carrot adds natural sweetness and beautiful color select one with vibrant orange color
• Smoked gouda provides the distinctive flavor profile look for authentic smoked varieties not just smoke flavored

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Flavor Base

Melt butter over medium heat until it starts to foam then add diced onions. Cook them slowly until they become translucent and begin to caramelize at the edges about 4 minutes. This develops sweetness that balances the smoky cheese. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will become bitter.

Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the butter and vegetable mixture and stir constantly to create a smooth paste. Continue cooking for a full minute to remove the raw flour taste. This step creates the thickening base for your soup so make sure the flour is fully incorporated with no dry patches.

Build the Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and milk in a steady stream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add salt paprika and pepper and continue whisking until perfectly smooth. This gradual addition ensures a silky texture throughout the final soup.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot stirring to distribute them evenly throughout the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness. I recommend keeping them slightly firm for textural contrast.

Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat which prevents the cheese from becoming stringy or separating. Add the freshly grated smoked gouda in small handfuls stirring after each addition until completely melted. This gradual approach ensures the cheese incorporates smoothly into the soup creating a velvety consistency.

Bookmark

The smoked gouda is truly what transforms this from a standard broccoli soup into something memorable. I discovered this combination when experimenting with cheese varieties one rainy afternoon. Now whenever I serve this at gatherings guests always comment specifically on the subtle smokiness that complements the broccoli perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

This soup stands beautifully on its own but reaches new heights when served with crusty sourdough bread for dipping. The slight tang of sourdough contrasts wonderfully with the creamy soup. For a complete meal consider serving smaller portions alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette the brightness cuts through the richness perfectly.

Texture Variations

While I love the soup exactly as written you can easily adjust the texture to suit your preference. For a completely smooth soup use an immersion blender after cooking the vegetables but before adding cheese. For a more rustic presentation chop the broccoli into larger pieces and consider leaving some aside to add after blending for added texture. The versatility makes this recipe perfect for pleasing different family members.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. When reheating do so gently over medium low heat stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the original creamy consistency. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator making this an excellent make ahead option for busy households.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this soup. There's no need to thaw it first - simply add it directly to the pot and you may need to adjust cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure it's heated through completely.

→ Why shouldn't I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-clumping agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy texture. For the creamiest soup, always grate cheese fresh from the block just before adding it to the soup.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients in the base recipe are already vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or homemade croutons. For a complete meal, add a sandwich on the side like a classic grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food combination.

→ Can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker soup, increase the flour to 1/3 cup. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or milk until you reach your desired texture. Always adjust seasonings accordingly when modifying the liquid amounts.