This roasted butternut squash soup is silky, deeply flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Caramelized squash, aromatic onion and apple, warm spices, and a creamy finish come together for a bowl that delivers maximum comfort and taste.
1large butternut squashabout 3–4 lbs, halved and seeded
2tbspolive oildivided
1large yellow onionchopped
1medium applepeeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3clovesgarlicminced
1tspground cumin
1/2tspground cinnamonoptional but excellent
1/4tspcayenne or red pepper flakesadjust to taste
4cupslow-sodium vegetable brothor chicken broth
1canfull-fat coconut milk13–14 oz or use 3/4 cup heavy cream
1–2tbspmaple syrupoptional, to balance
1tbspfresh thyme leavesor 1 tsp dried
1tbsplemon juiceor apple cider vinegar
kosher salt and black pepperto taste
Garnish
toasted pepitas
crispy sage
swirl of cream or chili oil
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the squash in half, scoop out seeds, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down for 35–45 minutes until tender and caramelized.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion and apple with a pinch of salt for 6–8 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the broth. Scoop roasted squash flesh into the pot. Add thyme and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Blend with immersion blender until silky-smooth. Stir in coconut milk or cream.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional maple syrup. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Finish with lemon juice. Serve with garnishes like pepitas, sage, or chili oil.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate for even better flavor the next day. For variation, try chipotle, Thai curry, or ginger-turmeric twists.