
If you’re in search of a meal that feels like a golden embrace on a chilly day, let me share my favorite Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with you! Creamy, vibrant, and kissed with warmth from roasted veggies and a hint of maple, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl—and proof that simple plants can taste downright luxurious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasted, Not Boiled: Roasting the squash and veggies coaxes out caramelized flavors and a natural sweetness you just can’t get any other way.
- Naturally Creamy—Dairy Free: Thanks to coconut milk (or dreamy cashew milk), this soup is lusciously smooth with absolutely no need for cream.
- Weeknight-Friendly: With only about 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a weeknight miracle that tastes like you fussed all day.
- Make It Your Own: The basic recipe is a blank canvas for endless variations, between spicing, toppings, or even swapping the milk—pure swoon-worthy customization!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is how a handful of humble, everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each one brings a little spark—whether it’s natural sweetness, rich color, or cozy depth.
- Butternut Squash: The star of the show, turning sweet and gloriously golden once roasted.
- Carrots: For extra sweetness, earthiness, and that sunshine-bright color in every ladle.
- Onion: Brings gentle savoriness and rounds out the soup’s naturally sweet edge.
- Garlic: Roasted garlic is nutty and mellow and adds irresistible depth.
- Avocado Oil: Helps veggies caramelize—swap with a splash of veggie broth for oil-free.
- Maple Syrup: Enhances the squash’s sweetness and gives an autumnal twist.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Vegetable Broth: Use less for thicker soup, more for velvety smoothness.
- Light Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy body without dairy (cashew milk works, too!).
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch for gentle warmth.
- Nutmeg (optional): For a whisper of nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Cayenne (optional): A pinch for friendly heat if you like a kick.
- Toasted Croutons or Pepitas (for serving): Crunchy toppings are optional but highly recommended for texture!
Variations
One of the best things about Roasted Butternut Squash Soup? You can make it your own, no matter your mood or pantry situation. Feel free to experiment and discover your new favorite version!
- Add Granny Smith Apple: Roast an apple along with your veggies for a hint of tartness and subtle fruity flair.
- Spiced Up: Add a spoonful of curry powder or ground cumin for warmth and a little global twist.
- Swap the Milk: Try oat, soy, or cashew milk for a different style of creaminess.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked red lentils or a swirl of tahini for extra protein and heartiness.
- Make It Oil-Free: Instead of oil, toss your veggies with a splash of veggie broth and extra maple syrup before roasting.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies & Oven
Start by firing up your oven to 400°F (204°C), setting the mood for maximum veggie caramelization. Peel and cube your butternut squash, chop carrots, slice the onion, and peel the garlic. A little effort up front means infinitely cozier soup later!
Step 2: Roast for Flavor
Spread all those beautiful veggies onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Drizzle with avocado oil and maple syrup, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then toss to evenly coat. Roast for about 25–30 minutes, until everything is fork-tender and deeply golden—the aroma alone is worth it!
Step 3: Simmer & Infuse
Transfer the roasted veggies to a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the vegetable broth, coconut milk, cinnamon, and (if you like) a touch of nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne. Stir and let everything simmer gently for 5–10 minutes. This step lets all the beautiful flavors meld and bloom together.
Step 4: Blend Until Dreamy
Now for the transformation! Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer everything to a high-speed blender (working in batches if needed). Blend until the soup is ultra-creamy. If you prefer a thinner texture, blend in extra broth until it’s just right for you.
Step 5: Taste & Adjust
This is your moment: taste the soup and tweak as you go! Add a dash more maple syrup for sweetness, extra spices for warmth, or a little more salt and pepper for balance. Pour into bowls, top with your favorite garnishes, and get ready to swoon.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Golden Edges Matter: Let your squash and carrots roast until they’re just starting to brown—the caramelization amps up sweetness and flavor complexity.
- Layer Your Liquids: Start with less vegetable broth; you can always add more while blending for your ideal thickness.
- Blend With Care: If using a traditional blender, work in batches and vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape—safety first, creamy results second!
- Flavor-Balancing Finishes: Always taste before serving! A touch more maple, spice, or salt can make the soup absolutely sing.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches turn this soup into a treat for both eyes and palate. A swirl of extra coconut milk, a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds, or crisp homemade croutons add contrast and crunch—think of them as edible jewelry for your Roasted Butternut Squash Soup!
Side Dishes
I love serving this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette makes a fantastic, light pairing, balancing the soup’s richness and keeping things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, pour your Roasted Butternut Squash Soup into cute little mugs or shot glasses for a cozy appetizer. Or, try serving it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash bowls—guaranteed to bring plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” to your autumn table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup is a gift for future you! Let it cool completely before sealing and popping into the fridge. It keeps well for 4–5 days, perfect for cozy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup freezes beautifully. Ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It’ll stay delicious for up to a month—and reheats with all its original flavor and silkiness intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, or in the microwave in short bursts. If it thickens up in the fridge or freezer, add another splash of broth or non-dairy milk until it’s just right again.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cubed butternut squash is a fantastic shortcut. You can roast it straight from frozen—just allow a few extra minutes of oven time and pat off any excess moisture, so you still get that lovely roasted flavor.
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Is this soup spicy with the cayenne added?
The cayenne is completely optional and a little goes a long way. A small pinch adds gentle warmth, not real heat, but you can skip it (or use more!) to suit your spice preference.
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Can I make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors only deepen if made ahead. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer. Just reheat gently and stir well before serving.
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What other toppings go well besides croutons and pepitas?
Try a swirl of chili oil, crispy chickpeas, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, or a dollop of vegan yogurt for tangy contrast. Let your imagination (and pantry) be your guide!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup brings as much color, comfort, and cheer to your table as it does to mine. It’s the kind of soul-warming bowl that you’ll want to return to again and again—so grab your apron, fire up the oven, and let the coziness begin. Enjoy every spoonful!
PrintRoasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 (1-cup servings) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This vegan soup is made with roasted butternut squash, carrots, onions, and warming spices, blended to velvety perfection.
Ingredients
SOUP
- 5 cups cubed butternut squash, skin removed (~1 small butternut squash)
- 2 cups carrots (peeled and cut on an angle into ~1-inch slices)
- 1/2 medium white or yellow onion, sliced (~1 cup or 120 g)
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled (left whole or slightly crushed)
- 2 tsp avocado oil (if oil-free, sub a bit more maple syrup and/or a little vegetable broth)
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 healthy pinch each sea salt & black pepper
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2/3 cup light coconut milk, plus more for serving (or sub cashew milk)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
FOR SERVING optional
- Toasted croutons (see notes for instructions)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roast Vegetables: Add cubed squash, carrots, onion, and garlic to the baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and maple syrup, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Soup: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot, add vegetable broth, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer mixture to a high-speed blender to blend until smooth.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne.
- Serve: Enjoy as is or top with toasted pepitas or croutons and a drizzle of coconut milk. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Nutrition information is estimated and may vary.
- To make croutons, slice day-old bread into cubes, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 141
- Sugar: 7.8 g
- Sodium: 173 mg
- Fat: 3.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.71 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
- Fiber: 7.5 g
- Protein: 2.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg