Butternut Squash Soup Recipe That’s Velvety and Cozy

Rich, velvety butternut squash soup embodies the essence of comfort during chilly evenings.

Autumn’s golden harvest converts into a creamy culinary masterpiece that warms both body and soul.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of smooth textures and deep, earthy flavors.

Nutritious and hearty, this soup promises a delightful experience for anyone seeking a nourishing meal.

The subtle sweetness and robust warmth of butternut squash elevate this simple recipe into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the soup represents a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected spices will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with aromatic memories.

Store and Reheat Butternut Squash Soup the Right Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
• Freezer Storage: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken stock if soup seems too thick. Stir until heated thoroughly and serve piping hot.

Dishes That Pair Well with Butternut Squash Soup

• Pair with Rustic Sourdough: Grab a crusty slice of sourdough bread to dip into the creamy butternut squash soup. The tangy, chewy texture complements the smooth, spicy soup perfectly.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's warmth and spices. The wine's light, refreshing notes will cut through the richness of the butternut squash.
• Serve with Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini: Top small toasted bread slices with creamy goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs. These crunchy, zesty bites will provide a delightful contrast to the soup's velvety texture.
• Combine with Autumn Salad: Create a light salad with mixed greens, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and a mild vinaigrette. This fresh side dish will enhance the soup's seasonal flavors and add a crisp element to the meal.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Variations

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Add diced green chilies, swap cumin with chili powder, and top with crispy chorizo crumbles for a bold Mexican-inspired version.
• Creamy Coconut Comfort: Replace chicken stock with coconut milk, stir in ginger, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical, silky soup experience.
• Autumn Harvest Fusion: Incorporate roasted apples and a touch of cinnamon, finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and crispy sage leaves for a seasonal transformation.
• Moroccan Inspired Warmth: Blend in harissa paste, sprinkle za'atar spice, and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped mint for a North African-style rendition.

Top Reasons Butternut Squash Soup Stands Out

• Spice Up Your Comfort: This butternut squash soup delivers a warm, complex flavor profile with a delightful blend of paprika, thyme, rosemary, cayenne, and cumin that transforms a simple vegetable soup into an exciting culinary experience.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Prepared in under 45 minutes, this one-pot recipe requires minimal chopping and uses simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and aromatic spices, the soup offers a smooth, velvety texture that feels luxurious while providing a healthy, satisfying meal that works as a starter or main course.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adaptable to different dietary needs, this soup can be easily made vegetarian by swapping chicken stock, and its warming spices make it an ideal comfort food for cool autumn and winter evenings.

Core Ingredients in Butternut Squash Soup

• Butternut Squash: Sweet and creamy base of the soup, offers rich orange color and smooth texture.
• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the soup.

• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
• Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin: Warm spice blend that provides complex, layered seasonings with gentle heat and herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth, subtle flavor.
• Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock: Provides liquid base and additional depth to the soup.

• Pepitas: Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds that add texture and nutty flavor.
• Red Chili Flakes: Provides optional extra heat and visual contrast.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors in the soup.

Butternut Squash Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Butternut squash
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Celery

Sprinkle with salt and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and caramelize lightly.

Step 3: Enhance With Spices

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

Cook for 2 additional minutes to release the aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Simmer With Stock

Pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables become tender.

Step 5: Blend To Smooth Consistency

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer soup to a blender or food processor in batches, then return to the pot.

Step 6: Perfect The Flavor

Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more stock or water if a thinner consistency is desired. Simmer for 5 more minutes to intensify flavors.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Toasted pepitas
• Red chili flakes
• Fresh parsley

Serve warm and savor the rich, comforting soup.

Expert Tips for Butternut Squash Soup Success

• Caramelize Vegetables Carefully: Stir occasionally and watch the heat to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, which adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Spice Balance Matters: Toast spices briefly to awaken their essential oils, but avoid burning them to prevent bitter undertones.
• Blend for Silky Texture: Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup, or transfer to a blender in small batches to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Stock Selection Impacts Taste: Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock to elevate the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Customize Consistency: Add more stock or water if you prefer a thinner soup, and taste continuously to adjust seasonings for a perfectly balanced dish.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky butternut squash soup whispers autumn’s warmth with rich, velvety comfort. Roasted squash, aromatic herbs, and creamy textures invite home cooks to savor seasonal magic in one delightful bowl.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) butternut squash, peeled and chopped (seeds removed)
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 large onion, chopped (white or yellow)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika (hot paprika preferred)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Toasted pepitas
• Red chili flakes
• Fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, and celery in olive oil over medium heat, allowing vegetables to soften and develop a golden caramelized exterior, approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and cumin into the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the aromatic spices and activate their intense flavors.
3. Pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pot, escalating the heat to initiate a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, ensuring vegetables reach a tender consistency.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender to create a velvety smooth puree, alternatively transferring contents to a standard blender or food processor in controlled batches.
5. Evaluate and calibrate the soup’s seasoning profile, adjusting salt levels and potentially incorporating additional stock or water to achieve desired liquid consistency.
6. Allow the soup to gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling the harmonized flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Present the soup adorned with a sprinkle of toasted pepitas, delicate red chili flakes, and freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.
• Caramelizing vegetables first creates a deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the entire soup.
• Select a ripe butternut squash with deep orange color and firm texture for the best natural sweetness.
• Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and more control over soup consistency compared to transferring to a standard blender.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with a small amount and add gradually to suit personal spice preferences.
• Enhance nutrition by using homemade stock, which adds extra depth and reduces sodium compared to store-bought versions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg