Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

This ultra-creamy Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting family meal, this soup stands out with its velvety texture and rich taste. It combines roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and a hint of fresh herbs and spices, creating a dish that warms the heart. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that’s both kid-friendly and easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet potatoes and apples creates a delicious balance of sweetness and earthiness.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in under an hour.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main course or starter; it pairs beautifully with bread or salad.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes and apples, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Blender: Creates that ultra-creamy texture by pureeing the soup until smooth.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and fruits efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts, making prep work quicker and safer.

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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 chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubes in one tablespoon of olive oil along with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and cayenne pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the pot along with sliced apples. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or transferring batches to a standard blender, puree the mixture until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 5: Prepare Toppings

In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans with rolled oats, honey, flour, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Spread this topping evenly across an oven-safe dish.

Step 6: Bake Topping

Place the dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle soup into bowls topped with the crunchy mixture. Enjoy your warm bowl of Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup!

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect any time of the year. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding a satisfying texture.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness and adds depth to each spoonful.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the soup, balancing flavors beautifully.

Add Crunch with Nuts

• Top each bowl with chopped pecans for added crunch and nuttiness, which pairs well with the sweet potatoes and apples.

Balance Flavors with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy note that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the soup.

How to Perfect Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

To make your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup even more delicious and satisfying, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sweet potatoes and apples bring out the best flavors in your soup, making it taste vibrant and wholesome.

• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg according to your palate for that perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

• Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend your soup until completely smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender.

• Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack alongside cheddar for a unique flavor profile.

• Make it vegan-friendly: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a rich vegan option without sacrificing creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Serving side dishes alongside your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic favorite that brings its aromatic flavor to complement the creamy soup perfectly.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies add a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the smoothness of the soup.

3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

4. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses that pair well with apple flavors for a delightful tasting experience alongside your soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or lentils make for a hearty side dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

6. Savory Scones
   Freshly baked scones infused with herbs make an excellent accompaniment, adding texture and flavor diversity to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing soup, especially with a recipe as rich and flavorful as Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Using the wrong type of potatoes: Not all sweet potatoes are created equal. Stick to medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and apples. Don’t skip this vital step for a richer soup.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Add it after the onions have softened for better flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning levels: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices to suit your palate, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Not blending thoroughly: For a creamy consistency, blend until smooth. If using an immersion blender, make sure there are no chunks left behind.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup?

You can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess.

Can I make Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup vegan?

Yes! Simply replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and omit any animal-derived ingredients.

How do I thicken Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup?

To thicken your soup, consider adding more sweet potatoes or using a plant-based gelling agent like agar-agar if desired.

What types of cheese work well with this soup?

While cheddar is recommended, other mild cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack can also enhance the flavor profile without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!