If you’ve ever craved a bowl of soup that tastes like a warm autumn hug, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is for you. It boasts an irresistible combination of velvety texture, natural sweetness, and layers of subtle spice, making it the perfect meal whether you’re planning a cozy lunch or bringing some sunshine to a chilly evening. From the nutty caramelization of butternut squash to the finishing swirl of creamy goodness, every spoonful feels like a little celebration of the season’s best flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is half the fun! Every component has a deliciously clear role: contributing to the vibrant color, silken texture, and the harmonious balance of savory and sweet that sets this soup apart. Think of this as your personal invitation to turn simple items into something truly magical.
- Butternut squash: Provides the sweet, nutty backbone of the soup and roasts to golden perfection for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps caramelize the squash and onion while lending a subtle fruitiness to every bite.
- Yellow onion: Adds a savory depth and gentle sweetness that rounds out the squash beautifully.
- Garlic: Infuses gentle warmth and complexity; don’t skip it if you want truly memorable layers of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients—taste as you go!
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, aromatic note that elevates the soup from everyday to extraordinary.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: The liquid that bonds everything together, allowing the flavors of the squash to shine.
- Coconut milk or heavy cream: For that creamy finish; coconut milk keeps it vegan, while cream makes it extra luxurious.
- Cayenne pepper or nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch awakens the flavor and adds subtle intrigue—use one or both for a personalized touch.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Step 1: Roast the Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet—crowding it will steam rather than roast. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through, until the edges are bronzed and the flesh is meltingly tender. This is where the squash turns irresistibly sweet and flavorful!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the squash is roasting, set a large pot over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring gently, until the onions are translucent and fragrant but not browned. Now, add the minced garlic and cinnamon, letting them sizzle for just about a minute—you’ll immediately smell that inviting aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Simmer Soup
When the squash is ready, tip it straight into the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it all simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you’re craving a little more zip, sneak in a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg at this stage.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
It’s blending time! Either use an immersion blender right in the pot (so convenient and less to clean) or carefully ladle the soup into a countertop blender. Puree in batches until luxuriously smooth—it should look silky without a trace of chunkiness. Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender.
Step 5: Add Creaminess and Adjust Seasoning
Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream, depending on your mood and dietary preference. Taste and check the seasoning; sometimes another pinch of salt or pepper makes all the difference. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to marry all the flavors and then you’re ready to serve Roasted Butternut Squash Soup piping hot, with all your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Garnishes
Half the joy of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is dressing it up with swoops, sprinkles, and pops of color. Try a swirl of coconut milk or cream for contrast, a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, or a sprinkling of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives to add freshness. Even a tiny pinch of paprika or nutmeg on top creates a fabulous finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This soup loves company! Pair it with a crisp, leafy green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut the sweetness, or serve it alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough or seeded rye for dunking. If you’re feeling fancy, open a bottle of crisp white wine—soup night suddenly feels like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stop at bowls for serving Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Consider ladling it into small mugs or shot glasses for an appetizer shooter at a holiday gathering. Hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash halves make adorable edible bowls. For a playful twist, serve alongside grilled cheese fingers or simple garlic croutons on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup keeps beautifully, making it the perfect recipe for meal prepping. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors only deepen as it sits!
Freezing
This soup is made for freezing. Once it’s cooled, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep for up to three months. If using cream, the texture might change a bit upon thawing, but a quick whisk or blend brings it right back.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until steaming and luscious. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water until you’re happy with the consistency. It reheats well in the microwave too—just cover and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of cream, and double-check your broth is vegan. The coconut milk adds creaminess with a hint of tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the roasted squash.
What’s the best way to peel and cut butternut squash?
Start by slicing off both ends for stability, then use a sturdy vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice into cubes. For extra ease, look for pre-cut squash in the produce aisle.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works as a handy shortcut! Just roast it straight from frozen; it may release a bit more moisture, but any excess can be simmered off in the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch (or two) of cayenne pepper, or even stir in some curry powder with the garlic for extra warmth and dimension. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Is Roasted Butternut Squash Soup gluten-free?
This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth doesn’t contain any additives or thickeners with gluten. Serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers to keep the whole meal completely gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a big pot of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is one of life’s simple pleasures. Every spoonful is a little reminder of how comforting home cooking can be, and it’s sure to become a favorite for family and friends alike. I hope you get a chance to make this soon—let the aroma fill your kitchen and the vibrant flavors warm your soul!
PrintRoasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. This velvety, vegan soup is perfect for chilly evenings and features the rich flavors of butternut squash, cinnamon, and coconut milk.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Butternut Squash:
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg for extra depth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the Squash: Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cinnamon, cook for 1 minute. Add roasted squash and broth, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend and Finish: Puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk or cream, adjust seasoning, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Garnish with cream, toasted pumpkin seeds, or fresh herbs.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne or curry powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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