Butternut Apple Squash Soup Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup. It’s like a hug for the soul, especially when the weather turns crisp and cool. Butternut Apple Squash Soup is the perfect example of a dish that balances sweetness, earthiness, and warmth in the most satisfying way. It combines the creamy richness of butternut squash with the natural sweetness of apples, creating a velvety, slightly sweet, and savory soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.

This recipe not only tastes amazing, but it’s also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a fall or winter meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want a cozy meal for yourself, this soup checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into the details of how to make it, and why it’s worth adding to your recipe repertoire.

Butternut Apple Squash Soup Recipe

This soup is a delightful twist on traditional squash soups, blending the soft, nutty flavor of butternut squash with the subtle tartness of apples. It’s a bowl of comfort, with layers of flavor that evolve as the soup simmers and melds together. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is as easy as it is flavorful.

Ingredients Needed

To make a rich, creamy, and mouthwatering Butternut Apple Squash Soup, you’ll need the following:

• 1 medium butternut squash – Peeled, seeded, and chopped into cubes (about 4 cups)
• 2 medium apples – Peeled, cored, and chopped (choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for optimal flavor)
• 1 medium onion – Diced (yellow onion works best here)
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced (garlic adds a depth of flavor)
• 1 carrot – Peeled and chopped (for a hint of sweetness)
• 4 cups vegetable broth – Or chicken broth if preferred, for a rich base
• 1 cup coconut milk – For creaminess and a slightly tropical twist (you can also use heavy cream or half-and-half)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the veggies
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – Or dried thyme if fresh isn’t available
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For warmth and a subtle spice that complements the squash and apples
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – To add richness and an aromatic flavor
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup – Optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully

Cooking Instructions

The preparation for this soup is straightforward, but the results are truly impressive. Here’s how to make it step by step:

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Peel, seed, and chop the butternut squash into cubes.
   • Peel and chop the apples, removing the cores.
   • Dice the onion and garlic, and chop the carrot into small chunks for easy cooking.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.

3. Cook The Vegetables

   • Add the chopped butternut squash and carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
   • Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme, allowing the spices to infuse the vegetables for another 2 minutes.

4. Add Liquids And Apples

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
   • Stir in the chopped apples and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the apples are soft.

5. Puree The Soup

   • Once the vegetables are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend until velvety.
   • Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a sprig of thyme or a dollop of cream (if you like), and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in your soup can elevate the experience, especially when you know why each one is in the mix.

• Butternut Squash: This orange-hued vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s great for eye health. It also brings a naturally sweet, nutty flavor to the dish, making it the perfect base for a soup.
• Apples: Adding apples balances the soup’s richness with a hint of tart sweetness. Apples also offer a boost of fiber and vitamin C, which supports immune health.
• Coconut Milk: For creaminess, coconut milk is a fantastic choice. It adds a velvety texture and a slightly exotic undertone that blends well with the sweetness of the squash and apples. It’s also a great dairy-free option.
• Maple Syrup: While not necessary, a touch of maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and apples. It also adds a depth of flavor, complementing the savory elements of the soup.
• Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth and complexity. These spices are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which gives you a health boost in every spoonful!

Expert Tips

To make sure your Butternut Apple Squash Soup turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a good-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so using a flavorful vegetable or chicken broth will make a big difference in taste.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want the squash and apples to become soft but not mushy. Overcooking can lead to a loss of flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste and the sweetness of your apples, you may want to tweak the amount of maple syrup. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust accordingly.
• Blending tip: If you’re using a regular blender, work in batches to avoid overfilling. It’s safer and gives you a smoother result.
• Make ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

This Butternut Apple Squash Soup recipe is versatile, and you can customize it in several ways to suit your preferences:

• Add a protein: For a heartier soup, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well, or you could even toss in some crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch.
• Add a spicy kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give your soup a zesty undertone.
• Swap the coconut milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute heavy cream, sour cream, or even Greek yogurt for the creamy base.
• Herb variations: While thyme is a classic, you could experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
• Roast the squash first: For an even deeper, caramelized flavor, you could roast the butternut squash in the oven before adding it to the soup pot. Simply toss the cubes with olive oil and seasoning, and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Final Words

Butternut Apple Squash Soup is more than just a dish – it’s an experience. It’s a journey of flavors, textures, and comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special holiday meal, this soup is sure to satisfy. Its balance of sweet and savory notes, paired with a velvety smooth texture, makes it an unforgettable dish that’s easy to prepare but feels luxurious.