Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup (Creamy, Comforting & Flavor-Rich)

There’s something magical about a pot of smoked gouda broccoli soup simmering on the stove. The aroma of smoky cheese melting into tender broccoli feels like pure comfort. This version delivers velvety richness without heaviness, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend lunches. If you’re craving a bowl that warms you from the inside out, this is the one.

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup Recipe

Quick Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~410 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 ½ cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Simmer the veggies. Add broccoli, grated carrot, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until broccoli is tender.
3. Blend for creaminess. Use an immersion blender to blend partially or fully, depending on desired texture.
4. Add dairy. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup warm through (do not boil).
5. Melt the cheese. Add the shredded smoked gouda gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Season and serve. Add salt and pepper to taste and ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra smoked gouda or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based smoked cheese alternative.
• Gluten-free: Recipe is naturally GF just confirm your broth and cheese labels.
• Lighter option: Replace heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
• Extra protein: Add shredded chicken or white beans during the simmering step.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Shred your own smoked gouda pre-shredded varieties include anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
• Don’t boil the soup after adding cheese; it may cause graininess.
• For ultra-silky texture, fully blend the soup and finish with an extra splash of cream.
• Add a tiny pinch of cayenne for subtle heat without overpowering the smoky flavor.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.

Freeze: Freeze without cheese for best texture; add cheese after reheating.

Reheat: Warm on low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if thickened.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Soup is grainy: The cheese overheated next time, reduce heat before adding it.
• Too thick: Add broth or warm milk 1–2 tablespoons at a time.
• Too thin: Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes to reduce.
• Cheese isn’t melting: Ensure the cheese is finely shredded and the heat is low.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve this smoked gouda broccoli soup with crusty bread or a leafy side salad. Try it alongside The Best Tzatziki Chicken Pizza (Fresh, Creamy & Easy)

For toppings, sprinkle crispy bacon, toasted pepitas, or extra smoked gouda shavings.

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

This smoked gouda broccoli soup is ultra-creamy, smoky, and comforting, with tender broccoli in a velvety cheese broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets chopped
• 1 medium carrot grated
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1.5 cups smoked gouda cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp ground mustard
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Immersion Blender (optional)

Method

 

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped broccoli, grated carrot, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Pour in the broth and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup, depending on your preferred texture.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and warm gently over low heat, without boiling.
6. Gradually add the shredded smoked gouda, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Notes

Shred your own smoked gouda for the smoothest melt. If the soup thickens, thin it with additional broth. Adjust smokiness by mixing gouda with mild white cheddar.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! frozen broccoli works perfectly and requires no thawing.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and vegetarian smoked gouda.

What if I don’t have smoked gouda?

Substitute regular gouda, white cheddar, or gruyere for a similar creaminess.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Add it gradually over low heat and stir continuously.

Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! cook everything except cream and cheese for 3–4 hours on low, then add dairy at the end.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Kids often love the creamy texture reduce smoky flavor if needed by mixing gouda with mild cheddar.

Conclusion

This smoked gouda broccoli soup is everything a comfort meal should be warm, velvety, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or the star of a simple dinner, it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Try it this week and let the cozy flavors do the rest!