Home Blog Recipe

Jump to Recipe

How to Make Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

Published: Dec 16, 2025

Butternut Squash Soup - Roasted butternut squash and aromatics are blended into a velvety, slightly sweet soup with warm spices. The roasting step deepens the squash's natural sweetness and flavor. A touch of cream or coconut milk adds richness, making it a luxurious yet healthy starter or light meal.

Butternut Squash Soup - I discovered butternut squash soup at a farm stand in Vermont. Roasting the squash first (65 minutes total) caramelizes its natural sugars, creating depth without cream. An immersion blender makes it silky smooth. I love how the orange color brightens gloomy days. It's become my Thanksgiving starter every year.

Dietary Notes
  • ✓ Vegetarian Friendly
  • ✓ Creamy & Velvety
  • ✓ Comfort Food
  • ✓ Make-Ahead Friendly

Why You'll Love This

  • Roasted Flavor: Caramelizes the squash for depth.
  • Silky Texture: Blending creates a restaurant-quality finish.
  • Warming Spices: Ginger, nutmeg, or curry add complexity.
  • Versatile: Serve as a starter or main with bread.
Note Image

Butternut Squash Soup

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour
Prep Time: 20min
❄️ Cool Time: 5
🔥 Cook Time: 45min
🥨 Yield: 6
🍞 Method: Roasting/Blending
🌾 Diet: Vegetarian
Leave a review
1x
2x
3x

restaurant Ingredients

  • 1 large (about 3 lbs) butternut squash
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • ½ tsp ground ginger or nutmeg
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • to taste salt and black pepper
✏️

Ingredient Notes:

  • Butternut squash Roasting squash caramelizes sugars for deeper flavor. Choose a heavy squash for sweeter, creamier soup.
  • Yellow onion Onion adds sweet-savory base and makes soup taste balanced. Saute first for extra depth.
  • Carrot Carrot adds natural sweetness and richer color. It helps the soup taste smoother and rounder.
  • Garlic cloves Garlic adds warmth and aroma. Roast or saute to make it sweet and mellow.
  • Vegetable or chicken broth Broth controls thickness and adds savory flavor. Add gradually so soup stays creamy, not watery.
  • Olive oil or melted butter Fat carries flavor and improves mouthfeel. Butter makes it richer, oil keeps it lighter.
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional) A small drizzle enhances squash sweetness and gives cozy fall flavor. Great for autumn soup keywords.
  • Ground ginger or nutmeg Spices add warmth and aroma. Ginger gives brightness; nutmeg gives classic creamy-soup depth.
  • Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional) Adds silky texture and richness. Coconut milk makes it dairy-free and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Salt and black pepper Season at the end after blending. Proper salt makes squash taste sweeter and more savory.

list_alt Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cubed squash, onion, carrot, and whole garlic cloves with oil and spread on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2
    Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring once, until vegetables are tender and caramelized at the edges.
  3. 3
    Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add broth (start with 4 cups), maple syrup (if using), and ginger or nutmeg. Bring to a simmer.
  4. 4
    Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
  5. 5
    Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender, being careful with the hot liquid.
  6. 6
    Return soup to pot if using a blender. Stir in cream or coconut milk if using. Thin with more broth if the soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 7
    Heat through gently over low heat (do not boil after adding cream). Serve hot with desired garnishes.

Nutrition Facts

content_copy
Calories 180
Protein 3g
Carbs 30g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 8g
Fat 7g
Sodium 450mg
Potassium N/A
🍽️

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot in shallow bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fresh herbs like sage or thyme, or crumbled bacon. A swirl of sour cream or yogurt also works well. Serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

How to Store?

Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stir well after reheating.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating