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Loaded Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheddar Soup

smoked gouda broccoli cheddar soup - featured image

A creamy, velvety broccoli cheddar soup with smoked gouda, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli. Perfect for a cozy dinner or starter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Chop the broccoli into small florets, shred the smoked gouda and cheddar cheese, and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot.
  3. Add the butter to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  6. Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
  7. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded smoked gouda and cheddar cheese. Mix until completely melted into the soup.
  8. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Serve the soup hot, topped with crumbled bacon and an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Notes

[‘Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.’, ‘Shred your cheese for smoother melting.’, ‘Simmer patiently to ensure tender broccoli.’, ‘Season gradually and adjust after adding cheese.’, ‘For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, smoked gouda soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe