Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese

Warm up your taste buds with this rich and creamy Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese. Packed with comforting flavors of roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash, this soup brings together a smooth texture with the perfect balance of spices and a touch of tangy cream cheese. Ideal for cold weather, this soup is both hearty and nutritious, offering a lovely combination of autumnal vegetables and savory seasonings. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, perfect for family meals or when hosting friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty: The creamy texture and rich flavor make this soup perfect for a cozy meal, especially in colder months.
2. Nutritious and Filling: Made with sweet potatoes and butternut squash, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to nourish your body.
3. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is quick to prepare.
4. Versatile Flavors: The blend of cinnamon and cream cheese gives the soup a balanced sweetness and tangy creaminess that everyone will enjoy.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze for later.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Vegetable broth
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• Cream cheese

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a slight heat to balance the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Creamier Texture: Swap the cream cheese for heavy cream for an even richer consistency.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added for a more herbal note to the soup.
• Vegan Option: Replace the cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a fully vegan version.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, roast the sweet potatoes and butternut squash before adding them to the soup.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook Vegetables: Add the cubed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend it that way.
4. Season the Soup: Stir in the ground cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Smooth Texture: Ensure the soup is blended until completely smooth for the best creamy texture. An immersion blender works great for this.
• Roast the Vegetables: If you prefer a deeper flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes and butternut squash in the oven before adding them to the soup. This will caramelize the vegetables and intensify their natural sweetness.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep an eye on the vegetables while simmering so they don’t overcook and lose their flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a salad. For extra richness, top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a starter to a larger dinner. You can also drizzle some olive oil or add roasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove until warmed through.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth to restore the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of squash?
   Yes, you can substitute the butternut squash with acorn squash or pumpkin for a different flavor.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for some heat.
3. Can I use dairy-free cream cheese?
   Yes, for a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
4. How do I make the soup thicker?
   To thicken the soup, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of potato flakes to the soup as it cooks.
5. Can I add more spices?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice for extra depth of flavor.
6. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
   Absolutely! It can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for future meals.
7. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
   Yes, chicken broth works just as well if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
8. How do I make the soup richer?
   Add more cream cheese, or substitute some of the broth with cream for an extra creamy texture.
9. Can I make the soup vegan?
   Yes, simply substitute the cream cheese for coconut cream or any dairy-free cream cheese.
10. Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?
    Yes, you can use a regular blender. Just be careful when blending hot liquids—let the soup cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese is the perfect comforting dish for chilly days. It’s rich, creamy, and full of nourishing ingredients, making it both delicious and wholesome. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of velvety smooth soup ready to enjoy in no time. Customize it with your favorite spices, serve it with a crunchy side, and savor the warmth of this delightful recipe!

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