If you love velvety, comforting soups that bring a burst of smoky, cheesy goodness with every spoonful, this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It blends creamy smoked gouda cheese with vibrant broccoli and a touch of sweet carrot in a rich, smooth base that just feels like a warm hug from the inside. Perfect for chilly days, easy weeknight dinners, or even when you want to impress guests without the fuss, this recipe offers all the indulgence and freshness you crave in one luscious bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. Starting from the top left: a bowl with a rectangular block of yellow butter, a bowl with chopped white onions, a small bowl with minced garlic, and a large bowl filled with chopped green broccoli. Below the broccoli is a small bowl with seasoning powders in red, white, and black colors. Toward the middle, there is a large glass measuring cup filled with light yellow chicken broth, and below it another measuring cup with white milk. To the left of the milk, there is a bowl with shredded orange carrots, and above it, a bowl with white flour. Finally, below the cauliflower, there is a bowl with shredded light yellow smoked gouda cheese. All the bowls are placed neatly on the white marbled surface, with a clear and bright lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe comes down to a handful of ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one plays a unique role, building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color that make this soup so irresistible.

Unsalted butter: Creates a rich fond for sauteing onions and garlic, enhancing depth without overwhelming the flavors.
Medium onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the soup.
Garlic cloves: Bring a gentle punch of savory warmth that brightens the overall dish.
All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent, ensuring a creamy consistency that hugs every spoon.
Broth (vegetable or chicken): Provides the liquid foundation with savory notes that marry perfectly with the cheese and veggies.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup body.
Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout.
Paprika: Gives a warm, subtle smoky hint complementing the smoked gouda.
Pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat to round out the taste.
Large head of broccoli: The star vegetable, delivering freshness, texture, and vibrant green color.
Large carrot: Grated for a hint of natural sweetness and added dimension.
Smoked gouda: The key ingredient with its luscious, smoky cheese flavor that transforms this soup into something truly special.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until they become translucent and lightly browned, about four minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions, forming a delicious base for the soup. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds – just enough to release its fragrance without burning.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to combine everything into a paste. This roux acts as the thickening agent that will give your soup its wonderfully creamy texture. Cook this mixture for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste, being careful not to let it brown too much.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Slowly whisk in the broth and whole milk, ensuring the roux dissolves smoothly without lumps forming. Add salt, paprika, and pepper to season, giving the soup a balanced flavor profile with that subtle smoky warmth that hints at what’s to come with the cheese.

Step 4: Simmer with Vegetables

Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot, blending them into the creamy base. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant – this keeps the soup fresh and colorful.

Step 5: Melt in the Smoked Gouda

Remove the pot from heat and gradually add the freshly shredded smoked gouda, stirring continuously. The cheese will melt into the warm soup, infusing it with its signature smoky richness while creating that luxurious, creamy finish. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup looks silky smooth.

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

The image shows a creamy broccoli cheese soup in four stages inside a silver pot on a stove with a white marbled surface. The first stage has a thick, light beige creamy sauce with black pepper specks and a whisk resting inside. The second stage shows the creamy soup filled with green broccoli florets and small orange carrot pieces while a woman's hand lifts the pot’s lid. In the third stage, a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese is being poured from a clear bowl into the soup, creating an orange contrast on top of the thick creamy mix of vegetables. The final stage captures a close-up of a spoon lifting the chunky soup, revealing a creamy white base with bright green broccoli and tender orange carrot pieces mixed throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe beautifully. Try topping it with crunchy homemade croutons or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to add a pop of color and texture contrast. A dash of extra smoked paprika can also add a lovely visual and flavor touch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread or a fresh, crisp salad to balance its creamy texture. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or stuffed mushrooms to keep the comfort food vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting touch, serve your soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic stoneware mugs. Swirl in a little cream or extra melted gouda on top right before serving for a gourmet look. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of truffle oil to amp up the indulgence factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe into an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for planned dinners or lunches. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that the texture of cream-based soups sometimes changes after thawing. To minimize this, freeze the soup without the cheese first and add freshly shredded smoked gouda when you reheat it. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching and to help the soup regain its creamy texture. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular gouda instead of smoked gouda for this soup?

Absolutely! While smoked gouda adds that beautiful smoky depth, regular gouda will still provide a creamy texture and mild cheesy flavor that works well. You might just miss a little of that smoky punch.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

You can try substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative and using a dairy-free butter substitute. However, replicating the creamy texture and smoky cheese flavor might be challenging without traditional smoked gouda.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and can be a convenient time-saver. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli tends to cook faster and releases more water.

How thick should the soup be?

The ideal consistency is creamy and smooth but still hearty enough to coat a spoon. If it’s too thick, thin it with a little more milk or broth; if too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

What can I add for extra protein?

Your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe can be boosted with cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even a handful of cooked lentils for extra protein, turning it into a more filling meal.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, wrapping you in creamy, smoky comfort with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing with friends and family, it’s sure to delight and satisfy. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this bowl of goodness again and again.