Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This silky, comforting butternut squash soup balances naturally sweet, caramelized flavors with savory depth. Roasting the squash intensifies the flavor for a restaurant-quality soup that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Roasting Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Fall
Servings 6 servings
Calories 210 kcal
For the Soup
- 1 large butternut squash about 3 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups vegetable broth chicken broth works too
- 1/2 cup heavy cream substitute coconut milk for dairy-free option
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional, for enhanced sweetness
For Garnish
- toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
- swirl of cream optional
- crispy sage leaves optional
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
Spread the squash cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the edges begin to caramelize and the squash is fork-tender.
While the squash roasts, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until completely smooth. If using a standard blender, work in batches and be careful with the hot liquid (never fill more than halfway).
Return the soup to the pot if using a standard blender. Stir in the heavy cream (or substitute) and maple syrup if using. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through.
Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Serve in warmed bowls topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and optional garnishes.
Microwaving the whole squash for 3-4 minutes before peeling makes preparation significantly easier.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
This soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen (without cream) for up to 3 months.
The flavor often improves after 24 hours as ingredients meld together.
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 35mg
Keyword Butternut Squash, Soup, Fall Recipe, Comfort Food, Healthy Soup