If you are craving something velvety, nourishing, and packed with cozy warmth, this Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, the aromatic foundation of sautéed onions and celery, and a delicate smoky hint from paprika, all enveloped in a smooth, luscious broth. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl to share, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl that’s surprisingly simple to make yet utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this soup is straightforward but crucial to achieving its rich flavor and creamy texture. Each component plays a unique role, from building the soup base to enhancing the color and depth of taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth foundation for sautéing, giving the soup a subtle richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky, buttery note that deepens the flavor of the sautéed veggies.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Essential for that savory sweetness and aromatic base.
- 3 sticks celery (chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch to balance the sweet potatoes.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers a punch of warmth and depth without overpowering the soup.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid backbone that melds all flavors together while keeping the soup light.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled & chopped): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A smoky spice that beautifully complements the sweet potatoes and enhances aroma.
- 1/3 cup sour cream (optional): Adds tang and creaminess for an extra luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional): Provides smooth richness and velvety mouthfeel.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The simple seasonings that balance and brighten all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in your soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, then cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until they soften and just start to brown. This browning adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that forms the perfect flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Garlic should be gently toasted—not burnt—to release its fragrant, savory notes that will infuse the entire pot.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth, Sweet Potatoes, and Paprika
Pour in the broth, add the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, then sprinkle on the smoked paprika. Crank the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot partially with the lid and turn the heat down to let it simmer rapidly for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the sweet potatoes to become tender enough for easy blending.
Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Carefully use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blending transforms the chunky ingredients into a dreamy, creamy texture that defines this recipe. If needed, allow the soup to cool slightly to make blending easier and safer.
Step 5: Finish With Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the optional sour cream and heavy cream to reach the perfect creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the soup feels too thick, simply thin it out with a little extra broth. Taste and adjust—sometimes a touch more cream or sour cream can make this soup feel irresistibly indulgent.
How to Serve Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of this soup is like a canvas waiting to be dressed up. Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or chives add a pop of color and a mild freshness. For a touch of crunch and extra flavor, toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits work beautifully. A swirl of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the presentation and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls, perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a crisp side salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, balancing the soup’s richness. Grilled cheese sandwiches also make a nostalgic and scrumptious companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe in mini mugs or shot glasses as an elegant starter. Layered with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top, it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser. You could even pipe the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive, autumnal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Giving it a good stir before reheating helps redistribute the creaminess that might settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup successfully, but it’s best to hold off on adding sour cream or heavy cream before freezing, as dairy can separate when thawed. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream as needed to restore its silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent curdling and preserve the smooth consistency this Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is loved for.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative. For creaminess, try coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute instead of sour cream and heavy cream.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika or a bit of ground cumin for warmth, but smoked paprika really adds a unique smoky depth that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes. If you skip it, consider adding a small dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt if you have it.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling ensures the soup is extra smooth, but if you prefer more texture and extra fiber, leaving the skins on can work as long as you wash them well before chopping. The texture will be slightly heartier.
Can I use an ordinary blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, just blend the soup in batches to avoid spills and be sure to let hot soup cool a bit before blending to prevent splashes. Either tool gets you that luscious, creamy texture the recipe promises.
How thick should the soup be?
The thickness is really up to your taste. This Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is naturally quite thick after blending, but you can thin it with more broth or cream to your preferred consistency. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still easy to sip.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is one of those dishes you keep coming back to because it’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or serving guests, it delivers a balance of sweet, smoky, and creamy that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new favorite for your recipe collection.
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Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy sweet potato soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Made with tender sweet potatoes, aromatic onions, celery, and a hint of smoked paprika, it’s blended into a smooth, velvety soup. Optional additions of sour cream and heavy cream add richness and depth, making it ideal as a hearty starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth, plus more as needed
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Creamy Additions
- 1/3 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add olive oil and butter to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion and celery for 7 to 10 minutes until they’re lightly browned and softened, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without letting it burn.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Pour in the broth, then add the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes along with smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then cover the pot partially and reduce heat to let it simmer rapidly for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
- Blend Soup: Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer in batches to a regular blender. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream if using, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, thin it out with additional broth until you reach your preferred consistency. Adjust cream and seasoning as needed.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- For a vegan version, omit the sour cream and heavy cream or replace with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- If using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches to avoid overflow and burns.
