Roasting butternut squash and apples before pureeing them brings out their natural sweetness and brightens the flavor of this classic soup.
Soup season has officially arrived and the timing couldn’t be more perfect: I am 39 weeks pregnant and ready to welcome in the cooler temps, legging-centered outfits, and cozy evenings under a blanket. Of course, being 9 1/2 months pregnant also means exhaustion levels are starting to reach new heights. People always say pregnancy is harder the second time around when you’re also home chasing around a busy toddler all day. Those people were not lying.
One of the best time saving tips I can suggest when it comes to getting dinner on the table is prepping ahead. Whether you are busy running errands all day or turn into an exhausted pregnant zombie every afternoon like me, meal prep will save you during the hectic dinner rush.
Case in point: when I prepared this soup I took 10 minutes in the morning while my son was eating breakfast to peel, seed and cube the butternut squash and wash and dice the apples. Later that day when it was time to make the soup, I was so grateful to have a big portion of the prep work behind me.
Most squash soups found in restaurants contain honey or sugar for added sweetness. Instead of adding empty calories, I decided to use nature’s candy: apples. Apples are in full force right now here in Michigan so this was also a great way to take advantage of the great flavor and natural sweetness from this seasonal fruit.
My only regret is that my son didn’t like the soup. Oh wait, just kidding. He had about 4 bowls of it. In fact, we thought he was finished eating so we took his spoon away only to find him seconds later with his head shoved into his bowl. I think that means this recipe is a winner.
Spoons optional.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Ingredients
- 1 in medium butternut squash (peeled seeded and cut 1″ pieces)
- 3 in medium apples (cut large chunks)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
- diced apples (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place butternut squash and apple chunks in a large plastic bag and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Seal bag and shake well until squash and apples are evenly coated. (Let the kids help!)
- Spread squash and apples in an even layer on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
- In a large soup pot, heat butter over medium heat then add diced onion. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and roasted squash/apple mixture to the pot then begin pureeing with a hand held blender. Alternatively, puree in a blender working in batches until smooth and creamy.
- Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Top with diced apples if using.
Love this and make it often in fall/winter. Always comes out delicious and don’t need added honey or cream.
What apples are best to use in this soup?
I like to use gala!
Just made this and I’m loving it! I added some cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for roasting.
So glad !!
Yum! Made this tonight, and used the chicken bone broth I make. Because the broth is so nutrient rich, I also added a 3/4 cup water. A pinch of nutmeg . . . .whole fam was happy!
Great recipe! I found it was a bit sweet for my taste so I threw a handful of fresh sage in before using the immersion blender. It added a savory note that was just wonderful. I have made this four times since I found your recipe last month!
Wonderful idea to add sage!! So glad you enjoyed the soup!!!!
This looks like a great fall soup — and clearly kid approved! Also, I love your blog name!
haha clearly kid approved!! :) I hope you try it!
Definitely sounds like a soup I would love (and Nick). I love soup season!!
It was so easy, we will be making it again and again – that’s for sure!!
Asher is such a good eater and so adorable with his soup – I bet it was good!
Ha “good eater” is an understatement. :) Thanks friend!
You are so close! I just had my first baby over the summer, and I know I’m going to have to wait till she’s in school before we try again. I was so tired the first time around! This soup looks heavenly. Thank you for sharing it! Glad I found your blog!
Congrats on your new little one!!! So glad you found me… let me know if you try any recipes!! :) I have a great Avocado Blueberry Baby Smoothie for when you start solids that my son loved!
YUM! I’ve been looking for a good butternut soup and I love that you roasted apples too! Ps.. totally thrilled with the legging-centered outfits idea! :)
God bless leggings season! Xxoox
Liz,
Every day I’m hoping for an announcement of you wee one, and every day I see a new and delicious recipe. This is a brilliantly simple soup, and I’m delighted your son enjoyed it so much. I bet the wee one gave it two kicks as well.
Enjoy the rest of this easier(than the next few months–at least now you’ve got 2 hands free, you know?) time!
Thank you friend! I hope to have an announcement soon!! Xoxo
Love the idea for prepping beforehand – for some reason I always forget about doing things like this! Also am loving this soup – what a great combination of fall ingredients!
Don’t get me wrong – I forget to do it all the time!! But I’m trying to get better at it with number 2 almost here. :)
this sounds divine, and i love that your son stuck his head in the bowl to finish it… that’s what I would do too! :)
LOL!! I wonder where he gets his love of food from???
This sounds divine, and if A’s reaction to this is any indication of how amazeballs it is – SIGN ME UP!
I need to make it again… can’t believe how much he ate!!
I was going to say that this looks like it will freeze well for you once baby arrives, but I think it’s probably all gone. Four bowls! Cha ching! I love it when kids devour veggies:) Great clean eating soup Liz.
haha yes he devoured it!!!! But we have been freezing food the past couple of weeks. I just realized I have to make way more with this guy. :)
Nice soup. Thank you, Liz. You look beautiful. Wishing you an easy healthy delivery.
Thank you so much Liz!!
Hang in there Liz!!!! Obviously the little guy is very very content because he’s being a bit too shy, but soon you’ll be celebrating both with a perfect newborn AND a well-earned glass (or bottle) of champagne!
This soup is gorgeous. I love all of the bright flavors and the fact that you can make it ahead? #winning
You had me at champagne. Happy Friday! xo
Best wishes on the rest of your pregnancy Liz ~ precious times for you and your family. Love the combination of winter squash and apple in your soup. I’ve been making lots of soup, and have lots of winter squash sitting around from my CSA Box. Got to give this fresh soup a try!
Thank you so much Jeanette!! I hope he arrives soon! Enjoy this soup!