Name: Pumpkin French Onion Soup: Deliciously Bad 4 You
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Baguette slices; Grated Gruyere cheese

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so, fall is *totally* my season, right? I mean, who doesn’t love the cozy sweaters, the leaves crunching, and all the pumpkin-everything?! And when the weather *finally* starts to cool down (seriously, Texas, get with the program!), there’s nothing I love more than a big, steaming bowl of soup. But this isn’t just *any* soup… this is Pumpkin French Onion Soup!

It’s like, imagine the warm, comforting flavors of fall colliding head-on with the rich, savory goodness of classic French onion. I know, it sounds kinda crazy, but trust me on this one. The pumpkin adds this subtle sweetness that just *works*. I actually stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was trying to use up some leftover pumpkin puree. Total happy accident! Now, it’s a fall staple in my house. It’s even requested for Thanksgiving sometimes, can you believe it?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Onion Soup

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Seriously, you guys, this soup is a game-changer! But in case you’re not convinced, here’s the lowdown on why you’re gonna be obsessed:

Comforting Fall Flavors

Think warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and that cozy feeling you get when you’re snuggled up by a fire. It’s like a hug in a bowl, but, you know, edible. And way less awkward than an actual hug sometimes!

A Unique Take on Classic French Onion Soup

Okay, French onion soup is amazing, but the pumpkin just takes it to a whole new level. It’s unexpected, but totally delicious. That little bit of sweetness is what makes this pumpkin French onion soup unforgettable!

Easy to Make

Don’t let “French onion” scare you off! This recipe is seriously simple. Most of the time is just letting the onions do their thing. So, you can totally handle this, even on a busy weeknight. I promise!

Pumpkin French Onion Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Pumpkin French Onion Soup is all about simple stuff, but good quality, ya know? Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing, duh!)
1 large onion, thinly sliced (makes all the difference when they melt down!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp – garlic is life!)
1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling, okay?)
4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you’re feeling wild)
½ cup dry white wine (I usually use Sauvignon Blanc, but whatever you have open is fine!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh, if you’re fancy)
Salt and pepper, to taste (because, obviously)
Baguette slices (for topping – day-old is perfect!)
Grated Gruyere cheese (the nutty flavor is *chef’s kiss*)

How to Make Pumpkin French Onion Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, so you’re ready to make some Pumpkin French Onion Soup magic? Awesome! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping up a bowl of deliciousness in no time. Seriously, it’s easier than you think!

Caramelizing the Onions for Pumpkin French Onion Soup

First things first: the onions. This is *key*, guys. Heat your olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions, and then… patience. Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally. We’re talking 15-20 minutes, until they’re a beautiful golden brown and super soft. Trust me, don’t rush this part! It builds the flavor.

Combining the Ingredients for the Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Once your onions are gorgeous and caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until you can really smell it – careful not to burn it! Next, stir in that can of pumpkin puree. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and white wine. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a simmer, then let it cook for about 15 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors meld together. Mmm!

Preparing the Toasted Baguette and Cheese

While the soup is simmering, let’s get that cheesy topping ready. Preheat your broiler. Slice your baguette into, well, slices. Pop them on a baking sheet and broil for a minute or two until they’re lightly toasted. Watch them closely – they burn fast! Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with the toasted baguette slices, and then pile on that grated Gruyere cheese! Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Careful – it’s HOT!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Okay, so you wanna take your Pumpkin French Onion Soup from “pretty good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I got you! Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this soup truly spectacular. These are like, my secret weapons, so pay attention!

Achieving the Perfect Caramelization for Your Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough: patience is your friend! Don’t crank up the heat to speed things up. Low and slow is the way to go for those onions. Stir them every now and then, and let them get that deep, rich, caramelized color. It’s worth the wait, trust me!

Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Gruyere is my go-to for this soup – it’s nutty, melty, and just plain delicious. But hey, if you don’t have Gruyere on hand, don’t sweat it! Swiss cheese is a great substitute, or even provolone will work in a pinch. Just pick something that melts well and has a nice, mild flavor that won’t overpower the pumpkin.

Pumpkin French Onion Soup Variations

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Okay, so you’ve made the basic Pumpkin French Onion Soup and you’re loving it? Awesome! But hey, sometimes you wanna mix things up, right? Here are a couple of fun variations to try when you’re feeling a little adventurous. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how the *best* recipes are born!

Adding Spice to Your Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Want to give your soup a little extra kick? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a little bit of ginger. It’ll warm things up and add another layer of cozy fall flavor. My favorite part is testing new spices!

Making a Creamy Pumpkin French Onion Soup

If you’re craving something extra decadent, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. It’ll make the soup super creamy and rich. Ooh, you could even swirl in a little dollop of sour cream on top! It’s so good, you guys!

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin French Onion Soup

So, you’ve got this amazing Pumpkin French Onion Soup, but what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty hearty on its own, but a little something extra never hurts, right? I usually go for a simple side salad – something with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. Or, you know, just more crusty bread for dipping. Because bread. Duh!

Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Okay, so you made a big batch of Pumpkin French Onion Soup and have leftovers? Lucky you! Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, zap it in the microwave. Just be sure to remove the cheesy bread topping first, or it’ll get all soggy. Yuck!

Pumpkin French Onion Soup: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making my Pumpkin French Onion Soup? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common things people ask me, so hopefully this clears things up! Don’t be afraid to experiment, though! Cooking should be fun!

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling in this Pumpkin French Onion Soup recipe?

Okay, listen up! You *really* want to use pumpkin puree and *not* pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will totally mess with the flavor of the soup. Trust me on this one!

Can I make Pumpkin French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Heck yeah, you can! This soup is actually even *better* the next day, because the flavors have more time to meld. Just make it up to the point of adding the bread and cheese, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the toppings and broil!

What is the best way to caramelize onions for Pumpkin French Onion Soup?

Patience, my friend, patience! Low and slow is the key. Use medium heat and stir occasionally so they don’t burn. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get them perfectly golden brown and sweet. Don’t rush it!

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin French Onion Soup

Okay, so, just a heads up: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, don’t take this as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!

Enjoy Your Delicious Bowl of Pumpkin French Onion Soup

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Alright, guys, go make this Pumpkin French Onion Soup! And if you love it as much as I do, be sure to leave a comment and rating below! Share it with your friends, too – soup’s always better with company!