Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (Print version)

Roasted butternut squash blended with maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon for a velvety, comforting bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large butternut squash (about 2.5 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 4 cups vegetable broth
05 - 1 cup water
06 - 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

→ Flavorings

07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Toasted pumpkin seeds
13 - Maple syrup for drizzling
14 - Fresh thyme leaves

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Arrange butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until the squash is tender and caramelized, turning once halfway through.
04 - In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
05 - Add roasted squash to the pot along with vegetable broth, water, maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
07 - Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, work in batches with a countertop blender.
08 - Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
09 - Gently reheat the soup if it has cooled during blending.
10 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh thyme leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like autumn in a bowl, but comes together faster than you'd expect on a busy weeknight.
  • The roasted squash means natural sweetness takes the spotlight, so you're not drowning in added sugar.
  • This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests.
02 -
  • Don't skip roasting the squash—it's the difference between a soup and a remarkable one, transforming raw squash into concentrated, caramelized sweetness.
  • Blend in two stages if using a traditional blender to avoid burns, and always hold the lid slightly ajar or use the vent hole to let steam escape.
03 -
  • Invest in quality maple syrup—the pure kind, not the pancake syrup—because it's the voice that carries this soup's personality.
  • If your blender is small, cool the soup slightly before blending in batches, and always keep a towel nearby in case of splashing.
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