Discover the Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Fall Recipe
If you’re on the lookout to warm your soul and tickle your taste buds this season, then you’re in for a treat. Discover the Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Fall is a vibrant, velvety bowl of comfort that blends sweet, savory, and spicy notes all in one harmonious dish. This recipe brings together the rich, earthy flavor of fresh butternut squash with the subtle sweetness of apple and warming spices, creating a cozy meal perfect for chilly afternoons or intimate dinner chats. Imagine a soup so smooth and fragrant it feels like a warm hug in every spoonful—let me show you how to make it your new fall favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the biggest difference, and this recipe is no exception. Each component is carefully selected to layer unique flavors, textures, and beautiful colors that bring this soup to life. From the creamy butternut squash to the crisp apple and warming spices, every ingredient plays a key role.
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed: The star of the show, providing creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Offers aromatic warmth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped: Enhances natural sweetness and contributes to a smooth texture.
- 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced: Injects a touch of tartness and bright fruitiness that balances the soup perfectly.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian): Creates a flavorful, savory base for simmering the ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk: Adds luscious creaminess and rounds out the spices.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing aromatics, giving a rich mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, cozy spice note synonymous with fall.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Provides a slightly sweet and nutty aroma.
- ½ tsp ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that lifts the soup’s flavor profile.
How to Make Discover the Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Fall
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling, seeding, and cubing your butternut squash—this fresh squash will make your soup naturally creamy and sweet. Then dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrot and apple into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and release their flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds a flavourful base that will deepen the richness of the soup.
Step 3: Add the Squash and Apple
Stir in the cubed butternut squash and diced apple. Let them cook together for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing their flavors and natural sweetness to meld. This creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet that is signature to this soup.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Spices
Pour in the vegetable broth along with salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warming spices make this recipe a fall classic, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas. Bring everything to a boil to kickstart the cooking process.
Step 5: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This ensures the butternut squash and carrots become wonderfully tender, ready to be transformed into silky smoothness.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
For that irresistibly creamy texture, blend the soup until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Take your time here—the smoother, the better!
Step 7: Stir in the Cream
Finally, add the heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the soup’s luscious texture. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to indulge. The vibrant color and velvety texture will have everyone excited to dive in.
How to Serve Discover the Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Fall

Garnishes
Garnishing your butternut squash soup is where you can get playful and add texture. Roasted pumpkin seeds bring a delightful crunch, a drizzle of cream provides an elegant swirl, fresh herbs like thyme or sage add freshness, and crisp croutons introduce a satisfying bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette to mop up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a homey feel that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls to elevate the fall theme. You can also swirl in a bit of pesto or sprinkle toasted nuts on top for an extra flavor punch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to bring it back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup to enjoy later—perfect for busy days! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to cozy up.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents curdling and helps maintain that smooth, velvety texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or another plant-based cream and use vegetable broth to keep this recipe fully vegan without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What if I don’t have a blender?
If you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or carefully mash the cooked squash and other ingredients. The soup won’t be as smooth but will still taste delicious.
Can I use canned butternut squash?
Fresh cubed squash really shines in this soup, but if you need a shortcut, canned or frozen squash can work in a pinch. Adjust cooking times accordingly and check the seasoning, as canned ingredients sometimes have added salt or preservatives.
What can I substitute for the apple?
If you don’t have an apple on hand, pear or a small amount of apple cider can add a similar hint of sweetness and depth to the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is gently spiced with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s more cozy than spicy, perfect for all ages. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how to make the best butternut squash soup recipe for fall, you’re all set to bring a bowl of seasonal comfort to your table. This soup is not only simple and nourishing but also bursting with flavors that truly celebrate the essence of the season. Treat yourself and your loved ones—once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved fall tradition.
PrintDiscover the Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Fall Recipe
This cozy butternut squash soup recipe is perfect for fall, combining sweet and savory flavors with warming spices. Made with butternut squash, apple, and aromatic vegetables, this creamy soup is ideal for a comforting meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds an inviting warmth, and the choice of heavy cream or coconut milk provides creamy richness that can cater to both dairy and dairy-free preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Fats and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrot and apple carefully to ensure even cooking later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Squash and Apple: Stir in the cubed butternut squash and diced apple. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the fruits and vegetables to blend and start releasing their flavors.
- Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth. Add salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the squash and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as roasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or crunchy croutons to enhance texture and presentation.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of chicken broth and heavy cream.
- The type of apple affects sweetness; Granny Smith will add tartness, while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter note.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds make a delicious, nutritious garnish adding crunch.
- To speed up peeling and cubing, use a sharp vegetable peeler and chef’s knife or a food processor with slicing attachments.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: butternut squash soup, fall soup recipe, creamy squash soup, autumn recipes, vegetarian soup, healthy soup