This creamy Pumpkin Bisque strikes a tasty balance between cozy fall flavors and gourmet flair—ready in just 30 minutes!
Nearly every fall, I take my family up to Door County, Wisconsin. We hike ancient trails, pick apples, and sip hot cider next to an open fire while the night sky entertains us with shooting stars. But there’s another reason why I love Door County in the fall—the food. Truth be told, Door County has great eats year-round, thanks to all the fresh whitefish and perch fished right out of Lake Michigan. But man, the restaurants around here make a mean pumpkin bisque.
So when the leaves turn, and there’s a chill in the air, I’m not thinking of pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pies. My mouth is drooling for a savory bowl of pumpkin bisque. I used to save my appetite for those annual trips up north, but then I got thinking—why don’t I just make this soup at home? It turns out that this bisque is pretty easy to make and comes decently close to mirroring the Door County flavor that I’ve grown to love.
The bisque’s smooth, velvety texture is a perfect backdrop for the warming fall-inspired spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. A generous portion of cream and Gouda give this soup a comforting richness that’ll have you curling up to a fire—even if it’s just one of those fake loop videos on YouTube that I use. If you’re a fan of sweet potato soup or butternut squash soup, this is another delicious pick for a chilly evening.
Is Pumpkin Bisque Healthy?
Overall, yes—pumpkin bisque is pretty darn healthy! After all, pumpkin boasts a high amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene. While I use heavy cream and cheese in this recipe, you can lighten it up by swapping the cream for coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese to keep it dairy-free and vegan. Or if dairy isn’t an issue, half-and-half and a lighter sprinkle of cheese also works. For those watching their salt intake, use a low-sodium vegetable broth.
Why Gouda?
So why choose Gouda for this bisque? Aside from the fact that my local cheese shop always has a good deal on Gouda, this semi-hard cheese is known for its ability to melt and mild, nutty flavor. When added to the soup, Gouda adds a subtle smokiness and creaminess without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Unlike sharper cheeses, I’ve found that Gouda melts nicely in the bisque, creating a velvety texture. You can also try using Gruyère, which is a bit saltier. Even a sharp white cheddar is a decent substitute, but nothing matches Gouda!
How To Make Ahead and Store
Pour the soup into a large, airtight container and set it in the fridge. This soup should last up to 5 days and makes fantastic leftovers! To freeze this soup, label the airtight container and set it in the freezer for up to 3 months. A freezer-safe bag or even a sealed ice tray also works.
Serving Suggestions
I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend serving this pumpkin bisque with a crusty baguette from your local bakery—perfect for dipping! I also like to get all Panera and whip up a side salad. This Spinach Salad, with its dried cranberries and fresh apples, complements the fall vibes of the bisque! If you’re hosting a fall dinner, this bisque makes a great starter alongside a hearty main, like Roasted Chicken or Sous Vide Brisket.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 1/2 cups vegetable stock (not sodium reduced)
- 1 can pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Gouda cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot on medium-high heat.
- Add in the onion and garlic and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in the broth, pumpkin, and salt and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer back to the pot.
- Add in the cream and stir to combine. Slowly add in the cheese and stir to melt.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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