Name: Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes (About 1lb. each); 2 Honeycrisp or Gala apples, sliced; 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 cups vegetable stock; 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil; ½ red onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon raw honey, organic; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup organic heavy cream; 1-2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded or grated; 1 cup raw pecans, chopped; ½ cup organic rolled oats; 2 tablespoon raw honey, organic; 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2-3 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened at room temp.

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort soup that tickles your palate with a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and a tiny bit of crunch, look no further than Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup. This showstopper combines the earthy richness of roasted sweet potatoes, the fruity brightness of apples, and the luscious melt of cheddar, all brought together in a creamy, spiced base. One spoonful and you’ll see why this bowlful is such a family favorite in my kitchen—perfectly warming for chilly evenings, yet just elegant enough to impress at your next dinner party!

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’ve scrolled through the ingredient list and wondered if this Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup could really be that easy, the answer is yes! Each ingredient plays a starring role: from the color and body of sweet potatoes to the tang of good cheddar and that playful crunch from the pecan topping—every component has its part in building warmth, depth, and just the right amount of creamy richness.

Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized, about 1lb. each, for a creamy yet hearty foundation that blends beautifully.
Honeycrisp or Gala Apples: These apples add the perfect sweetness and a lovely autumn vibe; slice for even roasting.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use for roasting and sautéing—it brings a subtle richness and allows spices to bloom.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon adds an unmistakable warm note that enhances both apples and sweet potatoes.
Ground Nutmeg: This classic spice deepens the soup’s flavor and weaves perfectly with cinnamon.
Vegetable Stock: Choose a good, flavorful broth, as it forms the velvety structure of your soup.
Red Onion: Half an onion, chopped and sautéed, lends subtle sharpness and aromatic depth.
Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp—garlic brings foundational savoriness to the whole dish.
Raw Honey: For a gentle, natural sweetness; swap for maple syrup if you’re vegan.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and making everything pop.
Smoked Paprika: Adds an irresistible, slightly smoky edge to keep things interesting.
Garlic Powder: Layered with fresh garlic, it ups the flavor and brings mellow warmth.
Dried Oregano, Basil & Parsley: Italian herbs round out and brighten the soup.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle, lingering heat that surprises.
Organic Heavy Cream: For velvety, creamy lusciousness (use coconut cream for a dairy-free version).
Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that signature tangy richness—grate it fresh for best results!
Raw Pecans: The base for your cinnamon pecan topping, adding crunch and nuttiness.
Organic Rolled Oats: Helps form crispy clusters for the topping; go gluten-free if you wish.
All-Purpose Flour: A tablespoon binds your pecan topping—substitute with gluten-free flour as needed.
Unsalted Butter: Softened for cluster-forming glory in your pecan topping—vegan butter works too.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Roast the Apples and Sweet Potatoes

Start by kicking your oven up to 425°F and lining a trusty baking sheet with parchment or foil for effortless clean-up. Give your sweet potatoes a quick scrub and pat them dry, then massage them with a slick of olive oil before placing them on one end of the pan. On the other side, lay out your apple slices, splashing them with more oil and that magical mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. Roast everything for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples turn golden and gorgeously wilted and those sweet potatoes are just about bursting their skins. Let everything cool enough to handle—then scoop out the sweet potato flesh into a bowl, ready for blending perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Pecan Topping

While your veggies and fruit are roasting, switch your oven to 375°F and get another baking sheet lined up. In a bowl, combine your chopped pecans, oats, honey, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix it all up until you’ve got a sticky, chunky mixture. Now, here’s the trick: spread it in little clusters on your pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes—do NOT stir or touch! Let those clusters form naturally; you’ll thank yourself later when you hit a crunchy, sweet bite on your soup.

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high and toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes, then pop the mixture into your blender. Add the roasted sweet potato flesh, golden apples, and vegetable stock next, and blend until completely smooth and creamy. This is where Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup starts to transform—watch that gorgeous color whir together!

Step 4: Simmer and Add the Cheddar

Return the blended mixture to the pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream, if dairy-free), raw honey, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and cayenne pepper. Combine well. Now comes the best part: sprinkle in your grated cheddar and stir gently as it melts and swirls into creamy, savory ribbons. Let the soup come to a gentle boil for 1–2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer another 5–6 minutes so flavors can fully marry and the soup thickens to the perfect spoon-coating consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Top with Crunchy Clusters

Once your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup looks rich and glossy, ladle it into bowls, top generously with your cinnamon pecan clusters, and—if you’re like me—add a swirl of extra cheddar or a few fresh herbs. This soup is a feast for the eyes, too, with sunset hues and a welcoming aroma that will fill your kitchen instantly.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle your bowls with the homemade cinnamon pecan topping clusters, and for an extra layer of decadence, add a little extra grated cheddar or a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. Thinly sliced apples or a dollop of crème fraîche can also amp up the gorgeous finish. The contrast between warm, creamy soup and crunchy, sweet-nutty topping is truly irresistible!

Side Dishes

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup pairs happily with a slice of rustic sourdough, a batch of cheesy scones, or even a bright arugula salad tossed with vinaigrette. For heartier fare, try a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp white cheddar or roasted autumn vegetables on the side for a complete and cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in shot glasses or small cups for a stunning fall appetizer at parties, or pour it into mini bread bowls for maximum coziness. If you’re feeling playful, arrange a DIY soup bar with all sorts of toppings—crispy sage leaves, pumpkin seeds, or even chili oil drizzles—for guests to personalize their own bowl of Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Simply store your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The flavors get even deeper overnight, making it a great lunch or easy weeknight dinner the next day. Keep the pecan topping separate to maintain all that lovely crunch.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Pour cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top. You can freeze it for up to 4–6 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours—just remember to freeze the pecan topping separately or make a fresh batch when serving.

Reheating

Reheat your Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often so it warms evenly and stays silky. If it seems a bit too thick after chilling, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Top with fresh clusters and enjoy a bowl as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or milk, the cheddar with your favorite dairy-free cheese, and swap in maple syrup for honey. Vegan butter makes the pecan topping just as delicious. You’ll still love the creamy, sweet-savory balance.

What are the best apples to use?

Honeycrisp or Gala apples are recommended for their sweetness, juiciness, and lack of mealy texture, but Pink Lady or Fuji will work in a pinch. Choose crisp, flavorful apples that hold up during roasting for that signature fresh-fruit pop.

Can I use a stick blender instead of a countertop blender?

Definitely! If you have an immersion (stick) blender, you can blend everything right in the pot—just be sure everything is well-cooked and soft before blending. A countertop blender will make the soup ultra-smooth, but both work beautifully.

Is the soup spicy?

Not really—there’s just a touch of cayenne for a gentle warmth that lingers pleasantly without overwhelming. If you prefer no heat at all, feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne, or increase it just a tad for more of a kick!

Can I prepare Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup ahead for a party?

Yes, this soup is excellent for entertaining! Roast the apples and sweet potatoes, prep the topping, and blend the soup base a day ahead. Just reheat gently, whip up the pecan clusters fresh (or warm them in the oven), then assemble right before your guests arrive for a stress-free centerpiece dish.

Final Thoughts

Even on the chilliest nights, Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup has a way of wrapping you in warmth and comfort. If you’ve never tried this blend of sweet, savory, and creamy with those irresistible crunchy clusters, you’re in for a treat. I hope you make it, share it, and find as much joy in every spoonful as I do!