How To Make Butternut Squash Soup Recipe – Easy And Delicious

When you have had a long day, and you need something that is warm, comforting, and tasty, nothing beats a bowl of homemade soup.

Butternut squash soup recipe is the perfect option if you are looking for something nourishing and comforting, but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen – and we have the ultimate recipe to help you whip up a comforting batch. 

This 30-minute butternut squash soup recipe is creamy, sweet and so delicious! The secret ingredient is a touch of maple syrup that adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

Toppings like crispy bacon or crunchy pumpkin seeds add texture and an extra burst of flavor. Serve it with warm crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches – and you have a meal that is perfect for busy weeknights!

What Is Butternut Squash Soup?

Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious, comforting, and nutritious dish made primarily from butternut squash, a type of winter squash that has a sweet, nutty taste. The squash is often roasted, boiled, or sautéed until soft and blended into a smooth puree.

The soup’s base usually includes onions, garlic, and broth (vegetable or chicken), which add depth and complexity to the flavor.

Additionally, it is common to incorporate spices and herbs like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, or thyme to enhance the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.

The final result is a creamy, velvety soup typically served warm. Its rich, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor makes it a popular choice for a comforting meal, especially in fall and winter. 

Besides its delicious taste, Butternut Squash Soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for a meal or starter.

Can You Vary The Soup With Other Ingredients?

You can modify the butternut squash soup recipe to adhere to various dietary preferences or restrictions like keto, paleo, gluten-free, or Whole30. Here’s how you can do it:

• Keto To make the soup more keto-friendly, reduce the quantity of butternut squash (as it’s relatively high in carbs) and add more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
  You could add more cream or use full-fat coconut milk to increase the fat content. It will change the flavor profile.
• Paleo The basic recipe for butternut squash soup is already paleo-friendly as it consists of whole foods and avoids grains, legumes, and dairy.
  If you want to increase the protein content, add some cooked chicken or turkey. If your recipe uses regular cream, substitute it with full-fat coconut milk.
• Gluten-Free Butternut squash soup is naturally gluten-free, requiring no grains or flour. Ensure that any broth or stock you use is also gluten-free, as some brands may use additives or thickeners containing gluten.
• Whole30 This diet program emphasizes whole foods and eliminates sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy.
  To make a Whole30-compliant butternut squash soup, use ghee or olive oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. Ensure the broth you use is sugar-free and contains no non-compliant additives.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

• Spices: Different spices can drastically change the flavor profile of your soup. Consider adding curry powder for an Indian twist, smoky paprika for a Spanish-inspired version, or a little cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Proteins: To make the soup more hearty, add cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy tofu or chickpeas for a vegan protein option.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup. Sweet potatoes, carrots, or apples can complement the butternut squash’s sweetness, while spinach or kale can add a contrasting flavor and more nutrients.
• Grains or Legumes: Adding cooked quinoa, rice, or lentils can make the soup more filling and add texture.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can undoubtedly make soup in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot, each offering its advantages.

Slow Cooker

• The slow cooker is an excellent choice for soups as it allows the flavors to develop and meld together over a longer cooking time.
• It’s perfect for busy days when you can add all the ingredients in the morning, set it, and come home to a pot full of soup ready to be served.
• The process for making butternut squash soup in a slow cooker has been detailed in the previous steps.

Instant Pot

• Use the sauté setting to cook the onions in oil until soft.
• Add the rest of your ingredients – diced butternut squash, apples, spices, and stock.
• Close and seal the Instant Pot, then set it on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
• After the time is up, let it naturally release for about 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth, or carefully transfer it to a stand blender in batches.
• Use the sauté setting again to heat the soup for serving if needed.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broths can be used in making soup and each has its advantages.

Store-Bought Broth

The store-bought broth is a convenient option when you’re short on time or don’t have the ingredients needed to make your own. It’s pre-seasoned and ready to use, making it a time-saver for quick meals. 

However, looking at the nutritional label when buying store-bought broth is essential. Choose a low-sodium version to control the salt content of your soup, and ensure it doesn’t contain additives or preservatives you might want to avoid.

Homemade Broth

Making your broth allows for maximum control over what goes into your soup. You can select the ingredients and seasonings according to your preference and avoid additives or preservatives. 

Homemade broth often has a deeper, richer flavor than most store-bought versions. However, it takes time to prepare and requires enough scraps or bones.

How To Serve?

Appealingly serving the butternut squash soup enhances the dining experience and brings out the best in its flavors. Here are some tips:

• Warm Bowls: Serve the soup in warm bowls or mugs to keep it hot for longer. Just rinse the bowls with hot water or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnishing: Add a dollop of cream or a drizzle of coconut milk on top for a beautiful contrast. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons can add a nice crunch, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a pop of color and a new flavor note.
• Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a hearty sandwich for a complete meal.
• Presentation: Consider using soup bowls contrasting to the soup for a visually appealing presentation.
• Individual Portions: If serving for a party, consider serving in small, individual cups or shot glasses for a unique, appetizer-style presentation.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: It is a classic soup accompaniment. The crusty exterior and soft interior of fresh bread make it perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup. It also provides a nice textural contrast.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The richness of a grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with the sweet and creamy soup. It’s a great way to make the meal more substantial.
• Side Salad: A fresh salad with a bright, tangy vinaigrette can balance the soup’s creaminess. Try a simple green salad or one with tart fruits like apples or pomegranates to echo the autumnal flavors of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes can bring out the earthy flavors in the soup and make the meal more filling.
• Quinoa Salad: A flavorful quinoa salad with plenty of fresh vegetables can boost the protein and make the meal more balanced.
• Apple or Pear Slices: Fresh, crisp apple or pear slices can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy soup.
• Crackers or Croutons: Just like bread, these can be great for adding a bit of crunch and for scooping up every last bit of the delicious soup.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: After preparing butternut squash, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: To extend shelf life, freeze cooked butternut squash in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a dash of water to prevent drying out.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the butternut squash up to 2 days in advance, keeping it refrigerated until ready to use.
• Seasoning: Adjust seasoning upon reheating to refresh flavors.
• Garnish: Add fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

What Can Be Done With Leftover Soup? 

Absolutely! There are several creative ways to use leftover butternut squash soup or even the squash itself:

• Pasta Sauce: Warm up your leftover soup and toss it with pasta. Add some grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and tasty meal.
• Grain Bowls: Use the soup as a flavorful base for a grain bowl. Top with roasted vegetables, your choice of protein, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Casserole: Incorporate the soup into a casserole recipe. It can provide moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Stew or Curry: Add more vegetables, beans, lentils, and spices to turn the leftover soup into a hearty stew or curry.
• Baked Goods: If you have leftover butternut squash (not the soup), you can puree it and use it instead of pumpkin in most baking recipes like muffins, bread, or pancakes. It adds moisture, flavor, and nutrition.
• Risotto: Leftover butternut squash soup can be a flavorful liquid when cooking risotto.

Tips

• Choose the Right Squash: Look for butternut squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a matte skin without any blemishes or soft spots. This ensures freshness and optimal flavor.
• Roasting for Depth of Flavor: Consider roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, enhancing its sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the soup.
• Variety of Spices: Experiment with different spices to add complexity to your soup. Common spices that pair well with butternut squash include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Add them sparingly at first and adjust to taste.
• Balance Sweetness with Acid: Butternut squash can be quite sweet, so balancing the sweetness with a touch of acid can elevate the flavors. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice towards the end of cooking can help brighten the soup.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamy texture without adding cream, consider incorporating coconut milk or cashew cream instead. These dairy-free alternatives lend richness and silkiness to the soup while keeping it vegan-friendly.
• Layer Flavors: Build layers of flavor by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and shallots before adding the squash and broth. This step enhances the depth of the soup’s flavor profile.

Nutritional Table