Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings a smile to your face, then look no further than this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the rich, smoky flavor of gouda with tender broccoli and sweet carrots, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

What makes this soup truly special is how simple it is to prepare. You can whip it up in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor!
• One-pot wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of smoked gouda and fresh vegetables creates a warm and inviting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is as straightforward as the cooking process itself! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create a satisfying dish.

For the Soup Base

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 16 ounces broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 16 ounces whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Vegetables

• 1 large head of broccoli (chopped into small florets)
• 1 large carrot (grated)

For the Cheese

• 8 ounces smoked gouda (fresh grated)

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add some protein: Feel free to toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked beans for added nutrition.
• Mix up the veggies: Substitute cauliflower or spinach if you’re looking for different flavors or textures.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Make it vegan: Swap out butter for olive oil and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, add the diced onions. Sauté them until they turn translucent and begin to brown—about 4 minutes. This step is key because sautéing the onions enhances their natural sweetness. After that, toss in your minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Base

Next, sprinkle in your flour, stirring well to create a paste. Cook this mixture for about one minute; this helps thicken your soup later on. Then, pour in either vegetable or chicken broth along with whole milk, salt, paprika, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth—this base will be rich and creamy!

Step 3: Add Veggies

Now it’s time to add those beautiful broccoli florets and grated carrot! Stir to combine everything well before bringing it all to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften while preserving their vibrant color.

Step 4: Add Gouda

Once your veggies are just right, remove the soup from heat. Slowly add in your freshly grated smoked gouda while stirring continuously until it melts into that luscious creamy texture we’re after. This step is where all that smoky goodness infuses into your soup!

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Finally, ladle your warm Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into bowls. If you want an added crunch, top each serving with croutons—a delightful finishing touch!

Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Making the perfect smoked gouda broccoli soup is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality smoked gouda enhance the flavor significantly, making your soup taste vibrant and natural.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add an extra tablespoon of flour during the initial cooking stage or reduce the amount of broth. This gives you control over the consistency.
• Blend for creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, consider blending part of the soup after cooking. A hand blender can help achieve that velvety finish without losing any chunky goodness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder or onion powder for added depth. Customizing flavors can make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Store properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Serving your smoked gouda broccoli soup is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this comforting dish into something truly special.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that complements the rich cheese.
• Toasted pine nuts: These provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add texture and can be seasoned to match your flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with this soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and adds nutrition to your meal.
• Quinoa or rice pilaf: A fluffy quinoa or seasoned rice pilaf offers additional heartiness that complements the creamy nature of the soup while providing extra fiber.

Enjoy your delightful bowl of smoked gouda broccoli soup! It’s not just about nourishment; it’s about creating warm memories around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a large batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious soup:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down entirely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting dish.

Can I make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, and replace whole milk with almond or oat milk. You can also find vegan smoked gouda alternatives!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup?

For added depth, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper. You could also sauté some additional vegetables like leeks or bell peppers alongside the onions for more flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this soup. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing and adjust cooking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices—I can’t wait for you to experience its rich flavors! Happy cooking!