Name: Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 head (350g/12 oz) broccoli florets only; 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken stock; 2-3 tbsp blue cheese or sour cream; 100g (3.5 oz) smoked gouda or cheddar, shredded; 4 tbsp single cream (optional); 1 tbsp sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving a rich, cozy bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how the smokiness of the Gouda melts perfectly into the smooth, vibrant broccoli base. Whether you’re after a comforting lunch or an elegant starter, this soup hits all the right notes and is super easy to make—trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep Smoky Flavor: The smoked Gouda adds an irresistible depth that transforms simple broccoli soup into a gourmet treat.
Quick & Easy: From chopping onion to bowl in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute dinners.
Velvety Smooth Texture: Creamy and luscious with just the right balance between veggie freshness and cheesy indulgence.
Family Favorite: My kids actually ask for seconds when I make this – even my picky eaters can’t resist!

A white bowl filled with smooth green soup topped with white cream swirled in a circle and small black seeds scattered inside the cream design. A woman's hand holding a silver spoon lifts some of the thick green soup just above the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible underneath. The soup has a rich, velvety texture with even color and gentle light reflections. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda, broccoli soup recipe, smoky vegetable soup, easy broccoli and Gouda soup, comforting fall soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe is in its few, fresh ingredients working together seamlessly. I recommend picking fresh broccoli with tight florets and a mild-smoked Gouda to keep that perfect balance of flavors. A good quality stock also makes a big difference in the end result.

Flat lay of a small chopped yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, fresh bright green broccoli florets, a simple white ceramic bowl with smooth creamy single cream, a small white ceramic bowl of light vegetable stock, a neat pile of shredded smoked gouda cheese with a pale orange hue, a small white ceramic bowl holding a few white and black nigella seeds, and two whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda, broccoli soup recipe, smoky vegetable soup, easy broccoli and Gouda soup, comforting fall soup

Onion: I use a small yellow onion because it adds sweetness without overpowering the soup.
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for sautéing onions gently and adds a subtle richness.
Broccoli Florets: Only use the florets for the creamiest texture and vibrant green color.
Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Homemade or low-sodium store-bought stock works best here for clean flavor.
Blue Cheese or Sour Cream: This adds tang and creaminess; I personally love blue cheese for the extra flavor kick.
Smoked Gouda or Cheddar: Shredded, so it melts easily; smoked Gouda is my personal favorite for smoky depth.
Salt and Pepper: Season at the end, as cheese and stock contribute saltiness.
Single Cream (optional): For an extra silky touch when serving.
Sesame, Nigella, or Poppy Seeds: I love these little garnishes because they add crunch and visual appeal.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this soup depending on what I have on hand or my mood. You’ll find that small tweaks can personalize the soup perfectly for your taste buds, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Make it Vegan: Swap the smoked Gouda for a vegan smoked cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of single cream—my vegan friends loved this twist!
Add a Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce adds warmth and complexity when you want a spicy touch.
Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or chives just before serving for a wonderful herbal note.
Change the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a milder or nuttier flavor; every cheese brings its own magic.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe

Step 1: Slowly Soften the Onions

Start by heating your olive oil over low heat in a medium pot. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and get translucent—don’t rush this step because sweet, tender onions build the flavor base for your soup. Keep the heat low so they don’t brown.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli in Stock

Add your broccoli florets and pour in the stock. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green. This ensures your florets are perfectly cooked for blending without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Blend to Silky Smoothness with Blue Cheese

Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a food processor for blending. Add blue cheese or sour cream before blending—it melts and blends in beautifully, giving your soup that tangy creaminess. If you use a food processor, don’t forget to return your soup to the pot afterward.

Step 4: Melt the Smoked Gouda

Gently warm the soup until it begins to simmer again, then take it off the heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda. The heat will melt the cheese into the soup, creating a luscious, smoky flavor throughout. Add salt and pepper to taste now—taste first, as some cheese and stock can be salty.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

For that extra touch of luxury, drizzle a little single cream on top and sprinkle your choice of seeds—sesame, nigella, or poppy—for crunch and a pop of texture. Serve it right away to enjoy the soup at its best velvety consistency.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe

Low and Slow Onion Cooking: Taking your time to soften onions prevents bitterness and brings out their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful base.
Broccoli Texture Check: Don’t overcook the broccoli or the soup could turn dull green and lose vibrancy—15 minutes is your sweet spot.
Cheese Timing: Adding smoked Gouda off heat avoids grainy chunks and gives you that creamy, melted goodness.
Season Last: Because both cheese and stock contain salt, seasoning at the end helps you avoid an overly salty soup.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe

The image shows a bowl filled with smooth light green soup. On the surface of the soup, there is a swirl made of white cream in a loose circle shape, with small dots of cream scattered inside the swirl. Tiny black seeds are sprinkled on parts of the cream swirl, adding texture. The soup is served in a white bowl with a subtle diamond pattern around the rim. Underneath and around the bowl, there is a soft, crumpled gray-blue cloth spread out. On the cloth, there are six light brown hexagon-shaped crackers with small holes, some placed above the bowl, and others below the bowl. To the right of the bowl, a slightly tarnished metal spoon rests on the gray-blue cloth. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda, broccoli soup recipe, smoky vegetable soup, easy broccoli and Gouda soup, comforting fall soup

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a swirl of single cream for extra silkiness and a sprinkle of nigella seeds—they add a subtle crunch and a beautiful, almost black contrast that makes the soup pop. If you want to get playful, a few crispy bacon bits or toasted almonds make excellent toppings too!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast for dunking. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly, making the meal feel fresh and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the soup in mini cups or shot glasses as an appetizer. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top takes it up a notch visually. You can even drizzle a little truffle oil inside the bowl for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after sitting overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. Just cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, you might notice a slight separation—just whisk it back together when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of fresh stock or cream during reheating helps restore the soup’s original creamy texture and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli stalks in this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for florets for smoothness, you can peel and chop broccoli stalks finely, then add them to the soup. Just cook a bit longer to make sure stalks are tender before blending.
What if I don’t have smoked Gouda—can I substitute another cheese?

Yes, smoked Gouda is preferred for that signature smoky flavor, but sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even smoked mozzarella can work well. Adjust salt carefully as some cheeses are saltier than others.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it a fantastic option for preparing ahead and enjoying on busy days.
Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap out dairy cheese for plant-based smoked cheese alternatives and use coconut or oat cream instead of single cream. The soup won’t be quite the same but still delicious and creamy!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Soup with Smoked Gouda Recipe is one of those gems that feels fancy but comes together easily and quickly. Every time I make it, it brings comfort and a little excitement with that smoky, cheesy twist. I truly think you’ll find this soup as soul-satisfying and versatile as I do—so grab your blender, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of pure goodness. Happy cooking, friend!