If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of naturally sweet roasted butternut squash and tart apples, all infused with warming spices like cinnamon and allspice. This soup isn’t just about flavor — it’s about texture and color too, boasting a velvety smoothness and a gorgeous autumnal orange hue that will brighten any mealtime. Whether you’re inviting friends over or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is a soul-satisfying classic that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe plays an essential role, creating layers of flavor and that silky texture you’ll love. From the earthy sweetness of the roasted squash to the zing of fresh ginger, these simple ingredients come together to craft something truly special.
- Butternut squash: Provides the creamy base and natural sweetness after roasting enhances flavor depth.
- Olive oil: Used to roast the squash and sauté aromatics, adding richness and helping develop caramelization.
- Kosher salt: Essential for highlighting the natural flavors within the soup.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle heat that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Butter: Adds velvety richness when cooking the apples and spices.
- Apples: Introduce crisp apple sweetness and a hint of tartness, pairing beautifully with squash.
- Fresh ginger: Offers a bright zing that lifts and freshens the dish.
- Onion: Builds savory depth and sweetness when softened.
- Cinnamon: Provides that warm spiced essence that screams cozy comfort.
- Allspice: Enhances the autumnal flavors with subtle complexity.
- Ground cardamom (optional): Adds an exotic floral note if you want a little extra flair.
- Stock (chicken, turkey, or vegetable): Forms the flavorful liquid base, bringing everything together smoothly.
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and preparing a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray. Toss your peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated. Spreading the squash in a single layer ensures even roasting. Roast for about 30 minutes until the squash is tender and its edges have those beautiful caramelized spots that bring out deep, sweet flavors — this step lays the delicious foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Apples, Ginger, and Aromatics
While the squash cools, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced apples, fresh grated ginger, chopped onions, cinnamon, allspice, and the optional cardamom. Stir frequently and savor the delightful fragrance as these ingredients soften and meld nicely together, about 10 minutes. This mixture is key to building the soup’s complex, warmly spiced character.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Once your apples and onions are soft and fragrant, add the roasted butternut squash and pour in your stock. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let all the flavors mingle perfectly. This step tenderizes everything further and ensures the soup’s flavors develop fully before blending.
Step 4: Puree the Soup
Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, puree your soup until it is beautifully smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender to achieve the same silky consistency. Return the soup to the pot after blending and let it simmer for another 10 minutes — this helps thicken the soup slightly and brings everything together in harmony.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to make sure the balance of spice, sweetness, and savoriness hits just right. And that’s it! Your Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe is all set for serving.
How to Serve Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a thoughtful garnish elevates the experience of this soup and offers texture contrasts. Try a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for richness, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted pecans for crunch, or fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten up each spoonful with herbal freshness. A small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light swirl of coconut cream can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm sourdough bread or crusty baguette — perfect for dipping into the velvety puree. You might also serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, consider roasted root vegetables or a delicious grilled cheese sandwich to add some fun comfort to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the soup in individual hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash bowls for a festive, seasonal flair. Alternatively, layering a spoonful of apple chutney on top or sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist can be exciting variations that surprise and delight your guests. Don’t underestimate the power of plating in a warm-colored bowl to enhance the visual appeal and cozy vibe even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Because its flavors meld and deepen over time, leftovers often taste even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to rediscover that luscious texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe later, it freezes super well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen the consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain the smooth texture and fresh flavors you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this soup?
Absolutely! While Gala apples provide a nice balance of sweetness and firmness, you can experiment with Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just be mindful of the texture to ensure the apples soften nicely during cooking.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
You can easily make this Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using vegetable stock instead of chicken or turkey stock. The flavors remain just as wonderful without any animal products.
Do I need to peel the apples and squash?
Yes, peeling both the butternut squash and apples results in a smoother texture and avoids any bitterness from the tougher skins. It also helps make the pureeing process silky and effortless.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely! If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some freshly grated black pepper along with the warming spices. You can also experiment with a bit of fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
What can I use if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No immersion blender? No problem! Carefully transfer your soup into a regular blender in batches to puree until smooth. Just be cautious with the hot liquid, and leave the blender lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and prevent splatters.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cozy flavors and simple, satisfying meals. Its rich, velvety texture combined with that perfectly balanced sweetness and warming spices makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, I promise this soup will bring comfort and smiles around your table. Give it a go and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Butternut Squash and Apple Spiced Soup Recipe
A creamy and comforting butternut squash soup roasted to perfection with warm spices, apples, and fresh ginger, blended into a smooth, flavorful dish perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 large butternut squash (or 2 small, about 3–4 lbs total), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Sauté
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 apples (peeled and diced, Gala recommended)
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and grated or minced, about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
Liquid
- 6 cups stock (chicken, turkey, or vegetable)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare for roasting the butternut squash by getting a rimmed baking sheet ready.
- Roast Squash: Spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the cubed squash in a single layer and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Roast for 30 minutes or until tender and caramelized on the edges. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add diced apples, grated ginger, chopped onion, cinnamon, allspice, and optional cardamom. Cook while stirring frequently until the apples and onions are soft and aromatic, about 10 minutes.
- Add Squash and Stock: Stir in the roasted butternut squash and pour in the 6 cups of stock. Increase heat bringing the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return pureed soup to the pot.
- Final Simmer and Season: Simmer the blended soup for an additional 10 minutes to develop flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil and use vegetable stock.
- Use a high-powered blender if available for a smoother texture.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure your stock is certified gluten-free.
- Consider garnishing with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for texture.
- Soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
