Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredibly simple yet elegant **Velvety Butternut Squash Soup**. Requiring just **5 core ingredients** and a mere **45 minutes** of your time, this delightful soup is packed with the warm, comforting essence of fall. It’s the perfect make-ahead appetizer or light meal for any gathering, impressing your guests with minimal effort.
Seeking the Perfect Fall Appetizer? Look No Further!
Are you on the hunt for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing fall appetizer that checks all the boxes? You’re likely looking for something that is:
- Quick & Easy to Make: No complicated steps or endless prep time.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: Accessible items you probably already have or can easily find.
- Elegant in Presentation: A dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Preferably Make-Ahead: To reduce stress when entertaining.
Sound like a tall order? We’re thrilled to tell you that your search ends here! You’ve just stumbled upon a culinary gem that delivers on all these promises and more. This butternut squash soup recipe is designed for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike, ensuring a delicious result every time.
Unveiling the Simplicity: What Makes This Butternut Squash Soup So Special?
This vibrant, golden butternut squash soup is a testament to the power of quality, simple ingredients. What truly sets it apart is its minimalist approach to ingredients and preparation, resulting in maximum flavor and a truly luxurious texture.
Our recipe proudly features only **5 essential ingredients**, coming together in **under 45 minutes**. This timeframe is even more impressive considering the deep, satisfying flavors achieved. If you’re starting with a whole butternut squash, a little extra time might be needed for peeling and cubing, but trust us, it’s worth every moment.
Building Layers of Exquisite Flavor
The magic of this soup lies in its expertly balanced flavor profile. We start by building a robust foundation with smoky bacon, which renders its fat to create a savory base. Shallots are then sautéed in this flavorful fat, adding a delicate, sweet oniony aroma without overpowering the other ingredients. Next, naturally sweet carrots join the party, contributing not only their vibrant color but also a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the star of the show: the butternut squash. Finally, quality chicken stock brings all these elements together, allowing them to meld into a harmonious, rich liquid.
The butternut squash itself, with its naturally creamy texture and sweet, nutty notes, transforms into a silky smooth concoction that feels incredibly indulgent, yet remains light and wholesome. It’s a perfect celebration of autumn’s bounty in every spoonful.
The Ultimate Pairing: Fontina Grilled Cheese
To provide a delightful contrast to the soup’s velvety texture, we recommend serving it alongside an ultimate comfort food classic: grilled cheese. But not just any grilled cheese! We’re elevating this pairing with a special twist. Our favorite combination features wholesome whole grain sandwich bread and nutty, wonderfully melty Fontina cheese. This Italian cheese offers a rich, buttery flavor and an exceptional melt, creating a grilled cheese that is truly **to die for!** The crispy, savory grilled cheese, especially with a hint of smoked paprika, perfectly complements the sweet and creamy soup, creating an unforgettable meal experience.
Effortless & Adaptable: Your New Go-To Soup!
Yes, it truly is that easy! You simply cannot go wrong with this butternut squash soup. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Beyond its deliciousness and ease, one of its greatest assets is its remarkable **customizability**. You’ll never get bored with this versatile dish!
While the basic 5-ingredient recipe is sublime on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment when you’re in the mood to change things up. For a gentle warming kick, a pinch of **cayenne pepper** can be stirred in. If you prefer a more herbaceous note, a sprig of fresh **thyme** or a dash of dried thyme adds a lovely aromatic flare. For an exotic twist that beautifully complements the squash’s sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of **curry powder** along with a touch of cumin. Other fantastic additions include a grating of fresh nutmeg for warmth, a swirl of coconut milk for extra creaminess and a subtle tropical hint, or even a roasted apple or pear blended in for added sweetness and complexity. Feel free to explore and make this soup uniquely yours!
Why Butternut Squash? The Star Ingredient Unpacked
Butternut squash isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse and an ideal candidate for creamy soups. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, it offers a sweet, nutty flavor that deepens beautifully when cooked. Its dense, starchy flesh breaks down wonderfully, creating that signature velvety texture without the need for excessive cream or thickening agents. When selecting a butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size, with a uniform, matte skin and no soft spots. While peeling and cubing can be a bit of a workout, many grocery stores now offer pre-cut squash, making this recipe even faster!
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for Entertaining
One of the most appealing aspects of this butternut squash soup is its make-ahead potential. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to deepen and meld, often tasting even better the next day. Simply cook the soup, blend it until smooth, and let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can thin it with a splash of chicken or vegetable stock until it reaches your desired consistency.
We sincerely hope you’ll enjoy creating and savoring this incredible butternut squash soup very soon. Its blend of simplicity, speed, and sensational flavor makes it a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of autumn magic to their table. Thank you for stopping by!
5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup with Fontina Grilled Cheese
Shinee Davaakhuu
20
40
1
8 cups
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 bacon strips cut into small pieces
- 1 shallot chopped
- 4-5 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 small butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 2.5 lbs or 6 cups cubed)
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 whole grain bread slices
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 oz (115 g) Fontina cheese sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- To make the soup: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. Carefully remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Set aside for garnish.
- Reduce the heat slightly if needed, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the Dutch oven. Add the chopped shallots and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, typically for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.
- Stir in the chopped carrots and continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their natural sweetness.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the squash in the flavorful fats and aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the butternut squash and carrots are very tender when pierced with a fork, which should take approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a large food processor or a high-speed blender. Blend until absolutely velvety smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a separate blender) and reheat gently if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- To make the grilled cheese: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of whole grain bread. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, place two slices of bread onto the hot skillet, buttered side down.
- Arrange the Fontina cheese slices evenly over the two bread slices in the skillet. Sprinkle approximately ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika over the cheese on each sandwich. Place another two slices of bread on top of the cheese, buttered side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom bread is golden brown and the cheese is beginning to soften.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey, and the second side of the bread is beautifully golden and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining bread and cheese.
- Once all grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked, cut them into your desired size and shape. Triangles or small squares are perfect for dipping.
- Serve the warm butternut squash soup immediately, garnished with the crispy bacon bits and the freshly prepared Fontina grilled cheese on the side. Enjoy!
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Tips & Notes
Butternut Squash Prep: If cutting a whole squash, pierce it several times and microwave for 2-3 minutes before peeling to soften the skin, making it much easier to handle. A sturdy peeler and a sharp chef’s knife are essential.
Soup Consistency: For a thinner soup, add more chicken stock or a touch of water until desired consistency is reached. For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt after blending.
Seasoning is Key: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning after blending. Squash needs salt to truly shine. A tiny pinch of sugar can also enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and carrots if they seem a bit bland.
Batch Cooking & Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Grilled Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as Gruyère, white cheddar, or even a blend. For an extra punch, thinly slice an apple and add it to your grilled cheese for a sweet-savory contrast.
Nutrition
305kcal
33g
12g
15g
8g
493mg
Soup
American
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This recipe was originally published on January 4th, 2014, and has been updated for clarity, enhanced instructions, and SEO optimization.
