The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Ever!)

Indulge in the ultimate creamy pumpkin soup recipe! This cozy soup delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect for cozy fall days.

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, comforting bowl of creamy pumpkin soup? This velvety, golden-hued soup is a symphony of flavors, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with subtle hints of spice and a touch of richness from cream.

It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day, and with this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying its deliciousness in no time.

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About Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is more than just a seasonal delight; it’s a culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul. This creamy concoction offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts of all ages. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Choosing the Right Pumpkin

The key to a truly exceptional pumpkin soup lies in selecting the right pumpkin. Of course you can go with canned, but if you want to use fresh, opt for varieties known for their sweet and smooth flesh, such as sugar pumpkins, kabocha squash, or butternut squash. When choosing your pumpkin, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and has smooth, unblemished skin.

Whether or not to peel the pumpkin depends on the variety. For thin-skinned pumpkins like sugar pumpkins, you can leave the skin on for added nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor. However, for thicker-skinned varieties, peeling is recommended for a smoother texture.

How to Make the Best Ever Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Have you made pumpkin soup before? There are a few ways to do it, but since I love easy recipes that you can throw together quickly, my recipe uses canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh flesh from a pumpkin.

While you can make this recipe using fresh pumpkin, it’s a little more laborious which is why I stick with the canned puree. If you want to make your own pumpkin puree, check out this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Soup

I love recipes that have minimal ingredients that you can keep on hand to make a quick flavorful dish in a pinch. And this recipe for creamy pumpkin soup is no exception!

Here’s what you need to make it!

• Pumpkin Puree
• Onion
• Carrot
• Bacon
• Half and Half
• Chicken Broth
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sour Cream

My recipe for pumpkin soup with canned pumpkin is made with bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can subtract that out and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Instead of cooking the onion and carrots in the bacon juice, add 2 tablespoons of salted butter instead.

Directions to Make the Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

The one thing I love about soups is you start with one easy vegetable base and then tweak it for the actual recipe. Here’s how to make it with both canned or fresh pumpkin puree.

Creamy Canned Pumpkin Soup Recipe

• Cook the bacon and remove from pan. Then set aside and allow to drain.
• In bacon drippings, add onion and carrot.
• Cook down for about four minutes.
• Stir in the chicken broth, half and half, pumpkin, salt and pepper.
• Simmer and refrigerate if not using right away.

Fresh Pumpkin Soup Recipe

• Cook the bacon and remove from pan. Then set aside and allow to drain.
• In bacon drippings, add onion, carrot, peeled pumpkin, broth, and cup of water into a pot.
• Boil rapidly for 15 minutes until pumpkin is very tender.
• Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to make it smooth.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then add Half ‘n Half (cream or milk is fine too!
• Simmer and refrigerate if not using right away.

Make Ahead Directions

And if you are preparing this soup ahead for Thanksgiving Day, prep it the night before and then:

• Heat soup on low until ready to serve.
• Dollop with sour cream.
• Sprinkle with bacon bits.

Tips and Variations

• For a smoky flavor, roast the pumpkin before pureeing.
• Add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar.
• Incorporate other vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, for additional flavor and nutrition.
• For a vegan version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
• To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Storing and Reusing

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze soup in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen.

Final Thoughts About This Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

This creamy pumpkin soup recipe is truly the best ever, combining simplicity, flavor, and nourishment in every spoonful. Its velvety texture, warm spices, and subtle sweetness make it a fall favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

I make it for an easy weeknight meal but have also included it in our Thanksgiving menu. So, grab a spoon, cozy up, and savor the deliciousness of this perfect autumnal soup.

Have you ever made pumpkin soup before? Do you use the fresh flesh of a pumpkin or do you prefer to make it with canned pumpkin? I would love to know more in the comments below.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

Looking for More Great Soup Recipes?

I love a good cozy soup recipe that is easy to make and feels like a hug in a bowl.

Wait until you try these soup recipes!

• Easy Corn Chowder Recipe
• Best Recipe for Pasta Fagioli
• Recipe for Chicken Soup Homemade
• Creamy Balsamic Tomato Soup Recipe
• Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Easy Spinach Tortellini Soup
• Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach