There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup on a chilly evening—like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. Whether you’re battling weeknight dinner fatigue or just craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting (without the takeout guilt), this soup’s got your back.
I created this recipe for women like you—busy, brilliant, and maybe just a little tired of figuring out what’s for dinner again. It’s easy enough to whip up after work, fancy enough to impress your family, and delicious enough to earn a spot on your regular rotation.
Now let’s get into this delicious pot of gold, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is a delightful twist on a classic—comfort food with a smoky, cheesy glow-up. The smoked gouda brings a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a velvety, creamy base. It’s filling but not too heavy, indulgent but still wholesome.
And here’s the best part: it’s made with real ingredients, no weird processed stuff, and comes together in about 30 minutes. That’s faster than your grocery delivery app deciding if gouda counts as a “common item.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need on your kitchen counter:
- Unsalted butter – for that rich, golden roux base.
- All-purpose flour – to thicken the soup like a pro.
- Onion & garlic – the dynamic duo of any good soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – flavor-packed and cozy. (Avoid low-sodium unless needed for dietary reasons.)
- Whole milk – the creamy MVP. Sub with half & half or heavy cream for extra decadence.
- Paprika, salt, and pepper – the low-key flavor enhancers.
- Carrot – adds a sweet note and a pop of color.
- Broccoli – fresh is great, but frozen works too (just thaw it first).
- Smoked gouda cheese – the star of the show. Creamy, melty, smoky perfection.
- Croutons (optional) – because who doesn’t love a crunchy topping?
Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and complete nutritional details.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Here’s the low-stress, one-pot magic:
1. Start with the Flavor Base
In a large pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and let them brown slightly—that’s where the flavor begins. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Trust your nose here!
2. Make That Roux
Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute. This creates the thickening base for your soup—it should look like a paste but smell like buttery heaven.
3. Add the Liquids & Seasoning
Slowly whisk in the broth and milk. Add your paprika, salt, and pepper and keep whisking until smooth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Veggie Time
Toss in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Let it all simmer together until the veggies are tender—about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how soft you like them.
5. Say Cheese!
Turn off the heat and stir in the smoked gouda until it melts completely into that creamy soup base. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve It Up
Ladle into bowls, top with croutons if you like a little crunch, and serve warm. Maybe even pair with a chunk of crusty bread. Or not—this soup is totally a star on its own.
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t rush the onions. Browning them adds depth and sweetness to the soup. It’s worth the few extra minutes.
- Use whole milk or higher. Lower fat milks can cause the soup to split. If you’re going all in, go with half & half or even heavy cream. No judgment here!
- Frozen broccoli hack: If you’re in a hurry, thaw frozen broccoli under warm water and chop it into small florets. Easy peasy.
- Want a smoother texture? Use an immersion blender before adding the cheese for a silky finish (but I personally love the veggie chunks).
A Little Backstory…
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup became a favorite in my house after what I like to call “The Great Leftover Disaster of 2019.” I was trying to get creative with a fridge full of odds and ends—some gouda, sad carrots, and a head of broccoli that was threatening to turn.
Well, let’s just say that experiment turned into something magical. Now, it’s a go-to when I want to feed my family something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Bonus points: even my picky eater can’t resist that smoky cheese pull.

FAQs About Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
Can I substitute smoked gouda with another cheese?
Yes! If smoked gouda isn’t your thing, you can swap it for sharp cheddar, gruyère, or even a white cheddar blend. It’ll be a bit different but still delicious.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in your roux and double-checking your broth labels.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This soup freezes decently, but the texture might change slightly due to the dairy. Let it cool completely, freeze in portions, and reheat slowly on the stove while stirring often.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken. It’s just as flavorful and makes it great for Meatless Mondays.
Let’s Wrap This Up with a Spoonful of Cozy
Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is the perfect weeknight comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a hug and your dinner table a little more joyful.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself (because yes, you deserve it), this soup will become your new fall favorite.
Grab that gouda, and let’s make some magic.
Craving more cozy chicken and veggie recipes?
Be sure to follow me at Chicken Magic Recipes—where simplicity meets flavor and every meal feels like home.
Cozy Recipe Companions You’ll Love
Before you head out, here are a few of my favorite comfort-filled dishes that pair beautifully with your Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup. Think of this as your little curated menu of cozy goodness—perfect for rounding out dinner, planning a warm‑and‑fuzzy meal night, or simply saving for later when you want something equally delicious!
- If you’re craving another creamy bowl of comfort, you’ll fall in love with this Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup—it’s just as cozy and loaded with flavor.
- For something heartier, these Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls bring all the comfort of a Sunday dinner… without the Sunday effort.
- If mac and cheese feels like a hug in a bowl (same here!), try the ultra‑creamy Chick‑fil‑A Mac and Cheese —a family favorite every single time.
- And if you want a bold, flavor-packed soup to keep the cozy streak going, the Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder is a must‑try. It’s warm, hearty, and seriously addictive.
Save a few of these for your next meal—because cozy cooking nights should always come with options.
Print
Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Smoked Gouda Broccoli Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor. With tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and the smoky richness of gouda, it’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner or cozy lunch. Top it with croutons for a satisfying crunch,
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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2 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
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1 large carrot, shredded or finely chopped
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1 1/2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
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Croutons, for serving (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure the mixture stays smooth.
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Add paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Stir in the broccoli and carrots. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded smoked gouda cheese until melted and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot, topped with croutons and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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For a thicker, richer soup, swap whole milk with half & half or heavy cream.
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Want it vegetarian? Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Prefer it smoother? Use an immersion blender before adding cheese.
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Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg