Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

The autumn chill always brings me back to my kitchen, a place where warmth, comfort, and delicious aromas fill our home. With three busy kids, I know how important it is to have nourishing meals that come together easily but still feel incredibly special. One evening, after a particularly blustery day, I found myself craving something hearty and comforting.

I had some beautiful broccoli, and a wedge of smoked Gouda cheese calling my name. That’s when inspiration struck, and the very first batch of this amazing Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup was born. The kids, who are usually quite discerning about their vegetables, absolutely devoured it!

The smoky depth of the Gouda paired with the subtle sweetness of the broccoli created a flavor profile that instantly became a family favorite. This isn’t just any broccoli soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a sophisticated twist on a classic, and a recipe I’m so excited to share with you. Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

You are going to adore this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup for so many reasons. First, it brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table without any fuss. The star of the show, smoked Gouda, elevates simple broccoli soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Its distinct smoky, nutty, and slightly sweet notes perfectly complement the earthy broccoli, creating a harmonious blend that’s truly irresistible. This isn’t your average bland broccoli soup; it is packed with layers of delightful flavors.

Furthermore, this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup offers incredible comfort. On a cold evening, or any day you need a little extra coziness, a warm bowl of this soup feels like a comforting embrace. It is rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a delightful starter. My kids ask for this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup regularly, proving even picky eaters will find it hard to resist.

Beyond its amazing taste, this soup is remarkably easy to prepare. You don’t need a culinary degree to create this masterpiece. Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup a fantastic option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.

It comes together quicker than you might expect, allowing you more time to spend with your loved ones. We also love that this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.

It’s a nutritious meal, full of wholesome ingredients, offering a delicious way to get your family to enjoy their vegetables. Dive into the world of this incredibly delicious Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this soul-satisfying Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors we love.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1.5 lbs), chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese (about 8 ounces), freshly grated
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Substitutions & Variations

One of the beautiful aspects of cooking is the freedom to customize, and this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it truly your own.

If you are looking to make this a vegetarian Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The flavor will still be incredibly rich and satisfying. For a dairy-free Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, it gets a bit trickier with the cheese, but you can use a plant-based milk (like unsweetened cashew or oat milk) and a plant-based heavy cream alternative.

For the cheese, look for a smoked plant-based Gouda or another smoky vegan cheese that melts well. The texture might be slightly different, but the essence of the smoky flavor will remain.

Feeling adventurous with your cheese? While smoked Gouda is the star of this particular Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, you can certainly try other cheeses. A sharp white cheddar or even a Gruyère would add a lovely nutty depth.

For a spicier kick, a smoked Monterey Jack could be interesting. Just ensure it’s a cheese that melts smoothly. Remember, the unique smoky flavor of Gouda truly makes this “Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup” shine, so any substitution will alter the signature taste.

You can also play with the vegetables in your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. While broccoli is key, adding a handful of chopped carrots or a diced potato during the initial cooking phase with the broccoli can add extra nutrients and heartiness. Roast the broccoli first for a deeper, more intense flavor before adding it to the soup.

Just toss the florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. This step adds another layer of complexity to your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup.

For a richer texture without the flour, you can also blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) with a potato, then return it to the pot. This creates a natural thickening. Don’t forget about seasonings!

A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a gentle warmth. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley make a wonderful garnish, adding a fresh contrast to the rich Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Feel empowered to make this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup uniquely yours!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this wonderful Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time.

1. Sauté Aromatics: First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets.

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is very tender. You want the broccoli to be easily mashed with a spoon.

3. Create the Creamy Base: In a separate medium saucepan, warm the milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat, just until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.

4. Thicken (Optional): If you desire a thicker soup, gradually whisk the all-purpose flour into the warm milk and cream mixture until smooth. Continue whisking and heating for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

This step gives your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup an extra luxurious texture.
5. Combine and Blend: Carefully transfer the cooked broccoli and broth mixture to a blender.

Add the warmed milk and cream mixture to the blender as well. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, you can blend only half of the mixture and then combine it with the unblended portion in the pot.

Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, blending until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Stir in Cheese and Seasonings: Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat.

Gradually stir in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup without clumping.
7.

Season and Serve: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want more smoky flavor in your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, add a tiny pinch more of smoked paprika if you have it.

Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil after adding the cheese, as it can cause the cheese to separate.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle your delicious Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into bowls.

Garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded smoked Gouda, fresh parsley, or a swirl of cream, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful of this incredible Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup!

Pro Tips for Success

Making a truly outstanding Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is easy, and these pro tips will help you achieve perfection every time.

First, always grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy texture in your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Freshly grated smoked Gouda melts beautifully, creating that luxurious, silky consistency we crave. It truly makes a significant difference in the final product of your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup.

Next, don’t overcook the broccoli initially. While you want it tender enough to blend, extremely mushy broccoli can sometimes result in a less vibrant green color and a slightly duller flavor. Cook it just until it’s fork-tender, then immediately proceed to blending. This ensures your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup maintains its fresh, appealing look and taste.

When blending, be cautious with hot liquids. If using a traditional stand blender, fill it only halfway to prevent pressure buildup, and secure the lid firmly, perhaps leaving a small vent. Cover the vent with a kitchen towel to prevent splatters.

Blending hot soup can be tricky, so take your time. An immersion blender, if you have one, makes this step incredibly simple and mess-free, allowing you to blend the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup right in the pot.

Also, add the cheese gradually over low heat. High heat can cause cheese to separate or become stringy. By adding the smoked Gouda in small batches and stirring continuously over low heat, you ensure a perfectly smooth and creamy texture for your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Patience here truly pays off.

Finally, taste and adjust seasonings frequently. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are just starting points. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and the intensity of your smoked Gouda, you might need more or less.

Adjusting seasonings at the end ensures your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup hits all the right flavor notes. A touch of acidity, like a squeeze of lemon juice, can brighten the flavors at the very end if you feel it needs a lift. This simple trick can make your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup truly sing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is how well it holds up as leftovers. My family often enjoys it for lunch the next day, and it tastes just as fantastic!

To store any leftover Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, allow it to cool completely at room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps it fresh. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container.

It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious and nourishing meal ready to go. The flavors of this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup sometimes even deepen overnight.

For longer storage, this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup freezes surprisingly well. Again, make sure the soup is fully cooled. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace as liquids expand when frozen.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Reheating your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is simple. For individual portions, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You might notice the soup has thickened slightly in the refrigerator; if so, you can add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Avoid boiling the soup when reheating, especially if it contains cheese, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate or become oily. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This ensures the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup remains smooth and delicious.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, elevating your dining experience.

A classic pairing for any creamy soup is crusty bread. A warm baguette, a slice of sourdough, or even some homemade dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the rich and smoky Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. The bread soaks up all the delicious flavors and adds a satisfying texture contrast. Garlic bread or cheese toast would also be excellent choices.

For a lighter accompaniment, a fresh green salad is wonderful. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. The crispness and acidity of the salad help balance the meal beautifully.

If you want to make it a more substantial meal, consider pairing your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup with half a sandwich. A grilled cheese sandwich (perhaps with a touch of smoked Gouda to echo the soup!), a simple turkey sandwich, or even a chicken salad sandwich would make for a comforting and complete lunch or dinner. The familiar combination of soup and sandwich is always a winner.

Another fantastic option is to serve the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup with some roasted vegetables. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or even more roasted broccoli would add extra nutrients and a lovely caramelized flavor that complements the soup. This creates a really wholesome and satisfying meal. For a bit of protein, a simple grilled chicken breast or even some pan-seared shrimp would be a delicious addition to your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup dinner.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

The flavors often deepen and meld even further overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much.

What if I can’t find smoked Gouda cheese?

While smoked Gouda is key to the distinctive flavor of this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, you can substitute it. A good quality regular Gouda with a pinch of smoked paprika added to the soup can mimic some of the smoky notes. Alternatively, a smoked cheddar, smoked mozzarella, or even a good Gruyère cheese would make a delicious, albeit different, broccoli soup.

How can I make the Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken your Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, you have a few options. You can use the optional flour step in the instructions. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of broth or cook it uncovered for a longer period to allow some liquid to evaporate.

For a naturally thicker soup, add a peeled, diced potato along with the broccoli during the simmering stage, then blend everything. To thin the soup, simply stir in additional milk or broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, this Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup freezes quite well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra liquid to restore its original consistency.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is designed to be a nourishing and satisfying meal. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients used.

Creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

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• Author: Vera
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and comforting soup made with fresh broccoli and smoked Gouda cheese, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1.5 lbs), chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese (about 8 ounces), freshly grated
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
2. Stir in broccoli florets and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until broccoli is very tender
3. In a separate saucepan, warm milk and heavy cream until steaming but not boiling
4. If desired, whisk in flour to the milk and cream mixture for a thicker soup
5. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a blender, add the milk and cream mixture, and blend until smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only half
6. Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat and gradually stir in shredded Gouda until melted
7. Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust seasonings as needed. Heat gently but do not boil
8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra Gouda or fresh parsley if desired

Notes

Grate your own cheese for best melting.

Don’t overcook broccoli to maintain vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 100mg