Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

Featured in: Simple One-Pot Cozy Meals

This velvety butternut squash soup delivers natural sweetness through roasting, enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg for warming depth. The method involves caramelizing cubed squash at high heat, then building a flavor base with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic before simmering with vegetable broth. An immersion blender creates the signature smooth texture, while optional cream or coconut milk adds richness. Finished with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, this nourishing bowl comes together in just one hour of mostly hands-off time.

Updated on Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:33:07 GMT
Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy chilly nights. Pin It
Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy chilly nights. | sweetcairn.com

When the air turns crisp, there is nothing more inviting than a bowl of Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. This velvety, comforting soup is the ultimate solution for cozy chilly nights, offering a naturally sweet profile that is beautifully balanced by warming autumnal spices. It is simple to prepare yet feels incredibly luxurious on the palate.

Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy chilly nights. Pin It
Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy chilly nights. | sweetcairn.com

The secret to this soup's deep flavor lies in the roasting process. By caramelizing the butternut squash in the oven, you unlock a depth of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory base of sautéed carrots, celery, and onions. It is a hearty American classic that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped.
  • Oils & Dairy: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional).
  • Liquids: 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred).
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp kosher salt.
  • Garnishes: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; toasted pumpkin seeds; fresh thyme leaves.
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
Step 3
While squash roasts, heat remaining olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 4
Add roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Step 5
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender).
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Serve hot, drizzled with cream or coconut milk and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the smoothest results, ensure the roasted squash is fully tender before blending. If using a countertop blender, remember to blend in small batches and leave the lid slightly ajar (covered with a towel) to allow steam to escape safely. For extra richness, don't skip the unsalted butter when sautéing the aromatics.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this soup entirely vegan, use olive oil exclusively and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper added with the nutmeg provides a delightful spicy kick that balances the squash's natural sweetness.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is best served steaming hot. A drizzle of heavy cream or coconut milk adds a beautiful visual swirl, while toasted pumpkin seeds provide a much-needed crunch. Serve it alongside a thick slice of crusty bread for a complete, hearty meal that satisfies the soul.

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| sweetcairn.com

This Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is more than just a meal; it is a seasonal celebration in a bowl. With its simple ingredients and minimal effort, it is certain to become a staple in your autumn recipe rotation. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of every spoonful!

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Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.

What's the best way to serve butternut squash soup?

Serve piping hot in warmed bowls, topped with a swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk, toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, and fresh thyme leaves. Crusty bread, focaccia, or crackers make excellent accompaniments for dipping.

How do I know when the squash is properly roasted?

The squash is ready when tender when pierced with a fork and showing golden-brown caramelized edges, typically after 25-30 minutes at 400°F. This roasting step concentrates the natural sugars and deepens the soup's flavor significantly.

Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?

Absolutely. Carefully transfer the cooled soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending until smooth. Return each batch to the pot to keep warm. Always allow hot liquids to cool slightly before blending and remove the blender cap to let steam escape.

What can I substitute for butternut squash?

Other winter squash varieties like acorn, kabocha, or delicata work well following the same method. Sweet potatoes also create a delicious, slightly sweeter variation. Adjust roasting times based on the vegetable's density.

How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup keeps for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and thinning with broth if needed.

Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

Velvety roasted squash soup with warm spices, ready in one hour.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Time Needed
60 minutes
Recipe by Hunter Phillips


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Notes Suitable for Vegetarians, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, peeled
04 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
05 1 stalk celery, chopped

Oils and Dairy

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional for richness

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium preferred

Spices and Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
03 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Garnishes

01 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk, optional
02 Toasted pumpkin seeds, optional
03 Fresh thyme leaves, optional

Steps

Step 01

Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast butternut squash: Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until tender and caramelized at the edges.

Step 03

Sauté aromatic vegetables: While squash roasts, heat remaining olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 04

Combine ingredients and simmer: Add roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 05

Blend soup to desired consistency: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches using a countertop blender.

Step 06

Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Serve and garnish: Serve hot, drizzled with cream or coconut milk and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, if desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains dairy if using butter or heavy cream
  • May contain allergens from store-bought vegetable broth and cream products, always check labels
  • Dairy-free by omitting butter and cream or using plant-based alternatives

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Figures are for reference only—always seek medical advice when needed.
  • Caloric Value: 170
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams