If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting soup that’s bursting with autumn vibes, you’ve just hit the jackpot. This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when the weather starts turning chilly. The sweet-but-savory blend of roasted butternut squash and tart Granny Smith apples, along with a touch of sage and silky tofu, creates a creamy soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy to make, plus it’s got that fancy, gourmet feel without any fuss. Let me show you how to bring this delicious soup into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet apples cut through the creamy butternut squash for a soup that’s just the right mix of sweet and savory.
- Simple Preparation: Roasting then blending means full flavors with minimal effort and no heavy cream needed.
- Great Texture: Using silken tofu adds a velvety smoothness without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Family Favorite: My kids and friends always ask for seconds—this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a soup that’s rich in flavor and texture. The butternut squash and apples complement each other beautifully, while the spices and seasoning bring out those cozy fall notes you’ll love.
- Butternut Squash: Pick a firm, heavy one with smooth skin for the best roasting results.
- Yellow Onion: Adds savory depth; make sure it’s fresh and crisp.
- Sage Powder: I love the earthy herbaceousness sage brings to squash dishes.
- Garlic Powder: For subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the soup.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential basics; fresh cracked pepper adds a nice bite.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality for roasting and finishing touch.
- Water and Vegetable Bouillon Cube: Simple broth base to keep the soup light.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a harmonious blend of herbs enhancing the flavor profile.
- Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Silken Tofu: The secret to creamy texture without dairy; blends perfectly.
Variations
I love playing around with this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe to suit different moods and flavors. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving and a perfect base for all kinds of tweaks.
- Spicy Kick: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper – it gave the soup a lovely warm heat that my family adored on a chilly night.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: If you aren’t a fan of tofu, coconut cream is a great alternative that adds a subtly sweet richness.
- Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace sage for a slightly different earthiness.
- Veggie Boost: Try adding a carrot or two to roast alongside the squash for extra sweetness and color.
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Veggies to Bring Out Their Best
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the butternut squash slices and chopped onion on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over. Toss it all so the veggies are coated evenly. Pop the tray in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, checking for tenderness—a fork should slide through the squash easily. If the onions start browning too quickly, fish them out and set them aside so they don’t burn. This roasting step is where the magic starts, deepening the flavor and adding that warm, caramelized edge.
Step 2: Simmer and Infuse the Soup Base
Transfer the roasted squash and onions into a large pot. Pour in 3 cups of water, crumble in a vegetable bouillon cube, and sprinkle your Italian seasoning. Stir things up and bring it to a boil before covering and letting it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This lets the flavors marry beautifully, and the squash gets super soft, perfect for blending later. Meanwhile, get the apples ready—you’ll need them fresh and bright for the next step.
Step 3: Add Apples and Silken Tofu for Creaminess
Peel, core, and roughly chop one Granny Smith apple. Toss it into the hot pot along with the silken tofu. Stir everything together. I discovered that tofu isn’t just for savory dishes—it adds such a creamy texture while keeping the soup plant-based. Now comes the fun part: blending!
Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Grab your immersion blender and puree the soup right in the pot until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works just as well—blend in batches to avoid spills. If the soup feels too thick, add a little extra boiling water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. This is where you fine-tune the flavors, and trust me, it’s always worth the extra pinch or two!
Step 5: Final Touches for Serving
Before ladling the soup into bowls, peel, core, and dice the second apple. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of this fresh apple on top of each serving. The tiny bursts of crunch and tartness make such a delightful contrast to the smooth soup. If you want, add a little black pepper, some extra sage powder, and a drizzle of olive oil for that finishing touch that takes it from good to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
- Use Parchment or Silicone Mats for Roasting: This keeps cleanup super easy and prevents the veggies from sticking or burning.
- Check Squash Tenderness Early: Starting at 30 minutes, poke it with a fork; roasting longer can make it too mushy, while underdone affects the soup’s creaminess.
- Add Apples in Stages: Roasting one apple would be too sweet, but adding one raw for garnish keeps a fresh tartness that brightens each bite.
- Avoid Overblending: Blend just enough to get creamy, but don’t puree so long that the soup becomes gluey or loses that fresh squash flavor.
How to Serve Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go with the diced fresh apples on top because that crunch brings the soup to life. Then I’ll sprinkle a tiny bit of extra sage powder and fresh cracked black pepper for an aromatic finish. A quick drizzle of olive oil adds a hint of richness and shines the surface beautifully. Sometimes roasted pepitas make a fun, nutty topping if you want a little texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, especially a warm baguette or garlic focaccia, which is great for dipping. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the creamy soup nicely too, balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday or special occasion, serve this soup in mini pumpkin bowls or cute ramekins lined with crisp sage leaves underneath. Swirling in a little pesto or drizzling red pepper oil creates a beautiful color contrast that wows guests. I once turned this into an elegant starter with a side of toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of microgreens—super impressive but still simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds its flavor beautifully, but I recommend adding the fresh apple garnish right before serving again for maximum freshness.
Freezing
This soup freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge to retain that creamy texture without separation.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring continuously to keep it smooth. Adding a splash of water or broth helps if it gets too thick. Avoid the microwave if you can; it can make the tofu separate slightly.
FAQs
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Can I make this Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses vegetable bouillon and silken tofu instead of dairy cream. Just make sure your bouillon cube is labeled vegan, which most vegetable versions are.
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What if I don’t have silken tofu—can I substitute it?
Silken tofu is great for smooth texture, but if you don’t have it, coconut cream or cashew cream are good plant-based alternatives. For a non-vegan version, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half works too.
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Can I use other types of apples?
Granny Smith apples are preferred because their tartness balances the soup’s sweetness. That said, Fuji or Honeycrisp can work if you like a sweeter touch, just adjust seasonings accordingly.
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How thick should the soup be?
That’s totally up to you! I like mine thick and creamy but still spoonable, so it’s perfect for dipping bread. If you want it thinner, just add more water or broth while blending until you hit your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes I reach for again and again when I want something comforting but elegant. It’s the little things—the roasted veggies, that touch of sage, the fresh apples as garnish—that make it special and memorable. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and I promise the warm smiles on your family’s faces will make it all worth it. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—you might just have a new fall favorite on your hands!
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: Vegan
Description
This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a cozy, creamy blend of roasted butternut squash, sweet and tart Granny Smith apples, and silken tofu for extra creaminess. Roasting the vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness, while sage, garlic, and Italian seasoning add a warm, earthy depth. Pureed until smooth, this comforting fall soup is perfect for chilly evenings and garnished with fresh diced apple, sage, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 4 cups butternut squash (sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubed)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sage powder (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
- 3 to 4 cups water
- 1 vegetable bouillon cube
- 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 for easy roasting cleanup.
- Roast Butternut Squash and Onion: Spread the butternut squash and chopped onion evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sage powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, checking for tenderness. If the squash is not tender, continue roasting in 5-minute intervals. If onions begin to burn, remove them early and set aside.
- Simmer Roasted Vegetables: 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 well, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes. After simmering, turn off the heat and leave the pot covered to keep warm.
- Prepare Apples and Add to Soup: Peel, core, and roughly chop one of the Granny Smith apples. Add the chopped apple and silken tofu to the hot soup in the pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender, then return the blended soup to the pot. Add additional boiling water as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare Garnish: Peel, core, and dice the second apple into small cubes to use as a fresh garnish that adds crunch and a pop of tartness.
- Serve: Ladle the finished soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the diced apple, a sprinkle of black pepper, a dusting of sage powder, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting fall flavors.
Notes
- This soup is cozy, creamy, and packed with balanced fall flavors combining sweet, savory, earthy, and tangy notes, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Roasting the squash and onions enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Silken tofu adds creaminess without dairy, keeping the soup vegan-friendly and smooth in texture.
- Adjust the amount of water to customize the thickness of the soup to your liking.
- Garnishing with fresh diced apple adds a refreshing contrast in texture and taste.
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
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