As winter sweeps into full swing, the comfort foods that define the season are also making their appearance. From green bean casserole to apple pie, hearty, warming dishes are a big part of what makes this time of year so special. Although wintertime may look a bit different this year, not every tradition has to be put on pause — particularly those that take place in the kitchen. And during times like the ones we’re living in, we need all the restorative warmth we can get, whether that’s from tradition or a big bowl of rich soup.
One traditional staple that should be making an appearance on your winter dinner table? Squash soup. Thick, creamy and oh-so-savory, easy butternut squash soup recipes are perfect when you’re looking to brew up a bit of snow-day comfort while still maintaining the much-needed restfulness that this season demands. If you’re ready to get cooking, check out five of the best butternut squash soup recipes to warm you up as winter’s chill rolls in.
Best Classic Butternut Squash Soup
When it comes to butternut squash soup, you can’t go wrong with a classic recipe. This soup recipe from Food Network has all the warmth of a dish that’s been passed down for generations. However, there aren’t any culinary bells and whistles to trip you up as you prepare this dish. With only six ingredients in this full-bodied mix, this soup will turn out delicious whether or not you consider yourself a chef.
To prep this classic combo, you’ll simply need to simmer chunks of squash, onions, nutmeg, salt and pepper in rich chicken stock. When the veggies are soft, you’ll blend them together — this one really couldn’t be easier. For a little extra pizzazz, drizzle some heavy cream on top and sprinkle on a garnish of fried sage leaves.
Another perk of this classic? The broth is a blank canvas. Once you’re comfortable with this recipe, you can throw in garlic, onions and other flavorful seasonings and morsels to add your own tasty kick to the recipe. The one thing you need to do to ensure this soup is top-notch is to properly puree the squash.
Best Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Chive Oil
Plenty of people toss chives into their entrees, but have you ever used chive oil? The tangy, onion-esque flavor makes it a perfect addition to most savory recipes that call for a smooth texture, including squash soup, and a drizzle definitely amps up your plating presentation.
This recipe from Tasty utilizes the classic ingredients of butternut squash soup while also mixing in some flavorful add-ons, including white wine, walnuts and onions. And that’s not to mention the added flavor that roasting the squash creates. The chive oil is poured over the dish at the end, adding tasty decorative drizzle over the soup. You don’t want to let this season go by without trying this delicious dish, which involves roasting the squash in the oven, combining it with broth and other seasonings, and whipping everything together with an immersion blender.
Best Bacon Butternut Squash Soup
If you’re a meat-eater, you know there are few dishes that a sprinkle of bacon can’t improve. The creators of this Delish recipe agree. This bowl-lickin’ good soup recipe calls for all the classic components of your standard butternut squash soup recipe and then adds thyme leaves, garlic and bacon for a flavor combination that’ll have everyone asking for second helpings.
So, what makes bacon such an excellent addition in this dish? It isn’t used only as a garnish — you’ll mix it directly into the soup broth after sauteing the vegetable ingredients in the leftover bacon fat, which allows the meat’s smokiness to fully permeate every spoonful.
Much like the other recipes, this one also calls for the squash to be blended to smooth perfection. However, the order in which you’ll add ingredients requires that you blend the squash after mixing it in with the other ingredients. To accomplish this, get your hands on an efficient immersion blender.
Best Apple-Butternut Squash Soup
Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting more gourds into your diet? It’s a noble goal, and this Martha Stewart Apple-Butternut Squash Soup recipe can help you reach it. This soup incorporates both butternut squash and red and yellow apples to create a satisfyingly sweet and savory flavor blend. Cayenne, coriander and ginger also make appearances to create a symphony of tastes within the otherwise simple dish. Additionally, the balanced flavor blend of this broth provides plenty of opportunities for unique garnishes, from spicy peppers to apple chunks.
Best Butternut Squash Soup With Chickpeas
Although butternut squash soup is yummy, it isn’t typically protein-packed, and squash doesn’t make a significant dent in meeting most people’s daily protein requirements. However, getting your protein in with butternut squash soup is a new possibility when you use this recipe. This delicious roasted butternut squash soup from Peas and Crayons combines chickpeas and squash to produce a delectable, protein-packed entree. Avocado oil, paprika and cumin add some additional zest to this savory dish.