Golden Harvest: The Creamiest Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Ever

The aroma of warm, creamy butternut squash soup wafts through the kitchen, promising comfort in every spoonful.

This velvety butternut squash soup recipe blends autumn’s richest flavors into a delightful culinary experience.

Robust and smooth, the soup captures the essence of seasonal warmth with minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

Packed with nutrients and deeply satisfying, each bowl offers a hearty embrace during chilly evenings.

The golden-orange hue hints at the soup rich, earthy undertones that dance across your palate.

Subtle hints of nutmeg and cinnamon complement the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a symphony of taste.

Serve this soul-warming soup and watch as it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Butternut Squash Soup

• Garlic: Adds deep, robust flavor that forms the soup's flavor foundation; choose fresh, firm cloves without sprouts.
• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones; select firm onions with no soft spots or bruising.
• Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes; look for vibrant green color and strong aroma.
• Sage: Contributes warm, woodsy complexity; choose leaves that are bright green and crisp.
• Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Brings warm, subtle spice that complements squash sweetness; use freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Sea Salt, Fresh Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning; select coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Sugar: Balances and brightens the soup's natural flavors; use white granulated sugar.

• Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash: Provides rich, velvety texture and natural sweetness; choose squashes with smooth, unblemished skin and heavy for their size.
• Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk: Creates silky, luxurious consistency; select high-quality, fresh dairy.
• Chicken Broth: Builds deep, savory foundation; opt for low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and intense flavor; choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for best results.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertones; select extra virgin for best flavor.

Essential Tools for Butternut Squash Soup

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup base.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions with a golden, caramelized finish.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: Required for mincing garlic and preparing squash.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and blending soup ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Ladle: Great for serving the soup into bowls.

Cooking Instructions for Butternut Squash Soup

• Kitchen Preparation

Set up a cozy cooking space with all necessary equipment like a large saucepan, skillet, and blender. Gather fresh herbs and seasonal butternut squash for an aromatic culinary adventure.

• Flavor Foundation

Gently warm olive oil in the saucepan, releasing fragrant garlic, thyme, and sage. Allow the herbs to dance and mingle, creating a rich aromatic base that fills the kitchen with warmth.

• Soup Creation

Combine mashed butternut squash with creamy milk and savory chicken broth. Sprinkle in warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, letting the mixture simmer softly and develop deep, comforting flavors.

• Crispy Garnish

Caramelize onions in a separate skillet, transforming them into golden, sweet morsels. Finish the soup with a delightful topping of crunchy onion pieces and smoky bacon crumbles for a perfect textural contrast.

Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash Soup Every Time

• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for ultra-creamy texture without transferring hot liquid between containers.
• Replace butternut squash with pumpkin, acorn squash, or sweet potato for equally delightful autumn-inspired soup variations.
• Substitute milk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk to create a lighter, plant-based version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy pancetta for an extra protein boost that transforms this soup from a side dish to a complete meal.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle kick, balancing the soup's natural sweetness with a gentle warmth.

Serving Ideas for Butternut Squash Soup

• Cozy Autumn Comfort Bowl: Ladle the warm, creamy butternut squash soup into rustic ceramic bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch that captures fall's essence.
• Gourmet Crunch Topping: Scatter homemade crispy sage leaves and toasted pumpkin seeds over the soup to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the smooth, velvety texture.
• Hearty Protein Boost: Crumble crisp bacon pieces and add shredded rotisserie chicken on top to transform this soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and adds rich, savory notes.
• Creamy Swirl Finish: Drizzle a thin stream of heavy cream or sour cream in a circular pattern across the soup's surface, creating a beautiful marbled effect that adds extra richness and visual appeal.

Storing Butternut Squash Soup for Later Meals

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a large pot of butternut squash soup and divide into portion-sized containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. These batches stay delicious for 4-5 days when refrigerated in airtight containers.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly stored, this soup maintains its rich flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Store fresh herbs like thyme and sage separately to add a bright garnish just before serving. Chopped herbs stay crisp in small sealed containers within the refrigerator for about a week.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: When warming refrigerated soup, add a splash of extra chicken broth to restore its original creamy consistency. Stir frequently over medium-low heat to prevent scorching and maintain the soup's smooth texture.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy butternut squash soup delivers comfort through its velvety blend of seasonal ingredients. Home chefs can easily craft this warming French-inspired recipe with simple pantry staples and minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ large butternut squash (cooked, mashed)
• ½ large acorn squash (cooked, mashed)
• 2 large onions (sliced thin)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can chicken broth (14 oz / 414 ml)
• 1 can evaporated milk (14 oz / 414 ml)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp sage
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• olive oil (for sautéing)
• sea salt
• fresh ground pepper
• few slices of bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Gently warm olive oil in a large saucepan, infusing it with minced garlic, fresh thyme, and sage. Season with salt and black pepper to develop a robust aromatic base.
2. Soup Composition: Blend roasted butternut squash puree with whole milk and chicken broth, incorporating ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon. Simmer the mixture for 25-30 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure smooth consistency and prevent burning.
3. Caramelized Topping: In a separate skillet, transform onions into golden, translucent strands with crispy edges. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle granulated sugar, and season with salt and pepper over medium-low heat until perfectly caramelized.
4. Presentation: Ladle the velvety soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with delicate caramelized onion strips and crisp bacon pieces to introduce a delightful textural and flavor contrast to this quintessential autumn comfort dish.

Notes

• Roast Squash Deeply: Achieve maximum caramelization by roasting butternut squash until edges are golden brown, intensifying natural sweetness and developing richer flavor layers.
• Gentle Simmering Matters: Maintain low heat while simmering soup to prevent milk from scorching and preserve delicate flavor nuances, stirring periodically for smooth consistency.
• Sugar’s Caramelization Secret: Adding a pinch of sugar helps onions transform faster, creating deeper golden color and complex sweet-savory undertones without burning.
• Texture Is Key: Layer crispy bacon and caramelized onions strategically to introduce contrasting textures, elevating the soup from simple to extraordinary dining experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg