Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Cozy Velvety Butternut Squash Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Chilly autumn evenings call for a comforting bowl of velvety butternut squash soup that warms you from the inside out.

This creamy recipe brings together rich, earthy flavors that dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Roasted butternut squash creates a smooth, luxurious base that makes this soup a standout seasonal dish.

Aromatic herbs and a touch of cream blend seamlessly to create depth and complexity.

Preparing this soup is easier than you might expect, with simple ingredients that come together in under an hour.

Every sip promises a delightful balance of warmth and subtle sweetness that will make this your new cold-weather favorite.

Serve this delectable soup and watch as it becomes the star of your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 406 kcal

Servings: 4

Easy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Ingredients

For Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing and enhancing vegetable flavors.
  • Onion: Builds deep, sweet aromatic foundation for soup's depth.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone that complements squash sweetness.
  • Carrot: Introduces subtle sweetness and contributes vibrant color.
For Main Ingredients:
  • Butternut Squash: Creamy, nutty star of the soup with silky texture and golden color.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates liquid base, supports rich vegetable flavors and adds nutrients.
  • Salt: Elevates and balances overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers warm, comforting undertone that complements squash.
  • Nutmeg: Contributes subtle, earthy warmth and sophisticated flavor notes.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Coconut Milk, Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and softens soup's texture.
  • Maple Syrup: Introduces gentle sweetness and caramel-like undertone.
  • Pepitas, Croutons: Provides delightful crunch and textural contrast.
  • Extra Cream: Creates elegant visual swirl and additional richness.

Tools That Make Butternut Squash Soup a Breeze

  • Large Pot: Essential for sauteing aromatics and simmering soup, with sturdy handles and good heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Stable surface for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and butternut squash safely.
  • Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable preparation and quick, clean cuts.
  • Immersion Blender: Perfect for pureeing soup directly in the pot, creating smooth, creamy texture.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.
  • Optional Blender: Alternative to immersion blender for pureeing soup in batches if needed.

How to Simmer a Velvety Butternut Squash Soup

  • Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and spread across the bottom.

  • Dance the Aromatics

Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots, stirring them gently until they become soft and release their delightful fragrances.

  • Welcome the Squash

Add cubed butternut squash into the pot along with broth and a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Let everything bubble and mingle together.

  • Soften and Simmer

Lower the heat and let the mixture gently cook for about 20 minutes, watching the squash become tender and willing to break apart easily.

  • Transform Into Velvet

Use an immersion blender to transform the chunky soup into a silky, smooth liquid. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a standard blender in small batches.

  • Final Flourishes

Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream and a touch of maple syrup for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires.

  • Serve with Personality

Pour into warm bowls and sprinkle with crunchy pepitas or a swirl of cream to create a beautiful, inviting presentation.

Additions for a Flavorful Squash Soup Twist

  • Use an immersion blender for ultra-smooth consistency without transferring hot soup between containers, reducing mess and potential burns.
  • Prepare the soup up to 4 days in advance and store in an airtight container, allowing flavors to develop and deepen overnight.
  • Swap dairy cream with coconut milk for a vegan version, or use almond milk for a lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Experiment with global flavor profiles by adding ginger for an Asian twist, curry powder for Indian flair, or smoked paprika for a Mexican-inspired warmth.
  • Enhance nutritional value by roasting butternut squash beforehand to intensify natural sweetness, or stir in cooked quinoa for added protein and texture.

Serving Butternut Soup Warm With Garnish Ideas

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this butternut squash soup in wide, deep ceramic bowls to capture its warm, inviting essence and keep it steaming hot during the meal.
  • Autumn Harvest Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and a delicate drizzle of maple syrup on top to enhance the seasonal flavors and add delightful crunch.
  • Rustic Bread Pairing: Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough or warm herb-infused focaccia bread for dipping, creating a satisfying and hearty meal experience.
  • Elegant Cream Swirl: Create a beautiful white cream swirl on the soup's surface using coconut milk or heavy cream, which adds visual appeal and a luxurious touch to the dish.

Soup Storage Notes for Busy Nights

  • Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, storing up to 3 months. Leave slight space for expansion when freezing.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to maintain smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Double the recipe and store extra portions for busy weeknights. Portion into individual servings for convenient grab-and-heat meals.
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Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Velvety Butternut Squash Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy butternut squash soup brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings, blending rich seasonal flavors with smooth, velvety texture. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this soup a delightful winter meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 medium (2 lbs / 907 g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious Dutch oven, gently sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and julienned carrot in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate essence.
  2. Liquid Infusion: Introduce cubed butternut squash, rich vegetable broth, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the pot. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer, transforming into a tender, flavorful composition.
  3. Silky Transformation: Employ an immersion blender to transform the simmered ingredients into a velvety, uniform texture. Alternatively, transfer contents carefully to a standard blender, processing in controlled batches to achieve a smooth, consistent consistency.
  4. Luxurious Finishing: Incorporate coconut milk or heavy cream and a touch of maple syrup to elevate the soup’s richness. Taste and calibrate seasonings, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile. Serve piping hot, adorned with toasted pepitas, crisp croutons, or an elegant cream swirl.

Notes

  • Cut butternut squash into uniform, smaller cubes to ensure even cooking and faster softening, reducing overall simmer time while maintaining consistent texture.
  • Roast squash and vegetables beforehand to caramelize natural sugars, intensifying the soup’s rich, complex flavor profile and adding subtle smoky undertones.
  • Swap heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond cream for vegan versions, maintaining creamy consistency without compromising taste.
  • Use immersion blender for smoother consistency or leave slight chunks for rustic texture, adjusting blending technique based on personal preference and desired mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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