When the weather starts to turn crisp and the leaves show their bright shades, nothing feels more comforting than a warm bowl of Butternut Squash Soup. This has become such a reliable recipe in my kitchen, especially during the autumn and winter months. I remember the first time I made this soup for a weeknight dinner after a long day—it came together quickly, used simple pantry staples, and filled the house with the kind of cozy aroma that makes you want to settle in with a good book or some friends. My family’s honest reaction? Pure delight. It was creamy, flavorful, and felt like a little hug in a bowl.
What makes this Butternut Squash Soup stand out in real home cooking is how easy it is to pull off without any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Whether you’re new to making soups or looking for a reliable recipe to add to your rotation, this one won’t let you down. Plus, it’s flexible enough to work as a healthy squash soup option or a winter warming soup when you need something nourishing.
If you’ve ever thought about trying a roasted squash recipe but felt intimidated by the peeling or roasting parts, I promise this Butternut Squash Soup simplifies those steps, and there are ways to customize it depending on what you have on hand. This is the kind of soup you can trust to make ahead, serve for guests, or enjoy on a quiet night in.
For my fellow home cooks who want a dependable fall or winter dish that’s both tasty and practical, I invite you to stick around. I’ll walk you through every step of making this Butternut Squash Soup, share ingredient tips, serving ideas, and answer common questions that come up. Together, you’ll see how this creamy pumpkin soup transforms a simple vegetable into a meal everyone will ask for again.
What You’ll Need:

To get started with this Butternut Squash Soup, here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
No worries if you can’t find fresh squash; frozen butternut squash cubes work just fine and save prep time. - 1 large onion, chopped
You’ll find onions in the regular grocery aisle, and a yellow onion adds sweetness that’s perfect here. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a simple swap in a pinch. - 4 cups vegetable broth
Pick a low-sodium version for more control over the flavor of your soup. - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
I like using almond milk for a creamy pumpkin soup feel without heaviness, but regular milk or cream works too. - 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
This adds richness; butter gives a traditional touch, olive oil keeps it lighter and more vegetarian. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A little warmth here enhances the roasted squash recipe vibe without overpowering. - Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, a drizzle of cream or yogurt
This Butternut Squash Soup keeps costs reasonable because it uses straightforward, everyday ingredients. If you find peeling the squash tedious, a little kitchen tip is to roast the squash cubes with the skin on and scoop the flesh out afterward—that shortcut saves time and adds roasted flavor.
Any extras of this healthy squash soup store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions. It makes a great lunch you can pull out whenever you want a comforting bite without fuss. This Butternut Squash Soup recipe works as a great base to build on or enjoy just as it is—a true crowd-pleaser.
Let’s Make It Together:
Here’s how to bring this Butternut Squash Soup to life in your kitchen, step by step.
1. Prep the butternut squash
Peel the squash carefully with a good vegetable peeler, then cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Cube the flesh into even pieces about 1-inch wide. This makes sure they cook evenly.
2. Sauté aromatics
In a large pot, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cinnamon, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, enough to cover the squash, usually about 4 cups. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook until the squash is tender when poked with a fork, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth
Once soft, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until creamy and smooth. No immersion blender? Transfer batches carefully to a regular blender and pulse. Just be cautious with the hot liquid.
5. Add creaminess
Return the blended soup to the pot if needed. Stir in your almond milk or preferred milk choice. Taste and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. This step gives you that signature creamy pumpkin soup texture and flavor.
6. Simmer a bit longer
Let the soup heat through gently for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. This rest melds flavors and warms the creamy pumpkin soup to the perfect serving temperature.
From start to finish, this Butternut Squash Soup takes about 45 minutes. While it cooks, you can prep a simple salad or set the table. The smell of cinnamon and roasted squash in your kitchen will tell you that cozy, winter warming soup hour is close.
If your Butternut Squash Soup looks thicker than you want after blending, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. This recipe is flexible—some like it thicker, others prefer a lighter soup.
One little change I make is adding a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for a slightly deeper flavor. It’s those small details that make this creamy pumpkin soup feel like a family favorite.
How to Serve & Enjoy:

This Butternut Squash Soup shines best served warm in bowls with a few simple touches. I love pairing it with crusty bread or my homemade grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying meal. The crunchy bread contrasts perfectly with the silky soup. For a vegetarian autumn soup twist, adding a bright green salad with apple slices and walnuts balances the rich flavors nicely.
A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top adds a lovely crunch and an extra hint of fall. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme bring vibrant color and fresh notes to this winter warming soup.
Serving suggestions don’t have to be complicated. This Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, quiet Sundays, and even casual dinner parties. It’s impressive on the table but easy enough to whip up any night.
Leftovers? This healthy squash soup is great reheated for lunch or poured into a thermos for a portable treat. You can also use it as a sauce for roasted vegetables or pasta—it’s surprisingly versatile.
If you like this, your family might also enjoy another roasted squash recipe I’ve perfected: my roasted butternut squash with ground turkey. It’s a good way to stretch ingredients for a fuller meal.
Your Questions Answered:
Home cooks often ask me about the best ways to handle Butternut Squash Soup, so here are some answers to the most common questions:
Can I make this Butternut Squash Soup ahead of time? Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
What’s a good substitute for almond milk in this Butternut Squash Soup? You can use any dairy or plant-based milk—cashew milk is creamy, oat milk adds a little sweetness, or regular milk or half-and-half if you’re not dairy-free.
How do I adjust this Butternut Squash Soup for more or fewer people? Simply multiply or divide the ingredients. This recipe scales well, so double it for a crowd or halve it for two servings.
Can I add spice to this Butternut Squash Soup? Definitely! Some friends love a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a little warmth. I’ve seen spicy pumpkin soup recipes like this one that add a nice punch if you like heat.
Is this Butternut Squash Soup vegetarian or vegan? It’s vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using olive oil instead of butter and plant-based milk.
Can I skip peeling the squash? If you roast the squash whole or in large pieces, you can scoop out the flesh without peeling raw. The skin softens during roasting and is easy to remove.
What are good ways to add extra flavor to this soup? I sometimes stir in a spoonful of maple syrup or a dash of smoked paprika. Also, roasting the squash before adding it to the soup brings wonderful depth. For more roast-inspired ideas, this roasted pumpkin soup recipe is amazing for a similar creamy pumpkin soup with a vegan twist.
If you want to try a different approach altogether, this bake-inspired Simanim stuffed butternut squash is a unique variation that’s great for holiday meals.
Final Thoughts:
This Butternut Squash Soup holds a special place in my recipe collection because it checks all the boxes that make a recipe a keeper—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that cozy taste that feels like home every time.
My Best Butternut Squash Soup Tips:
– Take your time sautéing the onions and spices—they build the base flavor.
– Don’t skip blending until smooth; that creamy pumpkin soup texture is key.
– Taste and adjust seasoning especially after adding the milk.
I’ve tested this soup with a few variations: swapping almond milk for cashew milk, roasting the squash instead of boiling, and adding a dash of curry powder. Each brings a different twist, but the classic version always gets requested most by my family.
I encourage you to make this Butternut Squash Soup your own. Try different toppings or spice levels and find what suits your home best. What I hope you’ll love most is how easy it is to make something so comforting and wholesome with just a few simple ingredients.
For more cozy fall treats, take a peek at my Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake recipe that pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup on chilly mornings.
Making this Butternut Squash Soup is one of those straightforward cooking wins you will keep coming back to. It’s delicious, doable, and a true friend on dinner tables through the season. Happy cooking, fellow home cooks!
Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy and comforting butternut squash soup that combines roasted squash with warm spices for a deliciously smooth and flavorful starter or main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the roasted squash to the pot along with vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree.
- If desired, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for added creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

