Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (Silky & Easy)

A silky roasted butternut squash soup with caramelized vegetables, thyme, nutmeg, maple syrup, and cream.

RecipeRate
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
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5-Ingredient Dump & Go Crockpot Meals

101 effortless slow cooker recipes for busy families.

By Sarah Mitchell

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This roasted butternut squash soup is velvety, gently sweet, and full of cozy fall flavor. Roasting the squash with onion and garlic builds a caramelized base, while thyme, nutmeg, maple syrup, and a splash of cream turn it into a restaurant-worthy soup that is still easy enough for a weeknight.

Creamy roasted butternut squash soup with pepitas and thyme

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Soup

  • Roasting creates deeper flavor with very little extra work.
  • The texture is naturally thick, smooth, and satisfying.
  • It can be made ahead and reheats beautifully.
  • Simple garnishes make it elegant enough for a holiday starter.

Ingredients

Ingredients for butternut squash soup arranged on a kitchen counter
  • 2½ pounds peeled and cubed butternut squash
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pepitas and fresh thyme, for serving

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

  1. Heat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Season the vegetables. Add the squash, onion, and garlic to the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well.
  3. Roast until caramelized. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, until the squash is fork-tender and browned around the edges.
  4. Build the soup. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add the broth, thyme, and nutmeg, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer briefly. Cook for 10 minutes so the flavors blend.
  6. Blend until silky. Use an immersion blender until completely smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender.
  7. Finish and serve. Stir in the cream and maple syrup. Warm gently, adjust the seasoning, and serve with pepitas and thyme.

Helpful Recipe Notes

  • Cut the squash into similar-size cubes so it roasts evenly.
  • For a dairy-free soup, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
  • If the soup is thicker than you like, add broth a few tablespoons at a time.
  • When using a countertop blender, vent the lid and blend hot soup in small batches.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread, grilled cheese, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a festive presentation, finish each bowl with a cream swirl, toasted pepitas, cracked pepper, and fresh thyme.

Storage and Reheating

Cool the soup completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of broth if needed. Freeze without the cream for up to 3 months; thaw overnight, reheat, and add the cream before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes. Roast it directly from frozen, allowing a little extra time and spreading it well so excess moisture can evaporate.

Do I need to peel butternut squash for soup?

Yes, peel it before cubing because the skin stays firm. Pre-cut fresh squash is a convenient shortcut.

How do I make the soup extra smooth?

Blend it thoroughly in a high-speed blender, then pass it through a fine-mesh sieve for an especially refined texture.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and substitute full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream for the heavy cream.

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Creamy roasted butternut squash soup with pepitas and thyme

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (Silky & Easy)


  • Author: Emma & Ella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A silky roasted butternut squash soup with caramelized vegetables, thyme, nutmeg, maple syrup, and cream.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ pounds peeled and cubed butternut squash
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pepitas and fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven. Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Season the vegetables. Toss squash, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast until caramelized. Roast 30–35 minutes, turning once, until tender.
  4. Build the soup. Transfer vegetables to a pot and add broth, thyme, and nutmeg.
  5. Simmer briefly. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Blend until silky. Blend carefully until completely smooth.
  7. Finish and serve. Stir in cream and maple syrup, adjust seasoning, and garnish.

Notes

Cut the squash evenly for consistent roasting. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free variation. Thin with extra broth as needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl

Must‑Have Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe:

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Emma & Ella Frost
Behind the recipe

Emma & Ella Frost

Emma and Ella Frost are twin sisters and co-founders of The Cooking Twins. They test every recipe together, from easy comfort food and weeknight dinners to no-bake desserts and cheesecakes.More recipes from Emma & Ella Frost

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