Gouda cheese soup-a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that perfectly blends the nutty, smoky flavors of Gouda with the rich texture of a creamy soup. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a showstopper at your next dinner party. The combination of Gouda’s distinct taste with the smoothness of cream creates a velvety base, while a hint of seasonings and herbs elevate the flavor profile.
Whether you’re a soup lover, a cheese enthusiast, or both, this Gouda cheese soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds!). But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to make this creamy masterpiece, and along the way, we’ll explore tips, ingredient insights, and creative ways to customize it.
Gouda Cheese Soup Recipe
This Gouda cheese soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for those moments when you want something hearty but not too heavy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll be able to enjoy a rich, velvety cheese soup that feels indulgent without overwhelming your senses. Here’s how to whip up a batch that’ll leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Ingredients Needed
To create the most delicious, velvety Gouda cheese soup, here’s everything you’ll need:
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Butter (unsalted): 4 tablespoons
- Adds richness and serves as the base for sautéing the veggies.
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Onion (diced): 1 medium-sized
- Provides a subtle sweetness that balances out the rich cheese.
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Carrot (diced): 1 large
- Gives a pop of color and adds a mild sweetness to the soup.
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Celery (diced): 2 stalks
- For a bit of crunch and freshness, complementing the richness of the soup.
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Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- A flavor booster, bringing depth and aroma to the dish.
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Flour: 1/4 cup
- Used as a thickening agent to help create that creamy consistency.
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Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- A flavorful base that ties everything together without overshadowing the Gouda.
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Whole Milk: 2 cups
- Adds creaminess and helps the soup retain a silky texture.
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Gouda Cheese (shredded): 2 cups
- The star of the show! Be sure to get a good quality Gouda to really bring out that signature smokiness and richness.
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Salt: to taste
- Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
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Black Pepper: to taste
- Adds a mild heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
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Fresh Parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons (optional)
- For garnish, adding a fresh, herbal note.
Cooking Instructions
This is a relatively simple recipe that requires just a little bit of patience. The slow process of building flavors in the pot is what makes this soup so satisfying. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl of Gouda cheese soup:
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Shred your Gouda cheese (if it’s not pre-shredded).
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Sauté The Veggies
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
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Make The Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps get rid of the raw flour taste and thickens the soup later.
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Add The Broth
- Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring continuously to ensure the flour doesn’t form lumps. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The soup will begin to thicken as it simmers.
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Pour In The Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk while stirring. This will loosen up the soup and make it creamy. Bring the soup back to a simmer.
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Add The Cheese
- Once the soup has thickened and is simmering, begin adding the shredded Gouda cheese in batches, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup. You’ll be left with a creamy, cheesy base.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredient Insights
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Gouda Cheese
- Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor with a smooth texture when melted. Older Gouda varieties have a more intense flavor with caramelized notes. The younger Gouda is creamy and rich, making it ideal for a smooth, velvety soup.
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Butter
- Unsalted butter is essential because it allows you to control the amount of salt in the soup. The butter not only provides flavor but also acts as the fat that helps in sautéing and thickening the soup.
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Milk
- Whole milk is preferred here because it adds creaminess without being as heavy as heavy cream. It helps balance the richness of the Gouda while contributing to a silky texture.
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Broth
- You can opt for vegetable or chicken broth depending on dietary preferences. The broth serves as the soup’s base, adding depth and flavor. Choose a low-sodium option if you want to control the salt content.
Expert Tips
- Use a high-quality Gouda: The better the cheese, the better your soup will taste. Look for aged Gouda if you want a bolder, more intense flavor, or stick with a young Gouda for a smoother, more subtle taste.
- Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded Gouda often contains anti-caking agents, which can make it harder to melt. Shredding it yourself ensures a smoother melt and a better texture in your soup.
- Add more flavor with a touch of mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine vinegar can elevate the flavor of your soup and add a subtle tanginess to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Control the thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or milk. If you want it extra thick and hearty, let it simmer a bit longer or add a bit more flour.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the soup. The smoky flavors of these proteins complement the Gouda beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: You can sneak in extra vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. Just make sure they’re diced small so they cook quickly.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. The spice pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy soup.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Use a plant-based milk (like oat milk or almond milk) and a non-dairy cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
Final Words
Gouda cheese soup is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy with each spoonful. The creamy texture, rich flavors, and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of the Gouda make this soup a standout. Plus, it’s versatile-there’s room for creativity if you want to experiment with additional flavors or ingredients.