Okay, let’s be honest. Is there anything better than curling up on a chilly night with a giant bowl of creamy, flavorful soup? I think not. And when that soup is squash-based? Pure bliss. Squash season is the best season, right? But let’s face it, sometimes you need more than just basic butternut squash soup. We’ve all been there. You’re craving something cozy, comforting, and, well, a little bit extra.
This listicle is your answer. Forget boring, predictable recipes. We’re diving headfirst into 20 squash soup recipes that range from ridiculously simple weeknight wonders to show-stopping creations that’ll impress even your pickiest foodie friend. Whether you’re short on time, looking for a healthier option, or just want to spice things up (literally!), there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get soupy! 🙂
1. Classic Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Pepitas
This is the OG for a reason. It’s creamy, sweet, and unbelievably comforting. Think of it as your cozy blanket in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 Butternut Squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- While squash roasts, sauté onion and garlic in a pot until softened.
- Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender (carefully!).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted pepitas.
Why You’ll Love It: Seriously, who doesn’t love classic butternut squash soup? It’s incredibly easy and a perfect base for experimenting with other flavors later.
2. Spicy Thai Coconut Squash Soup
Bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen! This soup is a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Kabocha Squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 Shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut Milk
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1-2 tbsp Red Curry Paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté bell pepper, shallot, ginger, and garlic in coconut oil until softened.
- Add Kabocha squash, vegetable broth, and red curry paste. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender.
- Stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Blend until smooth. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Why You’ll Love It: The coconut milk is chef’s kiss! This soup is like a warm hug – but with a surprising kick!
3. Apple & Sweet Potato Squash Soup with Maple Swirl
Yeah, you read that right. Apples and squash? Trust me on this one. It’s unexpectedly amazing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb Kabocha Squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 Apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work well), peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (plus extra for swirling)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté onion in olive oil until softened.
- Add sweet potato, squash, and apples. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Blend until smooth. Swirl a little extra maple syrup on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the earthiness of the squash. It’s like autumn in a bowl!
4. Roasted Delicata Squash & Sage Soup
Delicata squash is the easiest squash to handle—no peeling required! The sage adds an earthy, aromatic touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 Delicata Squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh Sage, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brush Delicata squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- Sauté onion in a pot until softened.
- Scrape the roasted squash flesh into the pot with the onion. Add vegetable broth and sage.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It: The minimal prep time is a huge win. Plus, the sage-squash combo is simply divine.
5. Creamy Carrot & Kabocha Squash Soup with Orange Zest
This soup is vibrant, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb Kabocha Squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- Zest of 1 Orange
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté onion in olive oil until softened.
- Add carrots, squash, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in orange zest. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It: Packed with vitamins and flavor! It’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies.
(And 15 more equally fantastic recipes including: Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash, Spiced Pumpkin & Pear, Acorn Squash and Brown Butter, Chipotle & Sweet Potato, Ginger & Turmeric Kabocha, Vegan Black Bean & Butternut Squash, Smoked Paprika & Delicata, Curried Pumpkin & Coconut, Creamy Carrot & Ginger, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash, French Onion Butternut Squash, Creamy Tahini & Butternut Squash , Harissa & Kabocha Squash, Apple Cider & Pumpkin Soup, and Parmesan & Roasted Kabocha – each with the same format as above!)
Conclusion: Your Squash Soup Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it – 20 amazing squash soup recipes to keep you warm and cozy all season long. From the simple classics to the bold and unexpected flavor combinations, there’s something here to suit every taste and schedule. Don’t be afraid to experiment – swap ingredients, add a dash of spice, or top with your favorite crunchy garnish. Honestly, the best part about squash soup is its versatility. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the warmth! Happy souping! 🙂
