Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

When fall rolls around, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of creamy pumpkin soup.

This simple recipe requires just 9 ingredients and has become a winter staple around our house. 

This warm, comforting soup is perfect for those cold winter nights.

I also love serving this dish at holiday get-togethers, weekend football games, and movie nights.

It’s great pretty much any day when I’m craving a warm bowl of comfort. 

Best of all, it’s easy to pull together and makes great leftovers. It’s guaranteed to delight the entire family.

Easy Pumpkin Soup

When it comes to traditional fall recipes, it’s hard to beat pumpkin soup.

It’s one of the few fall favorites that doesn’t include pumpkin spice. (And yet, everyone loves it anyway!)

Of course, it is an easy recipe to love. It has a thick, creamy texture, a lovely orange color, and a terrific, pumpkin-forward taste. What’s not to love?

And if you’re the one cooking it, there’s even more to appreciate.

Yes, it takes about an hour to cook. However, most of that is idle cook time that doesn’t require much from you. The prep work takes a mere 15 minutes.

So, dive right in and try this creamy pumpkin soup today.

Pumpkin Soup Ingredients

This recipe requires fewer than ten ingredients. They are:

• Chicken stock. Chicken stock will act as the base for the soup. Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Pumpkin puree. Pumpkin puree is not the same thing as canned pumpkin, so be sure to pick up the right thing. Get a high-quality brand, too, as it’s where most of your flavor will come from.

• Salt. Just a little to enhance all the other flavors.

• Parsley. Fresh is best.

• Onion. It tones down the sweetness, making the soup more savory.

• Garlic and thyme. For that robust umami kick and some extra herbiness.

• Heavy whipping cream. This ingredient gives the soup its thick, creamy texture. Don’t leave it out.

• Ground pepper. You won’t need much – only a half teaspoon.

How to Make Pumpkin Soup Creamier

While pumpkin soup tastes delightful enough as it is, there are those (like me) who want theirs to be extra creamy. 

The easiest way to make the soup creamier is to stir in some additional cream at the end. However, that isn’t your only option.

Here are a few other ways to make the soup extra creamy:

• Add coconut milk, maple syrup, or butter. Personally, I love adding a bit of maple syrup as it gives it just the right amount of sweetness. 

• Use yogurt. If you don’t want to use cream or milk, try using yogurt instead. This is a fantastic alternative if you want to add a zesty flavor to your dish. 

• Try stale bread. For this simple trick, just soak a few pieces of bread into your mixture before you puree it. You’ll end up with a rich, creamy, and totally filling dish.

• Incorporate some cornstarch. Take a couple of scoops of the soup and place it in a bowl. Then, mix in a few tablespoons of cornstarch and stir until it dissolves into the soup. Pour the soup back into the pot and let the cornstarch do its magic.

Tips & Tricks

Besides making the soup creamier, there are a few other tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Don’t be afraid to customize. Add veggies, use real pumpkin, add spices, etc. There are all kinds of ways to customize the soup to suit your tastes. I sometimes add curry to mine.

• Make it vegan-friendly. All you’ll need to do is use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and coconut milk instead of cream.

• Use fresh garlic, parsley, and thyme. Seriously, the fresher these ingredients are, the better the soup will taste. Mince your garlic from fresh cloves, and chop the herbs yourself. Don’t hit the spice rack.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is such a hearty dish that you can eat it by itself and call it a day.

But for a more filling and satisfying meal, you can also pair the soup with several tasty side items. Here are a few of my favorites…

• Bread. Bread is perhaps the perfect pairing with pumpkin soup. Serve a warm French baguette or dinner rolls on the side for easy dipping.

• Croutons. Throw some croutons on top for a nice, extra crunch. Other toppings include pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, or even some crispy bacon!

• Sandwiches. Yup, sandwiches also go well with pumpkin soup. Add a grilled cheese, ham, or turkey sandwich on the side for a proven comfort meal that is sure to delight.

• Salads. A simple leafy green salad or any of these fall salads would work well.

• Veggies. You can also add a variety of vegetables to your soup. Add some small chunks of boiled potatoes and let them soak in some of that pumpkin flavor! You’ll end up with soft, chewy, and tasty taters swimming in a bowl of thick and creamy soup.  

How Long Does Pumpkin Soup Last?

The great thing about pumpkin soup is that you can store it for days on end without it going bad.

Who says you can’t have a delicious and healthy meal when you’re too busy to cook?

This soup will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

Storing Pumpkin Soup

As mentioned, this soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Just be sure to transfer the leftovers to an air-tight container first. 

Reheat your soup over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and do not let it boil, as this may cause the ingredients to separate. 

Of course, if you’re a bit lazy like me you can also just use the microwave. No judgment.

Also, note that the longer you store your pumpkin soup in the freezer, the thicker it gets.

So, when reheating, it’s a good idea to add either a little milk, half-and-half, or a bit of broth. Doing so will dilute the soup to the right consistency.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Paula Deen’s Crockpot Potato Soup
Butternut Squash Soup
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
New England Clam Chowder

Conclusion

Pumpkin soup is perfect on fall days, chilly nights, holidays, or anytime you want a warm pick-me-up. 

It’s the perfect one-dish meal. Serve with bread, grilled cheese, a ham sandwich, or just about anything your heart desires.

I love to top mine off with croutons and some crispy bacon! What are your favorite toppings? Let me know in the comments below.

There are countless ways to make pumpkin soup more exciting – but like any other dish, you’ll get the best results if you cook it with love.