Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy soup to warm your heart and home this fall, look no further! This Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and earthy flavors. It’s my go-to recipe on busy weeknights and for family gatherings alike. The roasted butternut squash adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the aromatic sage and thyme. Trust me; once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. In just over an hour, you can whip up a comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this soup simmering away while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and sweet flavor of the butternut squash.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday, and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores well in the fridge or freezer!
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with vitamins and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.
• Deliciously Aromatic: The combination of sage and thyme brings an inviting aroma that will make your kitchen feel like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this comforting soup! You probably have many of these items in your pantry already.

For the Soup

• 1 butternut squash (3–4 lb)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 head garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth or water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream or coconut milk)

For the Toppings

• Homemade croutons
• Reserved butternut squash seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes

Variations

One of the best parts about this Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Make it chunky: Leave some pieces of roasted squash in the soup for added texture.
• Herb substitutes: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you don’t have sage on hand.
• Creaminess options: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as rich.

How to Make Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives depth to our soup. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

While the squash is roasting, chop your onion and garlic. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent—this takes about 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic; cooking until fragrant adds layers of flavor to our base.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the butternut squash is roasted, scoop out its flesh into the pot with onions and garlic. Add chopped sage, thyme leaves, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes so that those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender), puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you’re using a regular blender, be careful; blend in batches if necessary! This step makes our soup velvety—a true comfort food experience!

Step 5: Stir in Cream

Return the blended soup to low heat and stir in your choice of heavy cream, cashew cream, or coconut milk. This addition not only enriches the flavor but also helps balance out any sharpness from the herbs.

Step 6: Prepare Toppings

While everything simmers gently on low heat, prepare your toppings! Toss reserved butternut squash seeds with olive oil and salt before roasting them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy—these will add a lovely crunch!

And there you have it! Serve your Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup hot with homemade croutons sprinkled on top or alongside hearty bread for dipping. Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Making a delicious soup is all about the little details that elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is absolutely perfect!

• Choose ripe butternut squash: A well-ripened squash brings out a deeper flavor and natural sweetness, making your soup irresistibly tasty.
• Roast until caramelized: Allow your butternut squash to roast until it’s slightly caramelized. This adds depth and richness to the flavor profile of your soup.
• Blend thoroughly: For a creamy texture, blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. A high-speed blender works best, giving you that velvety finish that’s so satisfying.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or herbs according to your palate. A little extra sage or thyme can make a world of difference in flavor.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last up to five days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep!

How to Serve Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Serving your beautifully crafted soup can be just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can take your presentation from simple to stunning.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme leaves on top not only looks beautiful but also enhances the herbal notes of the dish.
• Drizzle of cream or coconut milk: A swirl of cream or coconut milk on top makes for an eye-catching presentation while adding richness.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. The texture contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the soup.
• Mixed green salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast that balances out the creamy soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Who can resist a classic? Pairing your soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and additional nutrients to your meal while enhancing those fall flavors we all love.

With these serving ideas and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress family and friends with a bowl of Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup that’s both delightful and heartwarming! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your busy evenings much easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best texture, consider freezing without cream and adding it when reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture while keeping it vegan.

How do I enhance the flavor of Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup?

Consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an extra kick! Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can also elevate its flavor profile.

What should I serve with Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or homemade bread for dipping. Croutons add a lovely crunch!

Can I use other squash varieties instead of butternut?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with acorn squash or pumpkin for a different flavor twist. The cooking times may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Sage Roasted Butternut Squash Soup warms your heart and fills your home with delightful aromas! It’s such a comforting dish that brings seasonal flavors to your table effortlessly. Enjoy making it, and feel free to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!