
If you’re craving a soup that’s cozy, creamy, and bursting with warm fall flavors, you’re going to want to make this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe asap. I absolutely love how this soup balances sweet, savory, and a hint of earthiness — and it’s so easy to whip up. Plus, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that feel like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a fall favorite in your kitchen just like it did in mine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The combo of butternut squash and tart apples creates a soup that’s sweet, tangy, and buttery smooth without being heavy.
- Simple and Hands-Off: Roasting the squash and onions gives deep flavor with minimal fuss, and the rest is a breeze on the stovetop.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: I use silken tofu to make it ultra creamy without any cream or butter — great if you want a lighter, vegan-friendly option.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores beautifully, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together — the natural sweetness from the butternut squash and apples pairs with herbs like sage and Italian seasoning for a balanced, inviting flavor. For the best results, look for firm butternut squash and crisp Granny Smith apples.
- Butternut squash: Choose a fresh, firm squash with smooth skin for sweet, tender roasted cubes.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; roasting it mellows its bite nicely.
- Sage powder: I love this herb’s earthy aroma—it complements squash wonderfully.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
- Olive oil: For roasting veggies and adding richness at the end.
- Vegetable bouillon cube: Gives the broth a savory, well-rounded base without needing extra salt.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and warmth.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness cuts through the soup’s sweetness perfectly.
- Silken tofu: This is my secret for creamy texture without dairy or cream.
Variations
I love how flexible this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is. You can easily customize it to fit seasonal produce or your dietary needs — it’s a fantastic base to experiment with, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- Add Warm Spices: When I’m craving a little warmth, I toss in some cinnamon or nutmeg — it gives the soup another cozy layer that my family adores.
- Swap Apples: I sometimes swap Granny Smith for Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter twist, just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Make it Vegan: Already vegan with the tofu, but you can also use vegetable broth cubes to keep it plant-based.
- Boost Protein: For extra protein, consider adding cooked lentils or white beans before pureeing—great for a heartier meal.
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep things from sticking. Spread out the butternut squash and chopped onion evenly, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tossing everything so each piece gets coated well. Roast for about 30 minutes — this step is key to developing that natural sweetness and rich flavor. Keep an eye on the onions; if they start to burn before the squash is tender, scoop them out and set aside—they’ll add a concentrated sweetness later.
Step 2: Build Your Broth
Transfer the roasted squash and onion to a large pot. Add 3 cups of water, crumble in your vegetable bouillon cube, and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and creates that savory base we all crave.
Step 3: Add the Apples and Tofu
While the soup simmers, peel, core, and roughly chop one Granny Smith apple. Toss it in along with the silken tofu, which gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture without needing cream. Stir everything together and prepare to blend.
Step 4: Puree the Soup Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender directly in the pot is my favorite way to keep things simple. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, blend the soup in batches in a countertop blender — just watch out with the hot liquid and always vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure build-up. Add more boiling water little by little if you want your soup thinner; it’s easier to loosen it up than to thicken! Taste your soup and tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Apple Garnish
Finally, peel, core, and dice the second apple to sprinkle on top when serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a few tablespoons of fresh apple, a sprinkle of black pepper and sage powder, and a light drizzle of olive oil if you want a little extra richness. This fresh apple adds a delightful crisp contrast to the smooth soup.
Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
- Roasting is Key: Don’t skip roasting the squash and onions—it develops a depth of flavor you can’t get from boiling alone.
- Handle Hot Blending Carefully: When using a countertop blender, vent the lid and cover with a kitchen towel to avoid hot splashes.
- Adjust Consistency Gradually: Add water slowly after blending to get the soup just how you like it—smooth but not watery.
- Don’t Forget Fresh Apple Garnish: It’s not just pretty—it adds a fresh texture and pops of tartness that brighten the soup amazingly.
How to Serve Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top this soup with a few diced fresh Granny Smith apple cubes and a quick sprinkle of sage powder and black pepper to boost the aroma and give each spoonful an extra little zing. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top just rounds it out perfectly—plus it looks so inviting.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are toasted crusty bread or warm garlic naan — the perfect vessels for dipping into this creamy soup. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in small glass jars or mini crocks, garnished with a sprig of fresh sage and a few apple cubes on top. It makes the presentation rustic yet elegant and always gets compliments. You can also swirl in a dollop of coconut cream or cashew cream for a fancier touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day because the flavors have time to meld. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipper bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. Microwave works fine too; just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it even.
FAQs
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Can I make this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day since the flavors have more time to develop. You can prepare it completely, then refrigerate and gently reheat when ready to enjoy.
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What can I substitute for silken tofu in the soup?
If you don’t have silken tofu, you can substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture. Just note this will add a different flavor profile, but still delicious.
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Is this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan when using vegetable bouillon and silken tofu. It’s a great plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on that rich, creamy texture.
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Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes blend nicely and add more depth and natural sweetness. Just adjust seasoning and liquid as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe has truly become one of those dishes I reach for again and again when the temperatures dip and I want something comforting and nourishing. The way the sweet apples brighten the creamy squash base is just magic—and I love that it’s so simple to make! Give it a try the next time you want a warm hug in a bowl; I promise it’ll bring a smile to your face and your family back for seconds.
PrintButternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a cozy, creamy, and flavorful fall-inspired dish. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and tart Granny Smith apples with warming herbs and silken tofu for creaminess, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, earthiness, and tanginess. A comforting soup ideal for chilly evenings, it is roasted, simmered, and blended to velvety perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 4 cups butternut squash, sliced into ½-inch thick slices or cubed
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large Granny Smith apples (one peeled, cored, and chopped; one peeled, cored, and diced for garnish)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon sage powder (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids and Other
- 3 to 4 cups water
- 1 vegetable bouillon cube
- 1 (12-ounce) box silken tofu
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Roast Squash and Onion: Spread the butternut squash and chopped onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, checking for tenderness. If the squash isn’t tender yet, continue roasting in 5-minute increments. Remove the onions early if they start to burn and set aside.
- Simmer Roasted Vegetables: Transfer the roasted butternut squash and onions to a large pot. Add 3 cups of water, the vegetable bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit undisturbed.
- Prepare and Add Apples and Tofu: Peel, core, and roughly chop one Granny Smith apple. Add the chopped apple and the silken tofu directly into the hot soup pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Add additional boiling water as needed to adjust the soup to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare Garnish and Serve: Peel, core, and dice the second Granny Smith apple. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each with 1–2 tablespoons of diced apple. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra black pepper and sage powder on top, and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- This soup offers a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for autumn and winter meals.
- The silken tofu adds creaminess without dairy, making the soup suitable for a dairy-free diet.
- Adjust the amount of water after blending for a thinner or thicker texture based on your preference.
- Use a vegetable bouillon cube to keep the soup vegetarian and enhance its depth of flavor.
- For a spicy twist, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- 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