Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Cozy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Autumn Comfort

When autumn whispers its butternut squash soup secrets, warmth cascades through kitchen windows like golden memories.

Crisp winds inspire comfort in every spoonful of this velvety creation.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising rich, smooth textures that hug your soul.

Blending becomes an art form with simple, fresh components waiting to be transformed.

Balanced spices create depth beyond expectation, turning ordinary vegetables into extraordinary experiences.

Minimal effort rewards you with maximum flavor in this rustic, nourishing recipe.

Cozy bowls invite exploration of culinary simplicity that feels like a gentle embrace.

Discover how effortlessly delicious winter comfort can be with this magical soup.

Roasting Tips for Depth and Flavor

  • Roast Squash to Perfection: Ensure even caramelization by cutting squash into uniform 1-inch cubes and spreading them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
  • Elevate Flavor Depth: Toast whole spices like cinnamon and nutmeg before grinding to intensify their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Blend for Silky Texture: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother results and easier cleanup, avoiding potential splatters from transferring hot soup to a traditional blender.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap coconut milk for dairy-free alternatives, or use vegetable broth instead of regular broth to make the soup completely vegan-friendly.
  • Balance Soup Consistency: Gradually add extra broth if the soup seems too thick, ensuring a perfect, pourable texture that's neither too runny nor too dense.

Store and Reheat Butternut Soup the Smart Way

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving.

What Pairs Well with This Autumn Favorite

  • Crusty, tangy sourdough bread complements the soup's creamy texture, offering a delightful contrast and perfect dipping companion.
  • Chilled, slightly sweet apple cider echoes the soup's warm autumn spices, creating a harmonious flavor profile that brightens each spoonful.
  • Tangy, creamy goat cheese sprinkled on top adds a zesty punch, cutting through the soup's richness and providing a delightful textural contrast.
  • Toasted pecans seasoned with cinnamon and a touch of cayenne deliver a crunchy, nutty element that amplifies the soup's warm, comforting essence.

Unique Takes on Butternut Squash Soup

  • Vegan Butternut Squash Soup: Replace butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Skip dairy garnishes and use roasted pumpkin seeds and fresh chives.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add diced jalapeños during roasting, include ground cumin, and garnish with cilantro and a spoonful of Mexican crema. Top with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Reduce maple syrup, increase butter content, and add extra heavy cream. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for added fat and flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans during final simmering. Include a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle with hemp seeds for additional protein boost.

Your FAQs About Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

  • What are the key spices that make this roasted butternut squash soup special?

The key spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. These warm spices add depth and complexity to the soup, enhancing the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and creating a rich, aromatic flavor profile.

  • Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a standard blender. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to the blender, making sure to blend in small amounts and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to prevent hot liquid from splashing. Always blend in small batches and let the steam escape to avoid pressure buildup.

  • Is this soup vegetarian and dairy-free?

The recipe can be made vegetarian and potentially dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ensuring the vegetable broth is plant-based. For a completely dairy-free version, omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.

  • How can I add extra protein to this soup?

You can add protein by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Alternatively, serve the soup with a side of quinoa or lentils to boost the protein content.

What Makes Roasted Butternut Squash Soup So Cozy

  • Transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish in just 45 minutes total, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.
  • Roasting butternut squash creates deep, caramelized notes enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika, delivering a rich, complex taste experience that feels like a culinary adventure.
  • Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and flexible dietary options (can be made vegan or dairy-free), this soup provides a hearty, health-conscious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

What You’ll Need to Roast and Blend This Soup

Main Ingredients:

Roasted Vegetables:
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet winter squash with a nutty flavor, perfect for roasting and creating creamy soup. Choose a firm squash with no soft spots.
  • Onion: Provides a savory base and depth of flavor for the soup. Yellow or white onions work best.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the overall soup taste.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides the soup's liquid base and adds subtle vegetable flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds rich, creamy texture with a subtle tropical hint. Can substitute with heavy cream for a traditional approach.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and creates a smooth cooking base. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that complement the butternut squash's natural sweetness.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy balance to the rich soup.
  • Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to the soup.
Garnish:
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the soup.
  • Fresh Herbs: Provides a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.

How to Create a Smooth, Sweet Butternut Squash Soup

Step 1: Prepare Squash for Roasting

  • Butternut squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Smoked paprika

Cut squash into uniform cubes. Spread on baking sheet and coat thoroughly with oil and spices. Ensure each piece is well-seasoned and glistening with oil.

Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection

Place baking sheet in preheated oven at 400°F. Roast for 25-30 minutes until edges become caramelized and squash turns tender. Pieces should have deep golden-brown color with slightly crispy edges.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in large pot. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and soft. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and releasing its warm, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Create Soup Foundation

Transfer roasted squash into pot with onions and garlic. Pour vegetable broth over ingredients. Allow mixture to simmer gently, developing rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 5: Blend into Silky Smoothness

Use immersion blender to transform soup into creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer to standard blender, processing until completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 6: Enhance with Creamy Touches

Stir in:
  • Coconut milk
  • Maple syrup
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Butter

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If soup appears too thick, incorporate additional broth to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve with Elegant Garnish

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top. Add delicate drizzle of cream. Finish with fresh chopped herbs for elegant presentation.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting roasted butternut squash soup brings warmth to chilly autumn days with its silky smooth texture and rich, nutty flavors. Seasonal spices and creamy puree promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg), peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Finishing and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • A drizzle of coconut milk or cream
  • Fresh thyme or parsley
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400F (200C), preparing a spacious baking sheet for roasting.
  2. Distribute butternut squash cubes across the baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil and spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika.
  3. Roast squash for 25-30 minutes, allowing edges to caramelize and develop deep golden-brown color.
  4. In a substantial cooking pot, warm olive oil over medium temperature.
  5. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  6. Introduce minced garlic and briefly cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
  7. Transfer roasted squash cubes directly into the pot with sautéed aromatics.
  8. Pour vegetable broth over the mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together.
  9. Simmer contents for 5 minutes, encouraging flavors to develop and integrate.
  10. Purée the soup using an immersion blender, creating a silky, uniform consistency.
  11. Incorporate coconut milk, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and butter, stirring thoroughly.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning, potentially adding more broth if soup appears too dense.
  13. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with crunchy pumpkin seeds, a delicate cream swirl, and fresh chopped herbs.

Notes

  • Enhance caramelization by cutting squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even roasting and rich, deep flavor development.
  • Swap dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Balance sweetness and acidity by adjusting maple syrup and apple cider vinegar ratios according to personal taste preferences and squash’s natural sweetness.
  • Elevate presentation and nutrition by experimenting with diverse toppings such as toasted nuts, crispy sage leaves, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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