Imagine a creamy, cozy bowl that wraps you in smoky, cheesy comfort with every spoonful—that’s the magic of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. This irresistible soup captures everything you love about homey broccoli cheddar but turns the flavor dial way up with rich smoked Gouda and perfectly tender vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as perfect for a blustery weeknight as it is for impressing friends at your next dinner party. Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible combination of fresh veggies and luxuriously melty cheese, all coming together in a bowl of pure happiness.

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup plays a starring role—simple staples, but when they join forces, you get depth, color, and that unforgettable smoky richness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips for getting the best out of each component.

Unsalted Butter: Start with butter for a silkier base and golden, nutty flavor that gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel.
Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and savory depth—make sure to sauté it until translucent for maximum flavor punch.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, but when minced and sautéed, garlic transforms the base with fragrance and zing.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour thickens the soup to that perfect, creamy consistency without overshadowing the star flavors.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Use a high-quality broth for richness and background savoriness that ties the soup together.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a full-bodied creaminess—don’t shy away from full-fat for the ultimate texture.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon, but it sharpens all the flavors in the pot.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle pop of color that makes the soup especially inviting.
Pepper: A pinch of black pepper balances the soup’s flavors with mild heat.
Broccoli: Choose bright, fresh broccoli and chop it into small florets so it cooks quickly yet stays vibrant and tender.
Carrot: Shredded carrot adds mild sweetness and gorgeous, golden flecks throughout your soup.
Smoked Gouda (Fresh Grated): Real blocks of smoked Gouda melt like a dream and infuse every bite with signature smoky, savory flavor—skip the pre-shredded stuff for best results!

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once sizzling, add your diced onion. Stir occasionally and let the onion cook until it’s turn ingolden and translucent, about 4 minutes—this sweetens the base. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. The aroma at this stage is your first taste of the comfort ahead.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed aromatics and stir. The mixture will come together into a thick paste called a roux—this will thicken your soup and give it body. Let it cook for a full minute, stirring constantly, to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Incorporate the Liquids

Slowly pour in the broth and whole milk while whisking continuously to keep things smooth—no lumps allowed! Add the salt, paprika, and pepper. Whisk until the liquids and roux are completely combined, creating a uniform, creamy base.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Drop in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Gently stir everything together, making sure the veggies are submerged as much as possible. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. This gives the broccoli time to become tender but still vibrant, and the carrot to infuse the soup with natural sweetness.

Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda

Now for the star moment: Remove the soup from the heat and toss in the freshly grated smoked Gouda. Stir slowly and steadily so the cheese melts into the soup, turning it silky and gorgeously creamy. The soup will become thick and luscious, swirling with smoky, cheesy goodness. If you want an extra-smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses, but it’s just as delicious left a bit chunky!

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle the hot Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Top with crispy croutons, a sprinkle of extra Gouda, or your favorite garnishes (see below for ideas) and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup with the perfect finishing touches. Try a handful of crunchy croutons, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, or even a pinch of extra smoked Gouda. For a splash of color and flavor, add a swirl of cream or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a thick slice of crusty sourdough, a warm baguette, or buttery garlic bread—perfect for dunking and scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness. For a lighter touch, serve with simple mixed greens or a crisp apple salad to balance the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup into a show-stopping dish! Try serving it in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic, extra-cozy presentation. Mini-tasting cups work beautifully as an appetizer at parties. Or make a soup flight with different soups alongside for a fun and interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors meld and deepen even more by the next day—making those leftovers seriously worth looking forward to.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will last well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm up the soup over low or medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure a perfectly creamy texture. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the soup’s velvety consistency.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup?

It’s best to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it usually contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy instead of silky. Grating fresh Gouda ensures the cheese melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.

Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?

Definitely! To make your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You’ll get the same full-flavored result, with no compromise on richness or taste.

What can I substitute for smoked Gouda?

If you don’t have smoked Gouda or want to try something new, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère are all cheesy favorites that melt smoothly and taste fantastic in this soup. That said, nothing quite matches the unique smoky depth that Gouda brings!

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you like your soup thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer, or add a bit more flour early on. To thin it out, just whisk in some extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I blend this soup to make it smooth?

Absolutely! If you prefer a velvety finish, use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. Or blend just half the soup and stir it back into the pot to keep some texture alongside the creamy base.

Final Thoughts

The next time you crave cheesy, feel-good comfort food, give Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup a spot at your table. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, luxurious enough for guests, and guaranteed to deliver pure cozy satisfaction in every spoonful. Try it once, and you might just find it becomes a year-round favorite!