Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheese Soup – Ultra Creamy and Irresistibly Smoky
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort soup, packed with smoky, cheesy flavor and tender broccoli in every spoonful, look no further than this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheese Soup.
It’s rich, creamy, and cozy — perfect for chilly nights, relaxed weekends, or anytime you’re craving something seriously satisfying.
Ready in under an hour with easy steps, this soup will quickly become one of your all-time favorites!
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once bubbling, add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
At this point, your kitchen will already smell like a cozy heaven.
Step 2: Add the Broccoli and Broth
Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 10 minutes, until the broccoli is fork-tender.
Tip:
It’s okay if the broccoli gets a little mushy — that’s perfect for blending into a creamy soup later.
Step 3: Stir in the Dairy and Spices
Once the broccoli is soft:
- Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Stir well to combine.
Season the soup with:
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Allow everything to warm through gently.
Important: Do not let the soup boil after adding milk and cream — keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
Step 4: Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup:
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Blend completely for a velvety smooth soup, or just partially if you like bits of broccoli for texture.
I personally love a half-blended texture — creamy but still with some tender bites of broccoli.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Lower the heat to the lowest setting.
Slowly add the shredded smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time.
Stir constantly until all the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
Pro Tip:
Go slow here — rushing the cheese melting can cause it to clump. Slow and steady = creamy and dreamy!
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed — maybe a little extra salt or black pepper.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Optional Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.
- Top with cracked black pepper.
- Add a few small croutons for extra crunch.
Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh side salad for a full cozy meal.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Use good-quality smoked gouda:
The smoky flavor really carries the whole dish, so choose a gouda you love. - Shred your own cheese:
Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect smooth melting. - Watch the heat:
Keep the temperature low once dairy is added to avoid curdling. - Double the batch:
This soup reheats beautifully and freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Calcium | 35% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
(Nutrition estimates depend on specific ingredients and cheese brands used.)
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful.
- Easy one-pot preparation — minimal mess, maximum comfort.
- Smoky, cheesy depth that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead meals.
A big bowl of this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheese Soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket — warm, creamy, and packed with flavor!