This creamy Smoked Gouda Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender potatoes and rich cheese, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup. Just cook, blend, and enjoy! You’ll feel like a chef without the fuss. Grab some crusty bread and dig in! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: I love the smoky flavor bacon brings, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get that same depth of flavor.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture. If you want to make it lighter, consider using cauliflower as a low-carb substitute!
Smoked Gouda: This cheese really makes the soup deliciously rich. If you can’t find it, try substituting with smoked cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for creaminess.
Broth: Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Make My Soup Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a creamy and flavorful soup is in the cooking technique. Start with cooking the bacon first; the fat is perfect for sautéing the onions. Remember, low heat is your friend when adding milk and cream, as you don’t want them to curdle.
- Cook onions until soft in the bacon fat for extra flavor.
- Add the potatoes and broth, cook until tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend partially for that creamy texture.
- When adding cheese, do it slowly while stirring—this helps it melt evenly.
Finish with garnishes like crumbled bacon and fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
Smoked Gouda Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smoked Gouda Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you can expect to have it ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. Once done, remove them and place on paper towels to drain the grease. Allow them to cool, then crumble the bacon and set aside. Make sure to keep about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
3. Boil the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Mash for Creaminess:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash or blend some of the potatoes right in the pot. This will give you a creamier texture while still keeping some delicious chunks!
5. Stir in Milk and Cream:
Gently stir in the milk and heavy cream. Keep the heat on low; avoid bringing it to a boil at this stage.
6. Add the Smoked Gouda:
Gradually stir in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese, mixing until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives, and an extra dash of black pepper.
8. Enjoy:
Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your rich, creamy, and smoky Smoked Gouda Potato Soup!
Can I Use Other Cheese Instead of Smoked Gouda?
Absolutely! If you can’t find smoked Gouda, smoked cheddar or a mixture of regular cheddar and mozzarella work well too. They’ll give you that creamy texture and a lovely flavor!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor that the bacon would provide.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
