Apple Butternut Squash Soup
A warming, velvety soup blending sweet apples and butternut squash with aromatic spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into large cubes ⓘ
- 6 small white potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 2 apples, peeled and cut in chunks ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken or vegetable broth ⓘ
- 1 c. unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, butternut squash, potatoes, apples, salt, and pepper.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a boil.
- Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the squash and potatoes are tender.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the squash, potatoes, and apples and place them in a food processor or blender.
- Puree the ingredients until smooth.
- Return the pureed mixture to the broth in the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Add applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until well blended and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving. You can substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or sage for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting lunch. For a more festive touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of olive oil. It also complements well with dishes like Ella'S Surprise Chicken Breasts.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe container, in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Butternut Squash Soup contains roughly 763 calories, with 10g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's actually great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Just reheat before serving, and you may want to add a little extra broth if it thickens.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don't have applesauce, you can substitute with pureed cooked apples or even mashed ripe bananas for a different sweetness. For a less sweet option, try using pumpkin puree. Adjust the spices accordingly to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).