Description
Spicy Pumpkin Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Warm up your autumn with this comforting Spicy Pumpkin Soup! Rich in flavor with a hint of heat, this luscious soup is made with aromatic spices and creamy pumpkin puree. It’s topped with adorable grilled cheese croutons – think of it as the cozy, fall version of your favorite tomato soup and grilled cheese combo. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty, vegetarian, and full of fall goodness!
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled & diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper, cumin, ginger, nutmeg
½ tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
Grilled cheese croutons
Directions:
1. Sauté onion, carrots & garlic in oil. Add pumpkin, spices & cook.
2. Add broth, simmer, and blend until smooth. Stir in maple syrup.
3. Optional: Add cream until desired consistency. Garnish with croutons.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 200 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, sautéing for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the pumpkin puree, thyme, salt, black pepper, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes to toast the spices. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the carrots are very tender. Carefully blend the soup directly in the pot using an immersion blender until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a countertop blender. Stir in the maple syrup. For a richer soup, stir in the optional heavy cream. While the soup simmers, prepare your grilled cheese sandwiches as usual, then cut them into bite-sized croutons.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with the warm grilled cheese croutons. For extra flair, consider additional garnishes like a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or fresh thyme leaves. This soup pairs beautifully with a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve it in hollowed-out small pumpkins or acorn squash bowls.
How-to Summary
In short: Sauté veggies, toast spices with pumpkin, simmer with broth, blend until silky smooth, and finish with maple syrup and cream. Top with homemade grilled cheese cubes for the ultimate cozy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes. Replace the canned puree with about 2 cups of roasted and pureed sugar pumpkin or butternut squash. The flavor will be slightly less concentrated but delicious.
How can I make this soup vegan? Omit the heavy cream or use full-fat coconut milk. For the croutons, use your favorite vegan cheese and bread with plant-based butter or oil.
How do I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper. You can always add a pinch more at the end if desired.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store soup (without croutons) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Make croutons fresh when serving.
Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely. Freeze the cooled soup (without cream or croutons) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding cream if using after thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices; you need plain pumpkin puree. Do not skip the step of cooking the pumpkin and spices together before adding liquid—this deepens the flavor significantly. When blending hot soup, never fill your countertop blender more than halfway, and hold the lid firmly with a towel to prevent steam explosions. Finally, add the grilled cheese croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.
Conclusion
This Spicy Pumpkin Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the epitome of autumn comfort. It masterfully balances creamy sweetness with a gentle kick of heat, all crowned with the nostalgic, crunchy delight of cheesy croutons. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that celebrates the best flavors of the season. Give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your fall cooking repertoire.