This creamy Smoked Gouda Potato Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! With tender potatoes and rich, smoky cheese, it’s a warm hug in a bowl on chillier days.
Honestly, once you smell that cheesy goodness cooking, you won’t be able to resist! I love topping mine with crispy bacon and chives for extra yumminess. 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, you might try smoked turkey bacon or even omit it altogether and use olive oil for sautéing.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes give that creamy texture, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if that’s what you have. They hold their shape well and have a nice buttery flavor!
Smoked Gouda: This cheese is what makes the soup rich and flavorful. If you can’t find it, any smoked cheese like Applewood or even a sharp cheddar will work too. Just remember to shred it for easier melting.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, I sometimes use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. The soup may be less thick, but it will still be tasty!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Onions and Garlic?
Getting those onions and garlic to release their flavor is super important! Here’s how to make it easy:
- Cook onions in the bacon fat and butter until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This enhances their sweetness.
- When you add the garlic, cook for just another minute. Garlic cooks faster and can burn if left too long, turning bitter.
- This method builds a flavor base that is key to the soup.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Smooth and Creamy Soup?
To achieve that perfect, creamy texture, follow these steps:
- After boiling the potatoes, use a potato masher to partially mash them before adding the cream and cheese. This keeps some chunks in the soup for texture.
- When you stir in the heavy cream and smoked Gouda, do so gently. Turn off the heat once the cheese melts to prevent it from separating.
By using these techniques, your soup will be beautifully smooth and creamy every time!
Smoked Gouda Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
For Thickening:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or chives for garnish
- Optional: crushed crackers or croutons for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smoked Gouda Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. Including the steps for chopping and cooking the ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of this comforting soup in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This fat will add flavor to the soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the butter to the pot with the leftover bacon fat. Once the butter is melted, sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. It should be smooth and bubbly!
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to dissolve any lumps from the flour mixture. This will create a nice base for the soup.
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Blend the Soup:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, partially mash or blend the soup, leaving some potato pieces for texture. This gives the soup its creamy consistency while keeping it hearty.
7. Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded smoked Gouda cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for flavor!
8. Reheat if Necessary:
If the soup has cooled, gently reheat it on the stove, being careful not to boil, as this could cause the cheese to separate.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with crispy bacon bits, fresh thyme or chopped chives, and crushed crackers or croutons if you like a little crunch!
Enjoy your rich, smoky, and velvety Smoked Gouda Potato Soup with a slice of crusty bread! It’s perfect for a cozy night in!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While smoked Gouda gives the soup its distinctive flavor, you can substitute with another smoked cheese like Applewood, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup can be made a day in advance. Simply let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When you reheat, you may need to add a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
What If I Have Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add a bit of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor effect.
