If you love cozy, velvety soups that warm you up from the inside out, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe. I absolutely love how the smokiness of the Gouda adds this unexpected depth of flavor to classic broccoli soup, making it feel a little fancy but still super easy to whip up on a weeknight. Stick around, because I’m going to share all the tips and tricks I’ve discovered to help you get that perfect creamy texture and cheesy goodness every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Smoky Flavor: The smoked Gouda gives a beautiful depth that transforms regular broccoli soup.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most things in your pantry, making this easy for last-minute comfort food.
- Velvety Texture: Creamy and smooth without being too heavy, thanks to a balanced blend of cream and cheese.
- Quick to Make: From prep to bowl in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here really come together in harmony to build a luscious soup. Fresh broccoli pairs perfectly with the smoky Gouda, while a touch of blue cheese or sour cream adds tang and creaminess. Don’t skip on the seeds for garnish—they add a fun little crunch and eye-catching finish.
- Onion: Using a small, chopped onion gives sweetness and depth; cook it gently to bring out its natural sugars.
- Olive oil: A good base for sauteing the onion without overpowering the soup.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for texture and flavor, and chopping the florets evenly helps them cook consistently.
- Vegetable or chicken stock: Choose low-sodium stock if possible, so you can control the saltiness later.
- Blue cheese or sour cream: Adds a subtle tangy creaminess that complements the smoky and sweet flavors.
- Smoked Gouda or cheddar: Smoked Gouda is my favorite because of its rich, smoky undertones—go for good quality cheese!
- Salt and pepper: To taste; remember cheeses can be salty, so add carefully.
- Single cream (optional): For a silky finish if you want to amp up the richness.
- Sesame, nigella, or poppy seeds: These make delightful garnishes adding crunch and visual appeal.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I often switch up the cheese or add extras to suit my mood.
- Use sharp cheddar instead: For a more classic flavor, swapping smoked Gouda with sharp cheddar still yields a satisfying, cheesy soup.
- Make it vegan: Try using plant-based cream and smoked vegan cheese alternatives—I’ve experimented, and it’s surprisingly good!
- Add a potato: For extra creaminess and body, I sometimes throw in a peeled, diced potato while simmering.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can add an exciting smoky heat.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe
Step 1: Gently Sauté Onions to Build Flavor
Start by heating olive oil in a medium-sized pot over low heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it slowly for about 5 minutes. You want the onions soft and sweet but not browned—this gentle cooking brings out their best flavor and forms the perfect base for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer Broccoli with Stock
Add the broccoli florets and pour in the stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for around 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is tender and easy to pierce with a fork—this is key for getting that smooth, creamy texture when pureed.
Step 3: Blend Soup Until Silky Smooth
Once your broccoli is perfectly cooked, it’s time to blend. I like to either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or process in batches using a food processor. Either way, make sure to add your blue cheese or sour cream before blending—they melt into the soup, creating this lovely tangy creaminess. Just be careful not to overfill your blender to avoid spills.
Step 4: Melt in the Smoked Gouda for Ultimate Creaminess
If you used a food processor, pour the smooth soup back into the pot and gently heat it until it just starts to simmer. Then, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda. Stir patiently until the cheese melts completely, which gives the soup its signature smoky richness. Taste and season with salt and pepper, but go easy since cheeses and stock already add saltiness.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seeds for That Extra Touch
If you want to go all out, drizzle a bit of single cream on top just before serving. Sprinkle your chosen seeds—sesame, nigella, or poppy—to add a subtle crunch and little pop of color. Serve immediately and watch your family or guests fall in love with each spoonful.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Slow-cooking your onions lets their sweetness develop fully, which adds subtle flavor complexity.
- Blending Method: An immersion blender saves time and reduces cleanup, but a food processor gives an ultra-smooth texture; pick what works for you.
- Add Cheese Off the Heat: Stirring in smoked Gouda off the heat helps prevent clumping and keeps the soup velvety.
- Season Carefully: Cheeses and the stock can be salty, so always taste before adding extra salt—and remember, you can always add more later.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a swirl of single cream to keep it extra silky. Nigella seeds are my go-to garnish because their delicate crunch and mild onion flavor add a fun twist, but you could also use toasted sesame or poppy seeds. Fresh cracked black pepper or even a few drops of chili oil bring some visual flair and subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich—one of my favorite combos for a cozy lunch. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the rich creaminess, and roasted garlic bread takes the meal up a notch for family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic feel that impresses guests. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top, or add crispy pancetta bits for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight! Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any separated cream or cheese.
Freezing
Freezing is totally doable but I recommend leaving out the single cream if you plan to freeze. I let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in portions. When thawed, the texture might be a little less silky, but a quick blend and gentle reheating brings it back to near-perfection.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of stock or water to loosen it. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese from separating. I find this method keeps the soup creamy and smooth every time.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe without a blender?
While a blender or immersion blender is ideal to achieve the creamy, smooth texture, you can also mash the cooked broccoli roughly with a potato masher for a chunkier soup. Just expect a less velvety finish, but the flavors will still shine.
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Is smoked Gouda necessary for the soup?
You can substitute smoked Gouda with regular Gouda, cheddar, or other melting cheeses if smoked Gouda isn’t available. Just note that the smoky flavor is a signature element of this recipe, so the taste will be a bit different.
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well and can make this recipe even easier on a busy day. Just adjust cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli may cook faster and release more water; taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
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How do I make this soup vegan?
Replace dairy with plant-based cream and use smoked vegan cheese alternatives, which are becoming widely available. Use vegetable stock and skip the blue cheese or sour cream, or use vegan substitutes. The result might differ slightly in richness but stays delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I still remember the first time I made it—my whole family went crazy over how that smoky cheese transformed simple broccoli into something so memorable. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying soup that’s easy enough for any night of the week yet special enough to share, give this one a try. I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Print
Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream of Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda is a rich and flavorful soup combining tender broccoli florets with creamy smoked gouda cheese, enhanced with a subtle hint of blue cheese or sour cream. Perfectly balanced with sautéed onions and garnished with seeds and optional single cream, it’s a comforting dish ideal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head (350 g / 12 oz) broccoli florets only
- 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
Cheese and Cream
- 2-3 tbsp blue cheese or sour cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) smoked gouda or cheddar, shredded
- 4 tbsp single cream (optional)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent but not browned.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot along with 750 ml (3 cups) of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover with the lid and cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli is fully tender.
- Blend Soup: Once the broccoli is cooked, blend the soup until smooth. You can either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a food processor. While blending, add 2-3 tablespoons of blue cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Heat and Add Cheese: If blended separately, return the smooth soup to the pot. Gently heat it until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded smoked gouda until it melts completely and blends into the soup.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The amount depends on the saltiness of your cheeses and stock, so seasoning carefully is important.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, swirl in 4 tablespoons of single cream for extra richness. Sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds on top for a nice crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This cream of broccoli soup is elevated by the smoky depth of smoked gouda and the subtle tang from blue cheese or sour cream.
- The choice of seeds for garnish adds a delightful texture and slight nuttiness.
- Using an immersion blender keeps cleanup easy and minimizes soup transfer.
- You can substitute smoked gouda with sharp cheddar if preferred, but the smoky flavor is distinctive here.
- Single cream is optional but adds beautiful richness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
