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Cozy One-Pot Fall Harvest Soup with Roasted Butternut Squash

roasted butternut squash soup - featured image

This cozy one-pot fall harvest soup with roasted butternut squash is that recipe you make when you need to feel grounded. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your belly with comfort, all from a single pot and a sheet pan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 23 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 45 fresh sage leaves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, fried sage leaves, a drizzle of cream, crumbled bacon, or a swirl of Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Spread it out in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and the edges are caramelized and golden brown.
  2. While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, diced apple, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches and fill it no more than halfway. Hold the lid with a kitchen towel and blend on low to start, then increase speed.
  6. Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Don’t skip roasting the squash—it’s non-negotiable for deep flavor. Cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes for even roasting. Season as you go for layered flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Let the soup cool slightly before blending if using a regular blender. The apple cider vinegar brightens the soup; don’t skip it.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash soup, fall harvest soup, one-pot soup, cozy soup, roasted butternut squash, fall recipe, comfort food, gluten-free, vegetarian