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pumpkin soup with pumpkin seeds and bacon

Warm and Cozy Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Fall

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, nothing beats a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an elegant starter for a dinner party, this pumpkin soup will impress with its smooth texture and rich taste.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Roasting Pumpkin (optional):45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Heavy bottom stock pot
  • sheet pan (optional if roasting pumpkin)
  • immersion blender/blender
  • measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (or 2 cups cooked pumpkin/squash)
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • optional toppings: pumpkin seeds, crispy bacon, sour cream, croutons, or fresh herbs

Instructions

Cook the Pumpkin (if using fresh)

  • If using fresh pumpkin, halve and remove seeds from a small pumpkin or other squash (I LOVE using kabocha squash for this recipe).
  • Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until a fork pierces through the flesh easily.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Remove the flesh from the outer skin and cut into cubes. Set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Add the Pumpkin and Spices

  • Stir in the pumpkin purée (or cooked pumpkin), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Simmer the Soup

  • Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Blend for Creaminess

  • For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids!

Add Cream and Season

  • Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and develop more flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle the pumpkin soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like roasted pumpkin seeds, crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Notes

*Calories are approximate per cup
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Soup
  • Homemade Pumpkin Purée: As I mentioned above, homemade pumpkin puree gives the best flavor for this soup.
  • Spice it Up: For a more robust flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, ground ginger, or curry powder for a slight kick.
  • Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it great for meal prep. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, pumpkin recipe, soup recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Author: dani
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