Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

This ultra-creamy Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup showcases the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and apples, complemented by rich cheddar cheese. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this soup promises to be a heartwarming favorite that pleases everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The combination of sweet potatoes and heavy cream creates an ultra-smooth consistency that is comforting and satisfying.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With spices like cinnamon and nutmeg paired with fresh herbs, every spoonful bursts with warmth and flavor.
• Versatile Dish: This soup can easily be adapted for different dietary needs, including vegan options by substituting heavy cream for plant-based alternatives.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness from apples and sweet potatoes makes it appealing to children, ensuring your family enjoys their meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the right tools before starting. Having essential equipment on hand will streamline the preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without splatter.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (About 1lb. each)
• 2 Honeycrisp or Gala apples, sliced
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp raw honey, organic
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 cup organic heavy cream
• 1-2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded or grated (See Notes!)

For the Topping

• 1 cup raw pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup organic rolled oats
• 2 Tbsp raw honey, organic
• 1 Tbsp organic all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2–3 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened at room temp.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized, about 25 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped red onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the onions are ready, add roasted sweet potatoes and sliced apples to the pot. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender (or regular blender), puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Add Cream & Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted through. Adjust seasoning with sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and cayenne pepper.

Step 6: Prepare Topping

In a bowl, mix chopped pecans with rolled oats, honey, flour, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the warm soup into bowls topped with the pecan-oat mixture for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup!

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Serving Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of color and fresh flavor, making the soup visually appealing.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Toasted pecans or crispy chickpeas offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious flavors of the soup.

Pair with a Salad

• A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup.

Include Cheese Crisps

• Homemade cheese crisps made from baked cheddar cheese can add an extra cheesy flavor and a crispy texture.

Offer Different Spice Options

• Set out cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for guests to sprinkle on top, allowing them to customize their spice levels.

How to Perfect Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Creating the perfect Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh sweet potatoes and apples to enhance the soup’s natural sweetness and flavor.
• Roast for depth: Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sugars, adding richness to the soup.
• Blend until smooth: For a truly creamy texture, ensure you blend the soup thoroughly until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving; adjust seasonings like salt or spices as needed for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheddar or even vegan cheese alternatives for varied flavors.
• Consider dietary needs: Make a vegan version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly while adding extra flavor.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide an earthy contrast and pair well with sweet notes in the soup.
4. Quinoa Salad
   A quinoa salad loaded with vegetables adds protein and texture, making it more filling.
5. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
   Crunchy vegetable sticks paired with hummus offer a healthy snack option before diving into the rich soup.
6. Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
   Mini bell peppers stuffed with cheese provide fun finger food that matches well with the flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create the best soup possible.

• Using the wrong type of apples: Not all apples are ideal for cooking. For the best flavor, stick to Honeycrisp or Gala apples, as they balance sweetness and acidity well.
• Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Cooking the sweet potatoes too long can make them mushy. Roast them until tender but not falling apart for the perfect texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup can lead to blandness. Make sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices throughout the cooking process for a flavorful result.
• Skipping the blending step: For a creamy texture, blending is essential. If you skip this step, you’ll miss out on that velvety consistency that makes this soup special.
• Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs can lack depth compared to fresh ones. Whenever possible, use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

• This soup freezes well.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup that might help clarify any doubts.

Can I make Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based milk of your choice.

What can I serve with Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How do I customize my Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery. You can also experiment with different spices for unique flavors!

Is Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup healthy?

Absolutely! It contains nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and apples, making it both delicious and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own!