Name: Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 3/4 cups); 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup); 4 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled; 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 8 cups); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil; 1 (32-ounce) carton low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups); Heavy cream, crème fraîche, or coconut cream, for drizzling (optional); 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary leaves (from about 2 sprigs), plus more for garnish; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed; Freshly ground black pepper

There’s something utterly comforting about a bowl of cozy, velvety soup on a crisp day, and this Butternut Squash Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. With its silky texture and hints of fresh herbs, it’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel at home—and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

A bowl of thick orange pumpkin soup fills a round dark bowl placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of brown bread in the corner. The soup is smooth with a creamy white swirl pattern on top. Small green herb leaves and scattered black pepper dots decorate the surface. A spoon holding a scoop of the soup with cream on it dips into the right side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that feels fancy without fuss. I remember the first time I made it for friends—they couldn’t believe how rich and comforting it was with just simple ingredients and a bit of patience.

Rich and Creamy Texture: No heavy cream required—you get luxurious smoothness from perfectly cooked squash and simple blending.
Fresh Herb Flavor: The subtle touch of sage or thyme adds a bright earthiness that really lifts the soup.
Simple Ingredients: Staples you probably already have in your pantry and fridge come together magically here.
Family Friendly: It’s gentle enough for kids, yet sophisticated enough to serve guests for a cozy dinner.

A large white pot filled with smooth, thick, light brown soup with a creamy texture, evenly spread with small black pepper specks scattered on the surface; a wooden spoon with a natural grain lies in the pot, partly submerged and angled slightly to the right, mixing the soup gently; the pot sits on a white marbled surface that adds brightness to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Butternut Squash Soup Recipe plays a special role—whether it’s bringing sweetness, depth, or that signature herbal note. Plus, knowing what to look for while shopping makes the whole process smoother.

Flat lay of a large butternut squash with smooth orange skin and bright orange flesh chunks, vibrant peeled and diced orange carrots, a whole yellow onion with papery skin and diced pieces, several peeled garlic cloves with a creamy white texture, fresh green sage leaves finely chopped and whole sprigs, sprigs of rosemary with deep green needles, a small heap of smoky red paprika powder, and a scattering of whole black peppercorns—all arranged naturally with some overlapping and space between to showcase their colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: Butter adds a lovely richness, whereas olive oil keeps it lighter and dairy-free-friendly.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet, savory base flavor when caramelized gently.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and subtle earthiness that rounds out the squash.
Garlic: Adds warmth and depth—but don’t overpower it; just four cloves do the trick.
Butternut Squash: Naturally creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that’s the star of the show.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Keeps the soup savory and well-balanced; low sodium lets you control the salt.
Fresh Sage, Thyme, or Rosemary: The fresh herbs elevate the flavor with subtle piney and floral notes that dry herbs just can’t match.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and mild smokiness that gives the soup a little personality.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
Heavy Cream, Crème Fraîche, or Coconut Cream (optional): Great for drizzling to add richness, especially if you want that extra touch of indulgence.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. I often switch up the herbs or add a little heat if I’m feeling adventurous—don’t hesitate to do the same!

Add a Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to warm things up on a chilly day—I promise it’s a game-changer.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for olive oil and drizzle with coconut cream instead of heavy cream; it still feels indulgent.
Richer Flavor: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or a splash of sherry at the end for extra depth.
Add Roasted Garlic: For a deeper garlic flavor, roast a head and blend it in instead of raw cloves.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter (or warming olive oil) in a sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and crushed garlic. Stir them every few minutes while they soften and pick up light golden spots—about 8 minutes. I find this step smells incredible and really builds a solid flavor base, so be patient and don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add the Squash and Broth

Next, toss in your cubed butternut squash along with the broth and fresh herbs. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and salt over everything, stir to combine, then bring the pot to a boil. Watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over—adjust the heat if needed.

Step 3: Simmer Until Perfect

Turn the flame down to low, partially cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to check when the squash is fork-tender and breaking apart easily—that’s your cue that it’s ready to blend.

Step 4: Blend Until Velvety Smooth

Using an immersion blender is my go-to here—just blend straight in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer in batches to a stand blender. Taste the soup and season with extra salt and pepper as needed. This step is all about balancing the flavors and getting that perfect velvety texture.

Step 5: Serve with a Swirl of Cream

Serve warm, drizzled with a little heavy cream, crème fraîche, or coconut cream if you like. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herb leaves on top—it makes the soup look beautiful and adds a fresh pop of flavor.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make this Butternut Squash Soup Recipe shine and simplify the process, so here are my favorites to help you get it just right.

Roast for Extra Depth: Try roasting the butternut squash cubes beforehand to deepen the flavor and bring out caramelized sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking the aromatics until softened and lightly browned adds layers of flavor you won’t get from just boiling everything.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage or thyme makes a huge difference to the final dish—dry herbs tend to get lost in the flavor.
Season Gradually: I always season lightly before simmering and then adjust after blending so you don’t oversalt early on.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Butternut Squash Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the soup with a drizzle of cream and a few fresh sage leaves—adds that signature herbal note and looks so inviting. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top for a little crunch and extra flavor punch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich—my go-to comfort combo. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts work really well too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the soup in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out butternut squash halves. It makes the presentation festive and doubles as conversation starters at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the soup completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes just as good reheated, just be sure to stir occasionally in the pot so it heats evenly.

Freezing

This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. I pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags in meal-sized portions, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep the cream drizzle for when you serve to keep it fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it looks too thick after refrigeration or freezing, just whisk in a splash of broth or water to loosen it right up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this soup?

Yes! Frozen butternut squash works well and saves prep time. Just thaw it beforehand and adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen squash can cook faster.

How do I make this soup vegan?

Swap the butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use coconut cream for the optional drizzle to keep it creamy and dairy-free.

Can I prepare butternut squash in advance?

Absolutely! You can peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge in an airtight container to save prep time the day you cook the soup.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce while simmering. I like to start with a small amount and adjust to taste to keep the balance right.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Butternut Squash Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for any time I need a little comfort or want to impress without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy all the cozy goodness it brings!