Description
This creamy Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup combines tender broccoli and grated carrot in a rich, cheesy broth made with smoked gouda, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a hearty soup that warms you up with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces chicken or vegetable broth
- 16 ounces whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 large carrot, grated
Cheese
- 8 ounces smoked gouda, freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they start to brown and become translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Create Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a paste with the butter, onions, and garlic. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and whole milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Season the mixture with salt, paprika, and pepper, whisking until smooth and evenly seasoned.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some texture.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and slowly add the shredded smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and incorporates into a creamy, smooth soup base.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the smoked gouda.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt, since the cheese adds some saltiness.
- Use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoked gouda soup, broccoli soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheese soup, easy dinner soup, stovetop soup, comfort food
