Description
This spicy pumpkin soup is creamy, bold, and packed with cozy fall flavors—perfect for chilly evenings and easy dinner nights. Made with pumpkin puree, warming spices, and finished with grilled cheese croutons, it’s a rich, comforting recipe you’ll crave again and again. Great for quick lunches, cozy weeknight dinners, and entertaining. If you’re looking for fall soup ideas, this one combines ease, taste, and texture in every spoonful.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups pumpkin puree
3 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 slices sourdough or thick white bread
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin puree, paprika, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let spices bloom for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Meanwhile, prepare grilled cheese sandwiches using the bread, butter, and cheddar. Grill until golden on both sides.
8. Let sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into cubes to make croutons.
9. Serve soup hot with grilled cheese croutons on top. Garnish with extra paprika or herbs if desired.
Notes
Use canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for ease and consistency.
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
Serve croutons immediately to keep them crisp—don’t let them sit in the soup too long!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: spicy pumpkin soup, grilled cheese croutons, easy dinner, fall soup ideas, comforting recipes