Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: Autumn in a Bowl

Creamy butternut squash soup whispers comfort on chilly afternoons when warmth matters most.

Autumn’s golden harvest brings this velvety delight straight to your kitchen.

Vibrant orange hues dance through each spoonful, promising rich, smooth goodness.

Fragrant herbs mingle with sweet, nutty squash, creating a symphony of flavor.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly in this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly this soup emerges from basic pantry staples.

When hunger calls, this hearty recipe stands ready to embrace you with its delicious charm.

Grab a ladle and let deliciousness begin!

Your Top Questions On Butternut Squash Soup

• Why roast the butternut squash before making the soup?

Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, creating a deeper, richer flavor profile that makes the soup taste more complex and delicious. The golden edges add a subtle sweetness and enhance the overall taste.

• Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The recipe is easily adaptable for plant-based diets without compromising flavor or creaminess.

• Is butternut squash soup healthy?

Yes! Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s low in calories, nutrient-dense, and supports immune health. The added vegetables and spices make this a nutritious, wholesome meal.

• What can I do if I don't have an immersion blender?

No problem! You can transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches, being careful with the hot liquid. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture, though it won’t be as smooth as a blended version.

Why Butternut Squash Soup Is The Essence Of Fall

• Quick Comfort Meal: This butternut squash soup delivers warmth and nourishment in just 45 minutes, perfect for chilly evenings when you need a fast, satisfying dinner.
• Flexible Flavor Profile: Easily customizable with optional roasting step, different spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika, and versatile garnish options to suit personal taste preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Simplicity: Packed with vegetables and healthy ingredients like butternut squash, carrots, and optional coconut milk, this recipe offers a nutrient-dense meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps, minimal equipment needed, and forgiving cooking method that allows home cooks of all levels to create a delicious, restaurant-quality soup.

What’s In The Best Butternut Squash Soup

Primary Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that forms the heart of the soup, providing rich flavor and creamy texture.

Vegetable Broth: The liquid base that helps create a smooth and flavorful soup consistency.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrot: A classic flavor trio that builds a deep, savory foundation for the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps roast squash and sauté vegetables with a smooth, rich touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet undertones that complement the butternut squash.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces a gentle sweetness that enhances the squash's natural taste.

• Coconut Milk, Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooths out the soup's texture.
• Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy garnish that provides textural contrast.
• Fresh Herbs: Bright, fresh topping that adds color and herbal notes.

Steps To Blend A Smooth Butternut Squash Soup

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Butternut Goodness

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet and let them transform into golden, caramelized delights for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots

• Vegetable broth
• Ground cinnamon
• Smoked paprika
• Maple syrup

Let everything bubble and mingle for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Create Silky Smoothness

• Coconut milk
• Heavy cream

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 4: Serve With Style

• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• Coconut milk drizzle
• Fresh chopped herbs

Pair with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips To Elevate Your Butternut Squash Soup Game

• Roast for Maximum Flavor: Caramelize butternut squash in the oven before blending to enhance natural sweetness and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Customize Creamy Texture: Adjust soup consistency by adding more vegetable broth for thinner soup or extra cream for richer, silkier results.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to increase nutrient density and create more robust flavor layers.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: Easily transform the recipe into vegan version by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth as base liquid.
• Upgrade Garnish Game: Experiment with toppings like crispy sage leaves, toasted nuts, or chili oil to add exciting texture and unexpected flavor dimensions.

Storage Instructions For Butternut Squash Soup

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.
• When freezing, leave about an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
• Freeze butternut squash soup for maximum 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Never reheat the soup more than once, as this can compromise both flavor and food safety.
• Pro tip: Separate into individual portion sizes for easier defrosting and serving.

Best Pairings For Butternut Squash Soup Meals

• Pair with Crusty Rustic Bread: Grab a warm, freshly baked sourdough or whole grain bread to complement the creamy, velvety texture of the butternut squash soup. The crispy crust and soft interior create a perfect contrast to the smooth soup.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the soup's richness and enhance its subtle sweet and earthy flavors, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Serve with Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich: Create a side of grilled sandwich featuring tangy goat cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme. The sharp, creamy cheese balances the soup's sweetness and adds a luxurious protein element to the meal.
• Complement with Apple Cider: Pour a glass of warm or chilled apple cider to mirror the soup's autumn-inspired flavors. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the cider beautifully echo the maple and squash notes in the soup.

Sweet Or Savory Twists On Butternut Squash Soup

• Spicy Southwest Squash Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a zesty kick. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired version that brings bold flavors to the classic recipe.
• Apple Cider Butternut Blend: Replace maple syrup with fresh apple cider and add a pinch of nutmeg. Garnish with caramelized apple chunks and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumnal flavor profile that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Incorporate red curry paste and swap vegetable broth with coconut milk. Finish with chopped Thai basil and toasted coconut flakes for an exotic, creamy soup that transports your taste buds to Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Roasted Garlic Power Boost: Roast an entire head of garlic alongside the squash, then blend it into the soup for deep, mellow garlic undertones. Drizzle with herb-infused olive oil and add crispy sage leaves for an elevated, aromatic experience.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Golden sunlight dances through hearty butternut squash soup, warming winter kitchens with rich, creamy comfort. Silky pureed vegetables and subtle spices invite gentle memories of home-cooked goodness you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs/907 grams, peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (chopped, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

Garnish and Toppings:

• Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Drizzle of coconut milk or cream
• Fresh thyme or parsley
• Croutons or crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Prepare the butternut squash by peeling, deseeding, and cutting into uniform cubes, ensuring even roasting and consistent texture throughout the soup.
2. Arrange squash pieces on a lined baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance natural sweetness and develop rich caramelized edges.
3. Roast the squash in a preheated oven until edges turn golden brown and pieces become tender, creating a deeper, more concentrated flavor profile.
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium temperature, creating a foundation for developing aromatic vegetables.
5. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots until they become translucent and release their fragrant essential oils, approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Incorporate roasted squash cubes into the vegetable mixture, then pour in vegetable broth to create a harmonious liquid base.
7. Enhance the soup’s complexity by adding ground cinnamon, smoky paprika, and a touch of maple syrup, which will provide layers of warmth and subtle sweetness.
8. Simmer the mixture gently, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become perfectly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
9. Transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency using an immersion blender, working carefully to achieve a velvety texture without lumps.
10. Introduce coconut milk or heavy cream to create a luxurious, creamy finish, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
11. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, a delicate drizzle of coconut milk, and fresh herb leaves for visual appeal and added texture.
12. Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, nourishing meal.

Notes

• Roast the squash for deeper, more caramelized flavor that transforms the soup’s taste profile, creating a rich and complex base.
• Use fresh, high-quality butternut squash with deep orange color and smooth skin for the most vibrant and sweet results.
• Consider swapping dairy cream with coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting vegetable broth quantity – less broth creates a thicker puree, more broth results in a lighter consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg