Creamy Charcuterie Soup Recipe
This Creamy Charcuterie Soup combines savory cured meats and rich cheeses in a luscious, comforting broth. Featuring a blend of smoked Gouda and gruyère melted into a creamy chicken or vegetable base, enhanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and smoky paprika, this soup delivers a gourmet flavor experience perfect for a cozy meal. Served with crusty bread, it makes an inviting starter or satisfying lunch.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Charcuterie & Cheese
- 1 cup diced charcuterie (salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni)
- 1 cup diced smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup diced gruyère cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding.
- Incorporate Charcuterie: Add the diced charcuterie (salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni) to the pot and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to infuse the broth with its savory depth.
- Stir in Cream: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream to the pot. Continue stirring gently until the soup is fully heated through, ensuring not to let it boil to prevent curdling.
- Melt in Cheese: Gradually add the diced smoked Gouda and gruyère cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the soup becomes thick and creamy.
- Season the Soup: Add fresh thyme leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices and herbs to blend thoroughly.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy charcuterie soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use either chicken or vegetable broth for a flexible base; vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian if charcuterie is omitted.
- If preferred, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the soup will be less rich.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup partially before adding diced charcuterie and cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop.
Keywords: charcuterie soup, creamy soup, smoked gouda soup, gruyère soup, savory soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, winter soup