The Coziest Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Autumn Warmth

Creamy butternut squash soup warms the soul on chilly autumn evenings, bringing comfort with every spoonful.

The vibrant orange hue signals a delightful culinary journey ahead.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a velvety texture that dances on your palate.

Roasted butternut squash infuses the soup with rich, nutty undertones that complement subtle herbs and spices.

Each carefully crafted ingredient tells a story of rustic simplicity and nourishing goodness.

Smooth and elegant, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses without complexity.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, silky warmth that celebrates the best of fall harvest.

Butternut Squash Soup Reasons to Warm Up to This Classic

• Dive into a warm, hearty soup that captures the essence of fall with its rich, velvety texture and aromatic spices.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and foolproof techniques that guarantee a delicious result every time.
• Easily adapt the soup by swapping stock types, adjusting spice levels, or adding your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Packed with wholesome vegetables and warming spices, this butternut squash soup delivers a nutritious meal that supports your wellness goals while tantalizing your taste buds.

Key Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy winter squash that provides the soup's rich base and hearty texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: The liquid foundation that helps cook the vegetables and creates the soup's depth of flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: A classic flavor combination that adds complexity and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's natural flavors.
• Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin: A blend of warm spices that create a cozy and complex taste experience.

• Pepitas, Red Chili Flakes, Fresh Parsley: Toppings that add texture, heat, and a fresh herbal note to the finished soup.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and create a rich, smooth base for the soup.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Squash Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, providing even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, and celery.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable cutting and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Immersion Blender or Regular Blender: Key tool for creating smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like paprika, thyme, and cumin.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving and transferring soup to bowls.

Directions for Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth.

• Butternut squash
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Celery

Cook while stirring occasionally, allowing vegetables to soften and develop golden edges for 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Awaken Spice Flavors

• Garlic
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for 2 minutes, releasing incredible fragrance and depth.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pot.

Bring contents to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer gently for 20 minutes until vegetables become completely tender.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Puree the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Alternatively, carefully transfer mixture to a standard blender.

Blend until silky smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Refine Flavor Profile

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Add extra stock or water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Step 6: Develop Complex Flavor

Allow soup to simmer an additional 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.

Step 7: Present With Flair

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

• Toasted pepitas
• Red chili flakes
• Fresh parsley

Serve immediately and enjoy autumn’s warmth.

Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Soup Bliss

• Chop vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization for better flavor development.
• Toast spices for exactly 2 minutes to release their essential oils, enhancing the soup's aromatic profile and depth of taste.
• When using a standard blender, allow soup to cool slightly and fill only halfway to prevent hot liquid splashing and potential burns.
• Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, or use dairy-free coconut milk for added creaminess and vegan compatibility.
• Keep soup at a gentle simmer to prevent scorching and maintain smooth, consistent texture throughout cooking process.

Butternut Squash Soup Flavor Options

• Vegan Butternut Squash Soup: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any dairy. Add coconut milk for creamy texture and extra richness.
• Roasted Vegetable Version: Roast butternut squash, onions, and peppers in oven before adding to soup for deeper caramelized flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced green chiles, and top with cilantro and jalapeño slices for a bold southwestern kick.
• Protein-Packed Adaptation: Stir in cooked quinoa or white beans during final simmer to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.

Serving Butternut Squash Soup at Its Best

• Comfort in a Bowl: Sprinkle toasted pepitas and fresh parsley for a delightful crunch and herbal freshness that elevates the soup's texture and flavor.
• Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of this hearty butternut squash soup.
• Creamy Swirl Sensation: Drizzle a swirl of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche on top to add a tangy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced soup.
• Winter Wellness Boost: Pair with a small side salad or roasted vegetables to create a complete, nutritious meal that warms you from the inside out.

Squash Soup Storage and Reheating Guidance

• 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 heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use multiple spices in this butternut squash soup?

The combination of paprika, thyme, rosemary, cayenne, and cumin creates a complex, warm flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and adds depth to the soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to make this recipe completely vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the rich, robust flavor.

• How do I know when the vegetables are properly caramelized?

The vegetables should look slightly golden and softened after 10-12 minutes of cooking. They’ll develop a subtle sweet, rich color and release their natural sugars during the cooking process.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy butternut squash soup showcases autumn’s warmth with silky pureed goodness. Fragrant herbs and smooth textures invite comfort on chilly evenings you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and chopped (seeds removed)
• 1 large onion, chopped (white or yellow)
• 4 cups chicken stock (use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version; up to 6 cups for a thinner soup)

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons paprika (hot paprika recommended)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped (use jalapeno or hotter peppers for a spicy version)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• Red chili flakes

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Toasted pepitas (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then introduce chopped butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically, allowing vegetables to soften and develop subtle caramelization.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic spices including paprika, thyme, rosemary, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 2 minutes to enhance their fragrant essence.
3. Pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pot, elevating heat to create a rapid boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately 20 minutes.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer contents to a standard blender. Process until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
5. Evaluate the soup’s flavor profile and viscosity. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, and modify thickness by introducing more stock if desired.
6. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and harmonize. This gentle cooking deepens the soup’s complex taste dimensions.
7. Present the soup with elegant garnishes like toasted pepitas, sprinkled red chili flakes, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot for maximum sensory enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap protein stock for a vegan-friendly version using vegetable broth to create a plant-based friendly recipe.
• Roast butternut squash beforehand to enhance natural sweetness and develop deeper caramelized flavor profiles.
• Keep immersion blender blade fully submerged while blending to prevent messy splatters and ensure smooth consistency.
• Control soup’s heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, making it suitable for mild or spicy preference ranges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg