Dutch Cheese Soup (Kaassoep)
A rich and creamy Dutch Cheese Soup, often made with Gouda cheese, this comforting soup is a popular starter, especially on colder days. It's typically flavored with sautéed onions and garlic, and can be enriched with milk or cream. Served hot, it's often garnished with fresh chives and enjoyed with crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Cauliflower(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Carrots(cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 4 cups Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 oz Gouda cheese(thinly sliced or grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh chives
- 8 ½-in slices Sourdough baguette slices(for serving (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Add the diced cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and purée until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it. - 5
Stir in the Gouda cheese gradually, stirring constantly until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
💡 Tip: Using grated cheese will help it melt more quickly and evenly. - 6
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
💡 Tip: For an extra touch of richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream. - 7
Garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately, optionally with slices of sourdough baguette topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly.
💡 Tip: A young Gouda will provide a milder flavor, while an aged Gouda will offer a more robust taste.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add Canadian bacon or other diced ham to the soup for added flavor and heartiness.
- ✓If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a little more broth or milk.
- ✓This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔄 Variations
- Use a mix of young and aged Gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth.
- A tablespoon of flour can be added with the vegetables to help thicken the soup further.