I absolutely love this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe because it hits that perfect sweet and savory note that feels like a big warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of roasted butternut squash and crisp Granny Smith apples creates a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and delightfully fresh, making it my go-to when I crave something both nourishing and easy to make.
When I first tried this soup, I was amazed at how the silken tofu adds creaminess without heavy cream, keeping it light but satisfying. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold evening or need a wholesome lunch, this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is a total winner you’ll keep coming back to, especially as fall rolls in and those markets are brimming with colorful produce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet apples and earthy squash create a deliciously harmonious soup.
- Creamy Texture Without Dairy: Silken tofu adds luxurious creaminess that’s light and vegan-friendly.
- Simple Prep and Roasting: Roasting the veggies brings out deep flavor with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Satisfying: Great as a starter, lunch, or dinner for a cozy, wholesome meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet they work together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. I always pick a firm, tart Granny Smith apple to cut through the richness, and a good-quality olive oil to give a smooth roast and finishing drizzle.
- Butternut squash: Choose a firm squash with no soft spots; roasting it caramelizes the natural sugars perfectly.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the squash.
- Sage powder: Brings a warm, earthy tone that complements both squash and apple.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the layered flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and freshness, both in cooking and as a garnish.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when roasting and garnishing.
- Water: Keeps the soup light and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Vegetable bouillon cube: Adds a quick, flavorful stock base without fuss.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that lifts the taste with herbs like oregano and thyme.
- Granny Smith apples: Two apples—one pureed into the soup, and one diced fresh for garnish.
- Silken tofu: The secret creamy ingredient that’s silky without any dairy.
Variations
I encourage you to experiment with this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe to make it your own—it’s surprisingly adaptable. Over time, I’ve added or swapped ingredients depending on what’s in season or what my pantry holds, and I love how versatile this soup can be without losing its signature comforting flavor.
- Add warmth with spices: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy autumnal twist that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, stirring in some red pepper flakes adds an exciting edge without overwhelming the soup.
- Swap the tofu: For a richer version, I occasionally use coconut milk—or if you prefer, heavy cream works well too, but it’s heavier.
- Make it gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but just ensure your bouillon cube is gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this saves you a messy cleanup later. Spread out the butternut squash slices and the chopped onion on the sheet. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Roast for about 30 minutes, checking for tenderness. If the squash isn’t quite soft, roast in additional 5-minute increments. Keep an eye on the onions—they can burn quickly! If that happens, scoop them out and set aside so they don’t add bitterness.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Italian Seasoning
Once your veggies are roasted, transfer them to a large pot. Add 3 cups of water, your vegetable bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, then bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it’s boiling, cover with a lid, reduce heat, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Apple and Silken Tofu, then Blend
While the soup simmers, peel, core, and roughly chop one of your Granny Smith apples. Toss this apple along with the silken tofu into the hot pot. Stir until everything is combined. Now comes the fun part: blending! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a countertop blender works just fine—just work in batches, careful not to overfill, and pour the blended soup back into your pot. If you want it thinner, add a little boiling water to reach your perfect texture. Taste, then adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Peel, core, and finely dice the second apple to garnish each serving with a fresh burst of crispness. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with your diced apple, and feel free to add extra black pepper, a dash more sage, and a gentle drizzle of olive oil for that final touch. I love how those little finishing touches make the soup feel extra special.
Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
- Use Ripe but Firm Squash: I’ve learned the hard way that softer, overly ripe squash turns mushy—firm but fresh is best for roasting.
- Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting your butternut squash and onions develops that lovely caramelized depth you can’t get from boiling alone.
- Silken Tofu for Creaminess: Added tofu smooths the soup perfectly without dairy, making it lighter and vegan-friendly—a trick I discovered after trying multiple cream substitutes.
- Watch the Onion Timing: Onions cook faster than squash, so if they start browning too much, remove them early to keep from adding bitterness.
How to Serve Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to garnish this soup with the fresh diced Granny Smith apple for a crisp contrast and a sprinkle of sage powder to echo the warmth from roasting. A drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and a touch of freshness, and sometimes I add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to brighten every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple mixed green salad to balance its sweetness. My family also enjoys it alongside warm, rosemary-infused roasted potatoes or a grilled cheese sandwich, which makes mealtime feel extra homey.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini pumpkin bowls—it’s a showstopper and so festive! You can also swirl in a spoonful of coconut cream or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for texture and visual appeal. I always love little touches that turn a simple bowl into a statement dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butternut Squash and Apple Soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I prefer glass containers as they don’t stain and heat evenly. Just cover the surface of the soup with plastic wrap to minimize oxidation if you plan to keep it for several days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. I let it cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat this soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or veggie broth helps restore the original creamy consistency if it thickened in the fridge. Resist boiling it again, as that can change the flavor and texture.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan thanks to the use of silken tofu instead of cream and a vegetable bouillon cube. Just double-check that your bouillon is vegan-friendly, and you’re all set.
-
Can I substitute the silken tofu?
Absolutely. Silken tofu provides creaminess without dairy, but you can substitute it with coconut milk, cashew cream, or even heavy cream if you don’t mind dairy. Just adjust the quantity to maintain the soup’s smooth texture.
-
Is it necessary to roast the butternut squash?
Roasting is key because it caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash and onions, adding depth that boiling alone can’t achieve. While you can boil the squash, the flavor won’t be as rich or complex.
-
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is a heartfelt favorite of mine because it’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor—everything I look for when I want to feel cozy without fuss in the kitchen. I hope when you try it, you find it as soothing and satisfying as I do, whether for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends with minimal effort. Trust me, this soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
PrintButternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and creamy Butternut Squash and Apple Soup that perfectly balances sweet, savory, earthy, and tangy flavors. Roasted butternut squash and onions are combined with tart Granny Smith apples and silken tofu for a smooth, comforting soup ideal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups butternut squash (sliced into ½-inch thick slices or cubed)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon sage powder (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids & Other
- 3 to 4 cups water
- 1 vegetable bouillon cube
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 (12-ounce) box silken tofu
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roast squash and onion: Spread the butternut squash and chopped onion on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, checking for tenderness. Continue roasting in 5-minute increments if needed. Remove onions early if they start to burn and set them aside.
- Simmer roasted ingredients: Transfer the roasted squash and onions to a large pot with a lid. Add 3 cups of water, the vegetable bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the pot sit undisturbed as you prepare the apples.
- Add apples and tofu: Peel, core, and roughly chop one of the Granny Smith apples. Add the chopped apple and the entire box of silken tofu to the hot soup. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and return the soup to the pot. Add additional boiling water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare garnish and serve: Peel, core, and dice the second Granny Smith apple. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with 1 to 2 tablespoons of diced apple. Optionally, sprinkle with extra black pepper, sage powder, and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Cozy, creamy, and packed with fall flavors, this soup offers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, earthy, and tangy elements.
- Using silken tofu adds creaminess without dairy, making it suitable for those avoiding lactose.
- Adjust water quantity to control the thickness of the soup to your preference.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable bouillon cube with homemade veggie stock for a fresher taste.
- This soup reheats well and flavors deepen if made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 773 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg