Savor the Season: Pumpkin Apple Cider Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

 

Autumn has arrived,

And with it comes the delightful season of pumpkin-flavored everything. From lattes to pies, the humble pumpkin takes center stage in kitchens everywhere. But why settle for the ordinary when you can create something extraordinary? Allow me to introduce you to a culinary masterpiece: Pumpkin Apple Cider Soup, accompanied by the irresistible charm of Grilled Cheese Croutons.

While incredibly nutritious, pumpkin, on its own, can be a bit bland. To elevate its flavors, we’re infusing complexity by adding a medley of ingredients. Besides the star of the show, pumpkin, we have onions, garlic, a mix of seasonal spices, apples, and, of course, apple cider. The cider and apples bring a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity to the soup. However, let me clarify, this is a savory soup, so don’t expect pool of pumpkin pie!

Tips for Budget-conscious Divas:

If your budget allows, this is the time to splurge on some good, unfiltered cider. You’ll only need one cup for the soup, and the rest? Well, you can sip it on those chilly evenings, savoring the essence of autumn. If that’s not in the budget, store brand cider fills the bill.

Add your personal touch:

You can choose to make this soup as chunky or smooth as you like. The outcome depends on how small you chop the ingredients and if you decide to puree the finished soup. I opted for a middle ground with finely diced onions and apples, and the results were exceptional. My family couldn’t get enough of the delightful bursts of apple that punctuated this rich, savory soup.

 

PUMPKIN APPLE CIDER SOUP

Yield: 8 cups Total Time: 40 minutes

What You’ll Need:

1 tablespoon each – olive oil and butter

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup apple (any variety) peeled, cored, and diced

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 (large 29-ounce) can pure pumpkin

4 cups (32-ounce box) chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup apple cider

1 teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon each – cinnamon and ground ginger

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Optional for bisque – half and half or heavy cream

Garnish – sour cream, pepitas, roast pumpkin seeds

Here’s How:

 

In a heavy bottomed soup pot or large saucepan over medium heat, bring the oil and butter up to a sizzle and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes. Next add the apple and continue to sauté until both are quite soft. Add the garlic and stir to combine and take a moment to appreciate that amazing aroma.

Don’t you love a great savory and sweet combo?

Now, let’s make soup!

Add the pumpkin, chicken or veggie broth, apple cider and stir. Now add the spices, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let this simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.

At this point, for a creamier, totally smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to purée until it reaches your desired consistency.

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider turning it into a creamy pumpkin bisque with a dash of half and half or heavy cream.  I’d start at half a cup and to taste add from there.

To serve, ladle into bowls and serve with grilled cheese croutons, instructions below.

For extra Diva flair, you can garnish with little dollops of sour cream (it doesn’t dissolve into the soup like heavy cream would) and a sprinkle of bright green pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) and/or roast whole pumpkin seeds.

 

GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Yield: 12 croutons Time: 10 minutes

What You’ll Need:

1 baguette (day old is perfect!)

1 (8 ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature

¼ cup butter, room temperature

Here’s How:

Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat. Slice a baguette into 24 (¼ inch) slices. Slice cheese into 12 slices. Place a slice of room temperature sharp cheddar cheese between two slices of bread and butter the outsides, like little sandwiches. Grill the croutons in the skillet until golden brown.

Make extra because these are simply addictive! I kid you not.

 

As we welcome autumn with open arms, let the inviting aroma of Pumpkin Apple Cider Soup fill your kitchen. This recipe brings the warmth and comfort of the season to your table.

This is a dish destined to become a fall family favorite.

 

If you enjoy this recipe you will also like: Simple DIY Cream Soup Switch is Cheaper, Healthier and Delicious  and  Slab Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato Soup