Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese, Cranberries, and Toasted Bread Bites

This Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup is a velvety blend of flavors, enriched with cream cheese and topped with tart cranberries and crunchy toasted bread bites. It’s a perfect dish for fall and winter, bringing warmth and comfort to your table!

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 medium)

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 1 small squash)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup dried cranberries (plus more for garnish)

For the Toasted Bread Bites:

4 slices of bread (French, sourdough, or your choice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Toasted Bread Bites:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brush each slice of bread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.

Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them on a baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Sweet Potatoes and Squash:

Add the diced sweet potatoes and butternut squash to the pot.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Blend the Soup:

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).

Stir in the cream cheese until fully incorporated, then mix in the dried cranberries.

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional dried cranberries.

Serve with toasted bread bites on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup—a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors! Perfect for a cozy meal with friends and family.