Gouda Soup Recipe

Gouda soup is a creamy, comforting, and richly flavorful dish that brings the best of this famous cheese into a warm, bowl-of-satisfaction experience. If you’re familiar with Gouda cheese, you’ll know that it’s known for its smooth texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. When melted into a soup, it creates an incredible base that pairs beautifully with other ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something indulgent on a cold day or you’re trying to impress guests with something a bit unique, this Gouda soup recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make and transforms into a delightful dish that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the ingredients to the cooking process, and even some expert tips and variations to elevate your experience. So, let’s dive right in!

Here’s the full breakdown of how to make a rich and creamy Gouda soup that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s a perfect balance of cheese, cream, and complementary flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients Needed

Before you begin, let’s get familiar with the ingredients that create this silky, cheesy soup:

Gouda cheese (8 ounces, shredded): The star of the show. Gouda’s creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor provide the perfect foundation for the soup.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the base and enhances the flavor of the broth.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the soup and give it a velvety smooth texture.
Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): The onion brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the soup with savory goodness.
Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): A flavorful liquid base for the soup, adding moisture and depth.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that luxurious, velvety texture that’s essential in a creamy soup.
Mustard (1 tablespoon, Dijon preferred): Adds a touch of tanginess that helps balance the richness of the cheese.
Thyme (1 teaspoon, fresh or dried): A fragrant herb that complements the creamy base.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials to enhance all the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by shredding the Gouda cheese. If you’re using a block of cheese, do it yourself to ensure a smooth melt. Pre-chopped cheese often doesn’t melt as evenly.
- Chop the onion and garlic, setting them aside to sauté later.
Sauté Onions And Garlic
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Make sure it doesn’t burn.
Create The Roux
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to combine it with the butter. You want to cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This helps thicken the soup and removes the raw flour taste.
Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Stir in the thyme and Dijon mustard for added flavor complexity. Allow the soup to come to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate The Cream
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the simmering broth. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, which allows the soup to thicken further and the flavors to meld.
Melt The Gouda
- Lower the heat to medium-low, and slowly stir in the shredded Gouda cheese. Add it in batches, allowing it to melt completely before adding more. The soup should become thick, creamy, and smooth.
Season To Taste
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little more tang, a squeeze of lemon juice or more Dijon mustard could bring a nice brightness.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and optionally, garnish with a little more shredded Gouda or a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve with crusty bread or croutons for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient in this soup is key to perfecting the recipe.

Gouda Cheese: This is the heart and soul of the soup. Gouda melts beautifully, forming a smooth and creamy texture. The nutty, sweet flavor enhances the soup without overwhelming the palate. Using aged Gouda will give the soup a slightly sharper taste, while younger Gouda will be milder and creamier.
Butter and Flour (Roux): The combination of butter and flour creates the roux, which is essential for thickening the soup. This base gives the soup its rich texture, ensuring that it coats the spoon without being too runny.
Heavy Cream: The cream adds the luxurious silkiness that makes the soup feel indulgent and comforting. Without it, the soup would be thinner and less rich in texture.
Broth: The choice of broth affects the depth of flavor. Chicken broth brings a savory undertone, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter and suitable for vegetarians.
Dijon Mustard: The mustard cuts through the richness, balancing the overall flavor profile with its tang. It adds a nice depth of flavor without being overpowering.

Expert Tips

Grate the Cheese Yourself: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect how it melts in the soup. Grating the cheese fresh ensures that it melts smoothly and evenly.
Make It Ahead: Gouda soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make a large batch, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when needed.
Adjust the Thickness: If your soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Use a Double Boiler for Melting Cheese: If you’re concerned about the cheese separating, use a double boiler to slowly melt the Gouda. This gentle method prevents the cheese from breaking down.

Recipe Variations

Smoky Gouda Soup: If you love a smoky flavor, try using smoked Gouda. The smoky notes will give the soup a whole new layer of complexity.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even carrots for extra flavor and texture. Vegetables add a bit of earthiness and make the dish feel heartier.
Bacon or Ham: For a meaty twist, add crumbled bacon or diced ham. Both pair wonderfully with Gouda and elevate the soup into a more substantial meal.
Spicy Gouda Soup: For some heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños.
Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan Gouda cheese. You can also use a plant-based butter to make the recipe fully vegan without sacrificing too much of the creamy texture.

Final Words

Gouda soup is an excellent choice for those days when you want something filling, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The creamy texture, combined with the nutty flavor of Gouda, creates a harmonious dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a dish that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but is cozy enough for a casual night in.

Gouda Soup Recipe