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Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy soup that tastes like fall in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe. I love this soup because it balances the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the subtle tartness of Granny Smith apples, producing flavors that are warm, comforting, and just a little surprising. Stick with me here—I’m going to walk you through everything you need so you can nail this recipe and have a new family favorite on your hands.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple yet Sophisticated: You’d be amazed how a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients transform into something deeply flavorful.
  • Perfect Texture: The use of silken tofu makes this soup ultra creamy without heavy cream – excellent for a lighter finish.
  • Balanced Flavors: Sweet squash, tart apples, earthy sage, and a touch of garlic create a perfect harmony you’ll crave again.
  • Versatile and Easy to Adjust: Whether you want to add more spice or swap ingredients, this soup welcomes customization.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the hearty butternut squash to the punchy apples, and the cozy spices that bring it all together. When shopping, look for firm squash and bright green Granny Smith apples to get the best flavor contrast.

  • Butternut squash: Choose one that’s firm, heavy for its size, and with no soft spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
  • Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness when roasted—don’t skip it.
  • Sage powder: Enhances the earthy warmth that complements both squash and apples beautifully.
  • Garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic note without overpowering the other flavors.
  • Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing sweetness.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for roasting and finishing touches.
  • Water & vegetable bouillon cube: Create a flavorful, comforting broth base without heaviness.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbaceous background that lifts the soup.
  • Granny Smith apples: Their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet squash, and they hold up well when diced raw as garnish.
  • Silken tofu: This is my secret for a velvety texture without heavy cream or dairy.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this butternut squash and apple soup depending on mood and what’s in my pantry. This recipe is so forgiving, and that’ll let you play around with flavors and textures to find your perfect bowl.

  • Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika; it beautifully contrasts with the sweet and savory notes.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: The silken tofu makes this naturally creamy and vegan, but you can swap it for coconut milk if you want a slightly different richness.
  • Herbal Twists: Fresh thyme or rosemary work wonders too—I once made a batch with rosemary sprigs and it tasted amazing.
  • Nutty Depth: Toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and depth if you’re serving it as a starter.

How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash and Onion

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this roasting step is where the magic begins. I like to spread the butternut squash and chopped onion evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking. Drizzle olive oil on top, then sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well so every bite is flavorful. Roast for about 30 minutes, checking for tenderness. If the onions start crisping too soon, you can pull them out early and set aside—they add a different texture and sweet caramel flavor if slightly more done.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Once your squash and onions are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a large pot. Add 3 cups of water, the vegetable bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and pop on the lid for about 10 minutes. This simmering step helps all the flavors meld together nicely. After that, turn off the heat and let it rest while you prep the apples.

Step 3: Add Apples and Tofu, Then Blend

Now, peel, core, and roughly chop one Granny Smith apple and add it directly to the hot pot, along with your silken tofu. Both ingredients add creaminess and a subtle fruity brightness when blended. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree everything until smooth. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works fine in batches—just be careful with the hot liquid. Add more boiling water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash more olive oil if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, peel and dice the second apple into small cubes. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each with a generous spoonful of the diced apple for a fresh, crisp contrast. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a dash of sage powder, and a twist of black pepper if you like. I always find this last step makes the soup look and taste extra special.

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Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

  • Perfect Roasting: Make sure the squash is cut into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly; uneven roasting can lead to some chunks being mushy while others remain hard.
  • Immersion Blender Magic: Puree slowly and check thickness often; blending too long can make the soup gluey, so aim for just smooth enough with a bit of body.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If your apples aren’t tart enough, I’ve found adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole pot beautifully.
  • Onion Care: If you notice the onions roasting too quickly, remove them early to avoid bitterness; you want that caramelized sweetness, not burnt edges.

How to Serve Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

The image shows an open glass jar filled with thick, smooth, light orange butternut squash puree with tiny black specks throughout. A woman's hand is lifting the grey plastic lid which has a white label with handwritten text on it. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white cloth with red stripes and some scattered black pepper. The texture of the puree looks creamy and velvety, and the scene is bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping the soup with fresh diced apples for crunch and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sage and freshly cracked black pepper on top because it just sharpens the flavors that much more. On occasion, a small dollop of plain yogurt or coconut cream can also add a lovely creamy finish if you like a little tang.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a rustic sourdough or garlic baguette. My family also loves it with simple mixed green salads or roasted Brussels sprouts for a full meal that feels light but satisfying. For heartier occasions, roasted chicken or a warm grain bowl are fantastic complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to serve the soup in small, clear glass mugs or rustic stone bowls and garnish with microgreens or fresh sage leaves for a pop of color. Another great idea is to add a swirl of browned butter infused with sage right before serving—it adds drama and a nutty aroma that gets everyone excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld further. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this soup in portioned containers. Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently on low to avoid curdling or separation.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwave reheating if you can, as it tends to heat unevenly and can affect the texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of apple for this soup?

    Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firmness, you can swap in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the soup taste less tangy and more sweet overall.

  2. Is silken tofu necessary, or can I use cream?

    Silken tofu is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that gives the soup a creamy texture without heaviness. However, if you prefer a richer soup, you can substitute an equal amount of heavy cream or coconut milk.

  3. How do I make this recipe vegan?

    This recipe is already vegan if you use a vegetable bouillon cube and silken tofu. Just double-check your bouillon to ensure it contains no animal products.

  4. Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?

    Yes! You can roast the vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready, simply proceed with simmering, blending, and finishing the soup. The flavors often taste better the next day after melding together.

  5. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

    No worries! You can blend the soup in batches using a countertop blender. Just be careful filling the blender jug—do it in small portions and vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure build-up from the hot liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods—especially when the evenings get chilly and I want something that tastes like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, yields a silky smooth texture, and offers a depth of flavor you’d expect from a fancy restaurant but with zero fuss. I’m confident that once you make this soup, you’ll love serving it to friends and family as much as I do. So grab your squash, your apples, and let’s get cooking; your new favorite soup awaits!

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Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This cozy and creamy Butternut Squash and Apple Soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and tart Granny Smith apples with fragrant herbs and silken tofu for a smooth, nutritious, and flavorful fall-inspired dish perfect for chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 4 cups butternut squash (sliced into ½-inch thick slices or cubed)
  • 1 yellow onion (chopped)
  • 2 large Granny Smith apples

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon sage powder (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Liquids & Oils

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
  • 3 to 4 cups water

Other

  • 1 vegetable bouillon cube
  • 1 (12-ounce) box silken tofu


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Roast Butternut Squash and Onion: Spread the butternut squash and chopped onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat the vegetables evenly. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, then check for tenderness. If the vegetables are not yet tender, continue roasting in 5-minute increments. If the onions begin to burn, remove them and set aside to avoid bitterness.
  3. Simmer Soup Base: Transfer the roasted butternut squash and onion to a large pot with a lid. Add 3 cups of water, a vegetable bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Prepare and Add Apples and Tofu: While the soup simmers, peel, core, and roughly chop one Granny Smith apple. Add the chopped apple and silken tofu directly into the hot soup mixture. Stir to blend the ingredients together thoroughly.
  5. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a countertop blender and then return it to the pot. If needed, add more boiling water to reach your preferred soup consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Prepare Garnish: Peel, core, and dice the second Granny Smith apple into small pieces to use as a fresh garnish.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the diced apple for a refreshing crunch. Optionally, sprinkle with additional black pepper and sage powder, and drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra richness and flavor.

Notes

  • This soup is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, earthy, and tangy flavors, ideal for chilly fall and winter evenings.
  • Using silken tofu adds creaminess and protein without dairy, making it suitable for those avoiding lactose.
  • Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more or less water to suit your preference.
  • When roasting vegetables, watch the onions carefully to avoid burning, which can impart bitterness to the soup.
  • Garnishing with fresh apple adds a delightful texture contrast and fresh flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 773 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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