Butternut Squash Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe

When the cold weather settles in, few things are as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of soup. Among the many options out there, butternut squash soup holds a special place in the hearts of many-it’s creamy, subtly sweet, and packed with flavor. The Pioneer Woman’s Butternut Squash Soup recipe stands out as a perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet taste, bringing together rich, roasted butternut squash, aromatic herbs, and a velvety texture that will leave you craving more.

If you’ve never tried making homemade butternut squash soup before, this recipe is the perfect starting point. Not only is it straightforward, but it’s also filled with ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe allows for plenty of room to adjust and add your own twist. So, grab your soup pot and let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Butternut Squash Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for her homestyle, comforting recipes that combine ease with mouthwatering flavors. Her Butternut Squash Soup is no exception. Roasting the squash first enhances its natural sweetness, creating a deeper, richer flavor profile. It’s then blended to a silky smooth consistency with the help of a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The end result is a soup that’s perfect for fall or winter meals, and one that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).

Let’s break down the recipe, so you can recreate it at home!

Ingredients Needed

To create the creamy, rich base for this soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butternut squash (about 2 medium-sized, peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• Olive oil (for roasting the squash)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning)
• Butter (for sautéing the onions and garlic)
• Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic cloves (3-4, minced)
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• Heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture)
• Nutmeg (just a pinch to add a warm, aromatic touch)
• Thyme (fresh thyme works best for its aromatic qualities)
• Maple syrup (optional, to add a little extra sweetness and depth)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)

Cooking Instructions

The process of making this butternut squash soup is fairly simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure it turns out perfect every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the cooking process:

1. Preheat The Oven And Roast The Squash

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cubed butternut squash evenly on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
   • Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Roasting the squash deepens its flavor and brings out the natural sweetness. Set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • While the squash is roasting, heat butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent.
   • Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic-this can quickly turn it bitter.

3. Combine Squash And Broth

   • Once the squash is ready, add it to the pot with the onions and garlic.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow everything to cook together for about 5-10 minutes so the flavors can meld.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender, but be cautious as the soup will be hot.

5. Add Cream And Seasonings

   • Stir in the heavy cream for a luscious, creamy texture. Add a pinch of nutmeg and a few sprigs of fresh thyme for extra flavor.
   • If you prefer a sweeter soup, drizzle in some maple syrup (just a teaspoon or so) to elevate the flavors.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your preferences.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme, a swirl of extra cream, or even croutons for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious, homemade butternut squash soup!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients used in this recipe can elevate your cooking experience. Let’s dive into why these ingredients work so well together:

• Butternut Squash: This type of squash is sweet and nutty, with a smooth texture that turns into a creamy puree when cooked. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it not only tasty but nutritious as well.
• Onions & Garlic: These aromatics create a savory base for the soup, adding layers of flavor. The onions offer sweetness when sautéed, while the garlic brings that unmistakable, bold fragrance.
• Chicken Broth: The broth is the soup’s foundation. Chicken broth adds depth, while vegetable broth works perfectly for those seeking a vegetarian version of the soup. Both provide a rich, savory backdrop to the sweetness of the squash.
• Nutmeg & Thyme: These two ingredients are essential in rounding out the flavor profile of the soup. Nutmeg adds a warm, earthy undertone, while thyme provides an herby freshness that balances the creaminess of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, luxurious texture, nothing beats heavy cream. It gives the soup a smooth, velvety finish, turning it from good to extraordinary.

Expert Tips

To make sure your butternut squash soup turns out just right, consider these expert tips:

• Roast the squash well: The key to depth of flavor in butternut squash soup lies in roasting the squash. Roasting enhances the sweetness and caramelizes the natural sugars, making the soup taste far more complex than simply boiling the squash.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. If you like it thick and creamy, reduce the amount of broth or add more squash. You can also use a bit of cream cheese for added richness without sacrificing the creamy texture.
• Blend well: For a silky smooth soup, it’s important to blend thoroughly. You can also pass the soup through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a super smooth texture.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: The beauty of butternut squash soup lies in the balance of sweet and savory flavors. Be sure to taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and spices until it’s perfect for your palate.
• Add crunch: If you’re looking for texture, try adding roasted pumpkin seeds or a handful of crispy bacon bits as a garnish.

Recipe Variations

While the Pioneer Woman’s version of butternut squash soup is fantastic as it is, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some variations to make it your own:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or roast the squash with a bit of balsamic vinegar for a tangy, caramelized edge.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving for an extra creamy, savory flavor.

Final Words

This Pioneer Woman Butternut Squash Soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food-creamy, flavorful, and rich, with just the right balance of sweetness and savory depth. It’s a wonderful dish to serve for a cozy dinner, a holiday meal, or a special occasion. What makes it truly stand out is its versatility-it’s easily adaptable to fit your dietary preferences and can be customized with your favorite flavors.