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Overhead shot of a shallow bowl of smooth butternut squash soup topped with thyme leaves and pepper on a wooden table.

Butternut Squash Soup

Time1 hr 5 min
DifficultyMedium
Servings6

Contains: Milk

About allergens

May contain: Celery

When the weather turns cooler, a bowl of homemade butternut squash soup is hard to beat. This version combines butternut squash and sweet potatoes with gently browned onion, garlic and warming spices for a smooth, comforting soup. Chicken broth brings everything together, while Greek yogurt adds a creamy finish and apple cider vinegar balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It's a simple, satisfying recipe that's easy to make for lunch or dinner, especially on cooler days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, balanced flavor: Gently browned onion, garlic and warming spices give the soup depth without overpowering the vegetables.
  • Naturally creamy: Butternut squash and sweet potatoes create a velvety texture, with Greek yogurt adding extra creaminess.
  • Simple ingredients: Everything comes together in one pot, using everyday ingredients and pantry spices.
  • Easy to prepare ahead: The soup stores well and is easy to reheat for another meal.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a light lunch, a starter or a comforting dinner with your favorite bread.
Flat lay of butternut squash, sweet potato, onions, garlic, and spices on a wooden surface.

Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Soup

  • Brown the onion gently. This is an important step for building flavor. Allow the onion to develop a golden color and sweet aroma, but don't let it burn.
  • Cut the vegetables evenly. Similar-sized cubes help the squash and sweet potatoes cook at the same rate.
  • Bloom the spices in the oil. Adding the spices before the broth helps release their aromas and distribute their flavor throughout the soup.
  • Don't rush the simmering. Give the vegetables enough time to become completely tender. This makes blending easier and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Blend thoroughly. An immersion blender is convenient because you can blend the soup directly in the pot. Move it around slowly to ensure the vegetables are evenly puréed.
  • Balance the sweetness. Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are naturally sweet. The apple cider vinegar adds acidity that brightens the soup and keeps the flavors balanced.
  • Adjust the consistency to your liking. For a thicker soup, use the broth as measured. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more broth after blending.
Diced white onions sautéed until lightly golden brown inside a large stainless steel cooking pot.
Hands slicing peeled bright orange butternut squash into uniform cubes on a wooden cutting board with a chef's knife.

What to Serve With Butternut Squash Soup

This soup works well on its own, but a few simple additions can turn it into a more substantial meal.

  • Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
  • Grilled cheese sandwich: A comforting pairing for lunch or a light dinner.
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds: Add a nutty flavor and a little crunch.
  • Extra Greek yogurt: A small swirl adds creaminess and creates a simple finish.
Wooden spoon lifting cooked butternut squash and sweet potato cubes seasoned with herbs out of a simmering broth pot.

Common questions

Can I make butternut squash soup without roasting the vegetables?

Yes. This recipe cooks the vegetables directly in the broth on the stovetop, so there's no need to roast them first. Browning the onion and briefly cooking the spices in olive oil helps build flavor without the extra step of roasting.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Can I use a standard countertop blender instead of an immersion blender?

Absolutely! If using a standard blender, work in small batches and be cautious with hot liquids. Remove the center piece of the blender lid and cover it with a folded towel to allow steam to escape while blending.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best substitute. It provides the same bright acidity to cut through the richness of the vegetables and yogurt. White wine vinegar also works well in a pinch.

Recipe

Butternut Squash Soup

15mPreparation
50mCooking
1h 5mTotal
Servings
6

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the vegetables

    Peel and seed the butternut squash, then cut it into evenly sized cubes. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.

    Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare the spices and measure out the chicken broth so everything is ready before you start cooking.

  2. 2

    Cook the onion

    Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and develops a sweet aroma.

    Keep an eye on the onion as it cooks. You want it gently browned and sweet, not burnt, as burnt onion can make the soup taste bitter.

  3. 3

    Add the garlic and spices

    Add the cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and dried thyme to the pot. Stir briefly to release their aromas, then add the minced garlic.

    Cook for another 30 - 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Avoid letting it brown too much.

  4. 4

    Add the vegetables and broth

    Add the cubed butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the onion, garlic and spice mixture.

    Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

    Simmer gently for about 40 minutes, or until the butternut squash and sweet potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.

  5. 5

    Blend until smooth

    Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and velvety, making sure there are no remaining vegetable pieces.

    If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add a little extra broth or hot water and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

  6. 6

    Add the Greek yogurt and vinegar

    Add the Greek yogurt to the soup and blend again until fully incorporated and creamy.

    Pour in the apple cider vinegar and blend once more to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.

    Taste and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you'd like a little more heat, you can also add a small pinch of cayenne.

    Serve warm, with an extra swirl of Greek yogurt, freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of thyme, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

per 100 g
Calories
38
kcal
Fat
0.4g
Saturated
0.2g
Carbs
7.8g
Fiber
1.8g
Sugar
1.4g
Protein
1.3g
Salts
0.4g

Nutritional values are approximate estimates intended for informational purposes only. If you have dietary restrictions or medical conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Glycemic Estimate

per serving
Glycemic Index
44
LowMediumHigh
Glycemic Load
16.3
LowMediumHigh
Blood Sugar Response
LowMediumHigh

Peak rise expected around 1h15m after eating

This is an estimated glycemic response and may vary based on individual metabolism and ingredient preparation. Learn more about GI and GL.

Storage & Reheating

  • 1

    Storage

    Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 - 4 days.

  • 2

    Freezing

    For the best texture, freeze it before adding the Greek yogurt. Allow the soup to cool completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and leave a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently and blend in the Greek yogurt before serving. You can also freeze the soup after adding the yogurt, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.

  • 3

    Reheating

    Reheat the soup in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Avoid bringing it to a vigorous boil. For individual portions, reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at intervals until evenly heated.

Equipment

  • KKitchen Knife
  • CCutting Board
  • IImmersion Blender
  • LLarge Pot 6 QT / 6 l
  • VVegetable Peeler

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