If you’ve been searching for a soul-warming, vibrant soup that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl, look no further. This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is an absolute favorite of mine for chilly evenings or whenever you want a rich, velvety treat that’s also nourishing. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, paired perfectly with subtle spices and a creamy texture that will make you want seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new go-to for comfort food with a sophisticated flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the natural sweetness and depth of the squash, while adding layers of savory and warming flavors. You won’t need a cabinet full of spices—just a handful of essentials that come together to create a beautifully balanced soup.
- Butternut Squash (3 ½ pounds): The star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor when roasted.
- Avocado Oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for roasting because it has a high smoke point and adds a subtle richness.
- Small Yellow Onion (1, halved): Roasting intensifies its sweetness and adds aromatic depth to the soup.
- Garlic Clove (1, peeled): A little punch of savory flavor that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- Maple Syrup (½ tablespoon): Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing sweetness.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a little heat and complexity with every bite.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Brings a warm, cozy spiciness that complements the squash beautifully.
- Ground Ginger (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing that brightens the soup’s flavor without being sharp.
- Vegetable Broth (3 to 4 cups): Creates the creamy base and helps control the soup’s consistency.
- Optional Garnishes (pepitas, parsley, freshly ground black pepper): These little touches add texture, color, and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Butternut Squash
Start by slicing off the ends of the butternut squash and then carefully halving it lengthwise. Removing the seeds might seem tedious, but it’s worth it for that silky smooth soup. Here’s a little trick I love: popping the squash in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing makes it much easier to cut through. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting.
Step 2: Roast the Squash
Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking tray, then brush with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. After that, flip them over so the cut side is down—this caramelizes the flesh beautifully. Roast for about 60 minutes until it’s tender and deeply golden. This roasting step is vital because it concentrates the squash’s natural sugars, giving you that luscious, sweet base.
Step 3: Add the Onion
Halfway through roasting, generously oil the cut side of your halved yellow onion and add it cut side down to the tray. The onion roasts alongside the squash, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances the soup’s depth.
Step 4: Blend Into Soup
Once the squash and onion are cool enough, scoop out the flesh of the squash and remove the onion’s outer layer. Add both to a high-powered blender along with garlic, maple syrup, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 3 cups of vegetable broth to start. Blend on high until silky and creamy, adding more broth if you want a thinner consistency. This is the moment your kitchen starts to smell downright magical!
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Don’t forget to taste your soup! Adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness to your liking. If you’re a butter fan and can tolerate dairy, stirring in a tablespoon or two now will take the creaminess to a heavenly new level. This step is all about making the soup your own masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the soup into bowls, and if you want to add some texture and a pop of color, sprinkle with pepitas, chopped parsley, and a crack of fresh black pepper. These garnishes add a bit of crunch and a layer of freshness that’s just delightful.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, toasted pepitas offer a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of herbal brightness. Don’t underestimate the power of freshly cracked black pepper—it adds a hint of warmth that keeps every spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s rich sweetness, rounding out a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in mini pumpkin bowls for a festive touch at a fall gathering. Swirling in a drizzle of coconut cream or a splash of browned butter adds visual flair and additional layers of flavor. You can even top each serving with crispy sage leaves for an herbal crunch that elevates the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tends to deepen in flavor overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will last up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a bit of space at the top because the liquid will expand when frozen.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a little extra vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible—it’s better heated slowly to preserve that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash?
Butternut squash has a uniquely sweet and creamy texture that works best in this recipe, but you can experiment with acorn or kabocha squash for slightly different flavors. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Is this soup vegan?
Absolutely! The base recipe uses no dairy or animal products. Using avocado oil and vegetable broth keeps it fully vegan. If you add butter to boost creaminess, that would no longer be vegan, but entirely optional.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup has warm, gentle spices like nutmeg and ginger, not heat. If you prefer a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika during blending.
Can I make this soup in advance for a party?
Definitely. The soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors mellow and meld. Make it a day ahead, reheat gently before serving, and garnish right before guests arrive.
What if I don’t have a high-powered blender?
A regular blender works fine; you might just need to blend in batches to get it smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for an easier cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. Its creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make it ideal for any season, especially when you crave something soothing and homemade. I hope you give it a try and discover how this humble fall favorite can become a centerpiece on your table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting and creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup made by roasting fresh butternut squash and onion, then blending them with warming spices, maple syrup, and vegetable broth for a dairy-free, flavorful fall soup.
Ingredients
Squash and Veggies
- 3 ½ pounds butternut squash
- 1 small yellow onion (halved)
- 1 small garlic clove (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Seasonings and Broth
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
Optional Garnish
- Pepitas
- Fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise after cutting off the ends. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membrane. For easier slicing, microwave the squash for 2 to 3 minutes before cutting.
- Roast the Squash: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the squash cut side up on a baking tray, coat with avocado oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip the squash cut side down and roast for 60 minutes.
- Add the Onion: After 30 minutes of roasting the squash, brush the cut side of the halved onion with oil and place it cut side down on the baking tray. Continue roasting both for the remaining 30 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Blend the Soup: When cool enough to handle, scoop out the roasted squash flesh into a high-powered blender. Peel and add the roasted onion along with the garlic, maple syrup, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and 3 cups of vegetable broth. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until creamy, adding additional broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Optional: add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh butter for extra creaminess if tolerated.
- Serve: Pour the blended soup into bowls and garnish with pepitas, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Microwaving the butternut squash for a few minutes before slicing softens the flesh and makes it easier to cut.
- You can adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of vegetable broth added during blending.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but adding butter can enhance creaminess if dairy is tolerated.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast pepitas before garnishing.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American