Name: Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. butter; 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; ½ pound boiling potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into small cubes; 2 medium carrots, cut into small pieces; 2 Tbsp. maple syrup; 4 pears, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme; 1 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg; 2 tsp. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard; 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth; Creme Fraiche; Red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh thyme for garnish

There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of soup that feels like a cozy hug from the inside. This Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe is that kind of dish, beautifully blending the sweetness of ripe pears with the earthy comfort of potatoes. It’s a fantastically simple recipe that surprises with depth of flavor and a creamy texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a bowl of wholesome comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup will become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large blue pot on the left side, with a wooden cutting board behind it covered with chopped yellow and white pear pieces and some green herbs like thyme. On the right side, there is a whole yellow pear. In the front center, there is an open jar of Grey Poupon Dijon mustard with a few spoon marks inside. Next to the jar, on the right, is a small clear glass bowl holding two dollops of mustard and one reddish-brown paste. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, from the natural sweetness to the aromatic herbs and the smooth, creamy texture that makes it so satisfying.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps soften the onions to unlock their sweetness.
Sweet onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that’s the soup’s base.
Garlic: Infuses a subtle savory kick that balances the fruity notes of the pears.
Boiling potatoes: Give the soup its creamy, hearty texture without needing any cream.
Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making the soup visually inviting.
Maple syrup: Enhances the sweetness of the pears with a warm, earthy note.
Pears: The star ingredient, bringing juicy sweetness and a soft texture when cooked down.
Sea salt: Essential to balance flavors and bring out the unique qualities of each ingredient.
Fresh thyme: Adds a bright herbal note that complements the fruit and vegetables perfectly.
Nutmeg: Provides a warm spice that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Grey Poupon Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang and complexity that lifts the entire soup.
Vegetable or chicken broth: The soup’s liquid base, adding savory depth and richness.
Creme fraiche: Used as a garnish to add creaminess and a slight tangy finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to play off the sweetness if you like a bit of spice.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onions

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then stir in the chopped sweet onion. Lower the heat slightly and cover the pot, letting the onions soften gently for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add garlic, potato, and carrot

Turn the heat back up to medium, then mix in the pressed garlic, cubed potatoes, and carrots. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes, letting the vegetables start to soften and meld together their flavors. This step is crucial for building the heartiness of your soup.

Step 3: Incorporate pears and seasonings

Stir in the maple syrup, pear chunks, sea salt, thyme, and freshly ground nutmeg. Keep the heat low and stir frequently, allowing the pears to begin softening and the spices to infuse the pot with those inviting aromas. This step adds a wonderful balance of sweet and savory.

Step 4: Add broth and bring to a simmer

Pour in the broth along with the Dijon mustard, then increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. This simmering ensures all flavors marry beautifully and the soup thickens.

Step 5: Puree the soup

Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender or food processor and puree until silky smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Return the soup to the pot and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Now your Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe is creamy, smooth, and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth, creamy light beige soup is centered on a white marbled surface, sitting on a white cloth napkin with lace details. The soup's surface has a gentle swirl pattern, topped with small green herb leaves and tiny red flakes scattered evenly. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, slightly lifting some soup that glistens softly under the light. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture and a hint of a glass with water in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your warm bowl of soup with a spoonful of creme fraiche for a luscious, tangy creaminess. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbal freshness and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the mild sweetness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread for dipping, or a fresh mixed green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to lighten the meal. You could also offer some roasted nuts on the side for an added crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the soup in small, individual crockpots to keep it warm during a dinner party. You can also swirl in a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few drops of truffle oil for an extra layer of indulgence. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds both crunch and a nutty flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and the texture smooth.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your desired texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pears for this soup?

Absolutely! Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears work beautifully. Just choose ripe but firm pears to avoid a mushy texture in the soup.

Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard?

Dijon mustard adds a lovely tangy depth, but if you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of whole grain mustard for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can this soup be made vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter and vegetable broth, and replace creme fraiche with coconut cream or a vegan sour cream alternative to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing richness.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works as well; just use about one-third of the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh rosemary or sage can be interesting herb swaps.

How do I get the soup extra smooth?

For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the pureed soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending. This extra step catches any bits that might have been missed, resulting in a velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pear Potato Soup Recipe is a delightful celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting all in one bowl. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll reach for this recipe again and again whenever you crave a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl.