I’ve got to tell you about my go-to Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe that always warms me up whenever the weather starts to get chilly. This soup is velvety smooth, subtly sweet, and packed with cozy fall vibes. Whether you’re a soup newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this is one of those comforting recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Stick around and I’ll share all my tips to get it just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Creamy Texture: The combination of roasted butternut squash and almond milk creates a silky smooth soup that feels indulgent but is still light.
- Simple, Whole Ingredients: You’re using real food that’s accessible—no need for fancy stuff or mystery additives.
- Quick and Easy Prep: From chopping to blending, this soup comes together faster than you’d expect, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flexible for Everyone: Whether you want it dairy-free with almond milk or heartier with stock, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe relies on simple ingredients that balance each other perfectly. Using fresh butternut squash and aromatics like onion and garlic lays a savory foundation, while almond milk adds creaminess without heaviness. A good quality stock helps everything meld together.
- Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for richer flavor when sautéing the veggies.
- Butternut squash: Peel and seed it yourself for the freshest taste; buying pre-cut works too but make sure it’s firm and bright orange.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and smashed to release all that fragrant goodness.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Homemade if possible, but good-quality store-bought works—this brings your soup to life.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the squash and aromatics.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk): I love almond milk here because it keeps the soup light and dairy-free, but regular milk or cream also works if you want a richer finish.
Variations
I love that this creamy butternut squash soup recipe is so versatile — you can tweak it easily based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Mix and match and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika transforms the soup with a subtle heat that my family absolutely adores.
- Herbal Twist: Stir in some fresh sage or thyme while cooking for that earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of squash.
- Nutty Addition: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for an unexpected crunch and nuttiness — I discovered this trick after tasting it at a local café and it changed the game!
- Dairy option: Swap almond milk for coconut milk or heavy cream if you like a richer, tropical or ultra-creamy texture.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Perfection
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed butternut squash, chopped onion, smashed garlic, and salt. Stir everything occasionally and let the squash get lightly browned and tender—this usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. If you see the mix starting to stick or dry out, don’t hesitate to splash in a few tablespoons of stock to keep things moist. I always do this because it helps the squash cook evenly without burning the bottom.
Step 2: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once your veggies are soft and caramelized a bit, transfer everything into a blender. Pour in the almond milk, then blend on high for about 1 to 2 minutes until the soup is ultra smooth and creamy. Taste and add more salt if needed — that little bit of extra seasoning really makes the flavors pop.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the squash and onions brown a bit—it builds beautiful flavor that blends into richness.
- Blend in Batches If Needed: Overfilling your blender can spill or blend unevenly; smaller batches get the smoothest texture.
- Adjust Thickness Carefully: Add stock or almond milk a little at a time to reach your ideal consistency.
- Avoid Over-salting Early On: Salt concentrates as the soup reduces when reheated—season gently at first.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to toppings, I keep it simple but inviting. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream adds tangy contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or a little crispy sage for extra texture and a pop of herbal flavor. Fresh cracked pepper and a drizzle of olive oil never fail to elevate the final bowl.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread instantly turns it into a satisfying meal. I’ve also served it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts when I want a fuller dinner spread. It’s a versatile base for both simple lunches and cozy dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in small glass jars topped with microgreens or chives for a rustic-chic vibe. Or drizzle with a vibrant herb oil—like basil or parsley oil—for a pretty pop of color. It never fails to impress guests when you add those little touches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a quick stir before reheating because ingredients might settle.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-lock bags—just leave a bit of room at the top for expansion. When you thaw it, the texture remains creamy and delicious, perfect for meal prep on busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheating gently on the stove over medium-low heat works best. Stir frequently, and if it feels too thick, add a splash of stock or almond milk to loosen it back up. I avoid the microwave because slow warming brings back that freshly-made vibe.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out chicken stock for vegetable stock and use unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk. The flavors come together beautifully and it’s perfect for a vegan diet.
-
Is it necessary to peel and seed the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling and seeding the butternut squash ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any tough bits in your soup. It might sound like a hassle at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty quick!
-
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for this soup?
You can! Just sauté your veggies on the stove first for flavor, then transfer to the slow cooker or Instant Pot with stock and cook until squash is tender. Then blend until smooth. This method works well if you want hands-off cooking.
-
How do I fix the soup if it’s too thick?
No worries—just add more stock or almond milk a little at a time while stirring until you get the perfect consistency. It’s easy to adjust to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like capturing fall in a bowl—warm, sweet, and comforting. I honestly recommend it as a simple, nourishing meal that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be making this for friends and family before you know it.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm and comforting Butternut Squash Soup that captures the essence of fall with its sweet, smooth, and savory flavors. Made by sautéing butternut squash, onion, and garlic, then blending with almond milk to create a creamy, velvety texture perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 3-4 cups)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- Chicken stock or vegetable stock, as needed
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, cubed butternut squash, chopped onion, garlic cloves, and salt. Sauté the mixture until the squash is cooked through and lightly browned, approximately 12-15 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry or starts sticking to the pan, add a few tablespoons of chicken or vegetable stock at a time to help it cook evenly.
- Blend the Soup: Transfer the cooked squash mixture to a blender. Pour in the almond milk and blend on high until very smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if needed. Serve the soup warm, optionally topping with your favorite garnishes or enjoying it simply on its own.
Notes
- This Butternut Squash Soup tastes like fall, offering a warm and sweet comfort perfect for cool, crisp days.
- Using almond milk keeps the soup creamy while making it lighter than traditional cream-based soups.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly when using vegetable stock and almond milk.
- To make it gluten free, ensure stock is gluten free.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon while blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg