Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup: 6 Delicious Benefits

Name: Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 3 cups whole milk (or half & half for richer soup); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 large carrot, shredded or finely diced; 1 large head broccoli, chopped into small florets (about 4 cups); 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, freshly shredded; Optional toppings: croutons, fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits

Jump to Recipe

There are few things that feel more like a hug in a bowl than Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. It’s creamy, smoky, and just the kind of comfort food that makes a hectic day instantly better. If you’ve ever wanted a soup that feels a little more grown-up than your usual broccoli cheddar, this is the one. Plus, it’s easy enough to pull off on a busy weeknight and fancy enough to serve when you want to impress (hello, dinner guests!).

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Picture this: you’re curled up on the couch, blanket wrapped tight, spoon in hand, and the whole house smells like buttery onions and smoky cheese. That’s the magic of this soup. Here’s why it’ll be your new go-to:

Big flavor, little effort. The smoky gouda takes the flavor from “pretty good” to “holy wow, what is this magic?”
Creamy without being heavy. Whole milk keeps it smooth and rich, but not overly indulgent. (Though, let’s be real, swapping in heavy cream is never a bad idea.)
Veggie-packed comfort. Broccoli and carrots bring color, nutrition, and balance to every spoonful.
Crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters who give the side-eye to broccoli will love it when it’s swimming in smoky, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this bowl of comfort:

Unsalted butter & flour – for a classic roux that thickens the soup.
Chicken or vegetable broth – choose your favorite, but go with regular sodium unless you like adjusting seasoning.
Whole milk – creamy and stable (half & half or heavy cream for extra richness).
Onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika – flavor essentials that make everything pop.
Carrot – adds sweetness and a pop of color.
Broccoli – fresh florets chopped small; frozen works too if thawed first.
Smoked gouda cheese – the star of the show, giving this soup its smoky, creamy personality.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and complete nutritional details.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Don’t let the word “roux” scare you—it sounds fancy, but it’s really just flour and butter cooked together until they become best friends. That’s the secret to the rich, velvety texture of this soup. Let’s walk through the process step by step so you feel like a pro in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start with a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (this helps everything cook evenly). Melt your butter over medium heat, then add in the chopped onion. Cook until the onion softens and turns lightly golden. This stage is crucial—those little browned edges on the onion? That’s flavor gold. Add the garlic next, and let it cook just long enough to smell fragrant—about 30 seconds. If it starts browning too fast, lower your heat a touch.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the buttery onion-garlic mixture. Grab your whisk or a sturdy spoon and stir constantly until it turns into a thick, paste-like consistency. This is your roux, the magic that thickens your soup. Cook it for about 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Think of this as laying the foundation for your soup’s luxurious texture.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly pour in your broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Follow with the milk, still whisking steadily. This is when your roux transforms into a creamy, silky base. Add your salt, pepper, and paprika here. The paprika adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the cheese we’ll add later.

👉 Pro Tip: If your soup looks a little thin at this stage, don’t panic. It will thicken as the veggies cook and even more once you add the gouda.

Step 4: Simmer with the Veggies

Add your broccoli florets and shredded carrot to the pot. Stir everything together, then cover and let it simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. You want the broccoli to be soft enough to blend beautifully with the soup, but not mushy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, keep the simmer time on the shorter end.

Step 5: The Cheesy Finale

Here comes the star of the show: smoked gouda. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in your freshly shredded cheese by the handful, letting it melt completely before adding more. This ensures a silky, lump-free soup. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor of gouda takes the soup to another level—it’s like your favorite broccoli cheddar soup but with a grown-up, gourmet twist.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings. Crunchy croutons are the classic choice, but you can also try crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of paprika, or even more shredded gouda on top. Pair it with a crusty baguette or a simple side salad, and dinner is done.

Tips for the Best Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Trust me, it’s worth the extra 2 minutes.
Want it thicker? Swap the milk for half & half or add an extra spoonful of roux.
Not a smoked gouda fan? Try swapping it with cheddar for a classic twist.
Meal prep win. This soup reheats beautifully—perfect for work lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.

My Little Story with This Recipe

The first time I made this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, it was during one of those weeks where everything felt like a juggling act. Work deadlines, soccer practice, and a laundry pile that could rival Mount Everest. I needed something fast but comforting. This soup came to the rescue—minimal effort, maximum cozy vibes. Plus, it had my family asking for seconds (which doesn’t always happen when broccoli is involved).

Creamy smoked gouda broccoli soup with fresh parsley and golden croutons served in a white bowl. — A hearty bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup topped with golden croutons and fresh herbs for the ultimate cozy meal.

FAQs About Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it first and chop into smaller florets for even cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend it. Dairy-based soups can separate when frozen. But honestly, it’s so good you probably won’t have leftovers to freeze anyway.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Bring Comfort to Your Table

This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is everything we crave in comfort food—creamy, smoky, and nourishing with just enough veggies to make us feel balanced. It’s the kind of recipe that brings the family together at the table, makes busy nights easier, and turns an ordinary day into something special. So grab your pot, shred that cheese, and let this soup work its cozy magic.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup, chances are you’ll fall in love with a few of these other comforting dishes too. They’re hearty, flavorful, and just as easy to make:

Warm up with another soul-soothing bowl like this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup—a family favorite packed with cheesy pasta and rich flavors.
For a veggie-packed comfort food twist, try my Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad—fresh, crisp, and the perfect balance to a creamy soup night.
If you’re craving something with a little Mexican flair, you’ll love this Mexican Chicken Street Corn Soup—zesty, creamy, and totally irresistible.
And don’t miss this hearty classic: Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew, a true stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with the comforting vibes of smoked gouda and broccoli—giving you plenty of inspiration for your next cozy dinner.