Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (2024)

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This butternut squash soup is subtly sweet, ultra-creamy, and packed with flavor. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe! A perfect dinner for a chilly night.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (1)

Why You'll Love it

This butternut squash soup recipe is inspired by Panera's Autumn Squash soup.

The addition of ginger adds another depth of flavor. There's something incredibly satisfying about soup when it's frigid outside.

For me, the snow amplifies the joy of being warm, sitting by the fire in a ginormous robe with a bowl of hot soup.

Eight years later, I still enjoy the snow most for the warmth of it.

It turns out this warm butternut squash bisque tastes even better when your fingers are frozen solid from creating a killer snowman

If you're like me and you enjoy the frigid weather best for the things that warm you up, this soup is for you. Bonus: the house smells like fall while the vegetables are roasting.

Key Ingredients

Don't let the long ingredient list scare you. This squash soup is worth it!

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (2)

Butternut squash - You need one large butternut squash, or about 8 cups of diced squash. You can buy precut butternut squash in a plastic container in the produce section.

Carrots & onions - For extra depth of flavor! If you don't want to peel and chop carrots, you can use baby carrots instead.

Ginger paste - Freshly grated ginger pulp works fine too, but ginger paste is a cinch to use. It comes in a resealable tube and lasts for 30 days in the fridge. You can find it in the produce aisle near the herbs.

Apple juice - For extra sweetness! Apple and butternut squash complement each other well.

Pumpkin puree - Don't skip this ingredient! It gives the soup a smooth texture and more squash flavor.

Vegetable stock - This liquid base is made from simmered veggies, herbs, and water. It gives any soup an instant flavor boost. I buy reduced sodium broth to avoid an excess of sodium.

Cream - For that velvety consistency and rich flavor! If you can't have dairy, try swapping it with canned coconut milk.

Spices - Curry powder and cinnamon add spice without overpowering the soup.

How to Dice a Butternut Squash:

This recipe is a little involved. If involved recipes make you cringe (trust me, I feel you) and easy recipes make you sing, here's a few ways to simplify it:

  1. Buy precut squash. No peeling, no dicing, no problem!
  2. Buy baby carrots. No need to peel, and super easy to cut up.

How to Cut a Butternut Squash:

  • Lay the butternut squash on its side and cut off the ends.
  • Next cut off the neck. Now you can peel the bulb and the neck separately.
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (3)
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (4)
  • Peel both sides of the butternut squash. I use a handheld peeler for the neck and a sharp knife for the bulb.
  • I find it easier to place the bulb on its flat side and run my knife down the edge of the squash to remove the peel.
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  • Once both sides are peeled, cut the bulb in half vertically.
  • Use a large spoon to scoop out the goop and seeds.
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  • Place the bulb on the cutting board, large hole facing down. Carefully cut it into strips.
  • Cut the strips into large chunks.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (8)
  • Repeat the same process with the neck.
  • Cut it into strips, then cut it into large chunks.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (10)

When dicing up all your vegetables, perfection isn't the goal. They're all going to be whizzed up into soup anyhow.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (11)

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup:

Before you start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roast the Veggies:

  • On a large sheet pan, combine the butternut squash, onion, carrots, and garlic cloves.
  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, curry powder, lemon juice, and salt.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (13)
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the veggies and toss until everything is well coated.
  • Roast the veggies for 25 minutes or until the veggies are soft and fork-tender.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (15)

Blend the Squash:

Once all the veggies are roasted, it's time to blend them.

  • Scoop the roasted butternut squash into a high-speed blender. Try to get as much of the butter as you can.
  • Pour ½ cup of apple juice and 1 cup of vegetable stock into the blender. .
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (17)
  • Start the blender on low speed, then increase the speed to high. Blend until smooth.
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Finish the Butternut Squash Soup:

  • Pour the butternut squash puree into a dutch oven or large pot.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (20)
  • Add the pumpkin puree, 1 cup of vegetable stock, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of ginger paste, and 6 ounces of heavy cream.
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (22)
  • Stir until incorporated.
  • Bring the soup to a simmer, then remove from the heat and enjoy!
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Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (24)

Storage:

  • Store leftover squash soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To reheat individual portions, pour some soup into a heat-proof bowl and microwave until hot.
  • To reheat an entire pot of soup, pour the soup into a pot and heat on medium until it comes to a gentle simmer. Stir, remove from the heat, and enjoy!
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (25)

Butternut Squash Soup Variations:

  • Consistency - The hubs and I like our soup a bit thick. If you prefer it on the soupier side, you can add more liquid. Just do it gradually, because just like an impulsive angry rant - you can't take it back.
  • Vegan/dairy-free - Swap the heavy cream with canned coconut milk. Swap the honey with maple syrup and the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Tastes just as delicious!
  • Ginger - If you're not a ginger fan, just omit it. This soup is still the best.

Cozy Soup Recipes:

If you are constantly on the lookout for soup recipes once jacket weather comes, check out these:

  • Cowboy Soup
  • Panera Turkey Chili Recipe
  • Easy Homestyle Chili
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (26)

Butternut Squash Soup

Carolyn

This butternut squash soup is subtly sweet, ultra-creamy, and packed with flavor. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe! A perfect dinner for a chilly night.

5 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 284 kcal

Equipment

  • blender

  • Large pot or dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash approx. 8 cups
  • 1 yellow onion cut into medium dice
  • 2 large carrots peeled and cut into large dice
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 3 T. butter melted
  • 1 T. Olive Oil
  • 1 T. honey
  • 1 T. brown sugar
  • ½ t cinnamon
  • 1 t. curry powder
  • ¾ t. kosher salt
  • 1 t. lemon juice
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ cup water
  • 6 oz cream
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 T. ginger paste or freshly grated pulp

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Place butternut squash laying down on a cutting board. Cut both ends off and discard. Cut the neck off and set aside.

  • Use a chef’s knife or peeler to peel the neck and the bulb of the squash.

  • Place the round portion of the squash onto the cutting board and cut in half vertically.

  • Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and goop. Dice the squash into 1 inch chunks. It needn’t be pretty or exact. If you prefer it, you can use the precut chunks from the grocery store, just make sure it's fresh not frozen.

  • Place butternut squash, onion, carrots, and garlic on a sheet pan.

  • Combine melted butter, olive oil, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, curry powder, kosher salt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle it over the butternut squash mixture and toss until everything is coated. Roast at 425 degrees for 25 minutes.

  • Once cooked and cooled, spoon vegetables into blender and blend with ½ cup apple juice and 1 cup of the vegetable stock.

  • Pour into large saucepan on medium heat. Add ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup vegetable stock, ½ cup water, 2 T. ginger pulp and 6 oz. cream. Stir until well combined and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 682mgPotassium: 639mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 20625IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 1mg

Keyword butternut squash bisque, butternut squash soup

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe - caramel and cashews (2024)

FAQs

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? ›

I use ground sage and nutmeg which both enhance the flavors of butternut squash and bring out its natural sweetness. Stir in full-fat coconut milk to make this soup extra-creamy, and don't forget the salt and pepper!

Why does my butternut soup taste sour? ›

What happened? It's no coincidence that the butternut squash soup had fermented, alcoholic notes. Indeed, fermented rice turns out to be the culprit here. Rice is high in starch, which is relatively easy to ferment.

Do you need to peel butternut squash for soup? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

How long does butternut squash soup last in the refrigerator? ›

Store butternut squash soup in an airtight container or lidded glass jar for three to five days. If you want to preserve it for even longer, you can transfer it to the freezer to store for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating and serving.

Why is my butternut squash tasteless? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

Is butternut squash soup a laxative? ›

Butternut can work as a laxative. In some people butternut can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.

Why is my butternut squash soup so bitter? ›

Some butternut squash is more bitter than others, which may cause your soup to taste slightly bitter. If this is the case, try adding a bit more honey.

Why did my butternut squash soup turn brown? ›

As the veggies hit the boiling water, volatile acids are released into the water and are carried away in the steam. When the pot is covered, the steam and the acids it contains are forced back into the water. Once there, the acids react with the chlorophyll in the vegetables, turning them an unsightly shade of brown.

Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? ›

The flesh of the squash is soft and tender—perfect for a smooth pureed soup. Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? Under-cooked squash will make this soup more gritty than smooth. Make sure all of your vegetables (and fruits) are very tender before blending and you'll have effortlessly creamy soup every time.

What pairs with butternut squash soup? ›

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup. Enjoy this soup as a starter, side, or main dish. When I'm making it the center of a meal, I serve it with good crusty bread, homemade focaccia, avocado toast, or corn muffins and a simple veggie side or fall salad.

Can dogs eat butternut squash? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

How do you thicken squash soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

How do you know if butternut squash soup has gone bad? ›

How do you tell if Butternut Squash Soup is bad? Signs that your butternut squash soup has gone bad include a sour smell, a change in color, or visible mold. If your soup has been sitting in the fridge for longer than a week, it's probably time to toss it.

Is it OK to freeze butternut squash soup? ›

Can butternut squash soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, without the cream, for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Once heated through, add the cream and bring to a simmer before serving.

When should I throw away butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash is meant to be stored for months but doesn't last indefinitely. Keep your eye out for any brown spots or blemishes; these can indicate the start of spoiling. Any soft spots or slimy areas are also a sign that your squash has gone bad.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Add acidic ingredients.

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

What can I add to soup to make it less bland? ›

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl.

How do you salvage bland soup? ›

Not enough depth: A well-rounded soup has multiple layers of flavour, including acidity, umami, and sweetness. If your soup is missing any of these, it may taste bland. Adding ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, parmesan cheese for umami, or even a touch of sweetness can make a world of difference.

How do you elevate boxed butternut squash soup? ›

5 Ways to Upgrade Store-Bought Butternut Squash Soup
  1. Bacon-Butternut Squash Pasta. Whisk 4 c. ...
  2. Squash Cornbread. Prepare and bake 1 box cornbread mix as label directs, replacing liquid with equal amount butternut squash soup. ...
  3. Spicy Veggie Chili. Simmer 4 c. ...
  4. Instant Curry Dinner. Simmer 4 c. ...
  5. Squash Mashed Potatoes.
Sep 30, 2013

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