The Ultimate Creamy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup: A Fall Comfort Delight
As the crisp air of autumn settles in and leaves begin to transform into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of warm soup. This Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup isn’t just any soup; it’s a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Combining the earthy richness of butternut squash, the comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes, and the bright, tart notes of fresh apples, this soup is a true seasonal celebration.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to cozy up by a fireplace, savoring each spoonful. My mom recently shared this incredible recipe with me, and I knew instantly that I had to bring it to life in my own kitchen. The addition of apples and sweet potatoes felt like an inspired twist, promising a depth of flavor that traditional squash soups often miss. And it delivered!
Beyond its incredibly satisfying taste, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Each ingredient contributes a wealth of health benefits, from the immune-boosting Vitamin C and skin-loving beta-carotene to ample dietary fiber for digestive health. It’s a comforting dish that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a wholesome and delicious fall meal.
When preparing this soup, I prefer to keep it on the thicker side, allowing the rich flavors and creamy texture to truly shine. However, the beauty of homemade soup lies in its adaptability. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply adjust by adding more vegetable or chicken broth during cooking. You can also blend it for a longer duration in your immersion blender or a standard blender until it reaches your desired smoothness. For me, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few fresh green onions, and some finely chopped apple pieces are the perfect garnishes, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Another wonderful aspect of this particular soup is its versatility, especially for families. The thicker consistency I aim for also makes it an excellent option for little ones. My 9-month-old, Andrew, thoroughly enjoys it! Being able to prepare such a nutritious and flavorful meal from scratch, with complete control over the ingredients, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a joy to share wholesome, homemade food with the entire family, knowing exactly what goes into every bite.
Unveiling the Star Ingredients of This Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup
The magic of this soup truly lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what makes this soup so special:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH: The Heart of the Soup
Butternut squash is the star, offering a naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor. Rich in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, it provides a creamy texture when cooked and pureed. When selecting a butternut squash, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of soft spots or blemishes. For easy preparation, the microwave trick described in the instructions is a game-changer, making peeling and dicing much simpler.
SWEET POTATO: Adding Depth and Sweetness
Sweet potatoes are fantastic for enhancing the soup’s sweetness and adding another layer of creaminess. They are packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body, as well as Vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Their vibrant orange hue also contributes to the soup’s beautiful color. Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin, avoiding any with sprouts or soft spots.
AROMATIC VEGETABLES: ONION, CELERY, AND CARROTS
These classic soup vegetables form the foundational flavor base, often referred to as a “mirepoix.” When sautéed, they release their sweet and savory essences, building a complex background for the main ingredients. They also add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
GARLIC: The Flavor Enhancer
A few cloves of freshly chopped garlic are essential for adding a pungent, savory kick that balances the sweetness of the squash, sweet potato, and apple. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to elevate almost any savory dish.
APPLE: The Sweet and Tart Surprise
The apple is what truly sets this soup apart. It introduces a subtle tang and natural sweetness that brightens the entire dish, preventing it from being overly heavy. For the best results, use a baking or cooking apple that holds its shape well and offers a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala.
WARMING SPICES: CINNAMON AND GINGER
These spices are the quintessential flavors of fall. Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet aroma and a hint of spice, while ginger provides a zesty, slightly peppery note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Together, they create an incredibly inviting and cozy feeling.
VEGETABLE BROTH: The Liquid Foundation
Vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred) serves as the liquid base for the soup. It brings all the flavors together and allows the vegetables to simmer until tender. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of your soup.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup
Creating this flavorful fall soup is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps for a delicious and comforting meal:
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Start by making your butternut squash easier to handle. Place the whole squash (or halved, if too large) in a microwave-safe shallow pan with a small amount of water. Microwave for 3-4 minutes. This softens the skin, making it much easier to peel and dice. Once softened, carefully peel the skin, scoop out the seeds, and dice the flesh into roughly 1-inch cubes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic, onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base for your soup.
- Simmer and Tenderize: Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the diced sweet potato, prepared butternut squash, vegetable (or chicken) broth, cinnamon, and ginger to the pot. Stir everything together. Ensure that the broth just covers the vegetables; if not, add a little more. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Introduce the Apple: During the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the diced apple to the pot. Cooking it for this shorter duration helps it soften perfectly without becoming mushy, allowing its subtle tartness to meld beautifully with the other flavors.
- Blend to Creamy Perfection: Once all the vegetables and apple are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender. *When using a standard blender for hot liquids, remember to fill it only halfway, hold the lid firmly, and start on a low speed to prevent hot splashes.* Blend until your desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with black pepper to your preference. If needed, you can add a pinch more salt, but remember that broth often contains sodium. Serve the soup warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon and a few finely chopped fresh apple pieces for an inviting finish.
Explore More Butternut Squash Recipes You Might Love:
If you’ve enjoyed this creamy butternut squash soup, you’re in for a treat! Butternut squash is an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for a wide range of dishes, from savory to slightly sweet. Here are some other butternut squash recipes that I highly recommend you try to continue enjoying its rich flavors:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH APPLE BAKE
A delightful side dish combining the sweetness of squash and apples, baked to perfection. Great for holidays or a comforting weeknight meal.
CHEESY BUTTERNUT SQUASH ORZO
A creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender butternut squash and savory cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA
Simple yet elegant, this pasta dish highlights the natural sweetness of butternut squash in a light, flavorful sauce.
CROCKPOT BUTTERNUT SQUASH APPLE SOUP
For those busy days, let your slow cooker do the work! Enjoy a similar flavor profile to this recipe with minimal effort.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH STUFFING
Elevate your holiday table with this flavorful stuffing, featuring chunks of tender butternut squash.
WHEAT BERRIES WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH EDAMAME AND CRANBERRIES
A wholesome and colorful grain salad, perfect as a side or light main, packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHICKPEA CURRY
A hearty and aromatic curry that’s both satisfying and bursting with exotic flavors. Great for a vegan meal option!
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Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 butternut Squash, peeled and diced
- 1 large sweet potato, or 2 small, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 carrots, chopped
- 1 Apple, peeled and diced (use a apple for cooking or baking)-
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- Pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, enough to cover vegetables
Instructions
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Put the squash in a microwave safe shallow pan with a small amount of water and cook 3-4 minutes. It should be soft to peel and dice.
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In a stock pot heat olive oil over medium high heat sauté garlic, onions, celery, and carrots until translucent. Add sweet potato, squash, broth and spices, cook over medium low till vegetables are tender about 30 minutes . Last 10 minutes add apple.
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Using an immersion blender or blender blend till smooth.
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Serve warm with cinnamon and fresh apple for garnish.
Notes
- Use more or less broth depending on the consistency you want.
- If your baby has tried all of the ingredients in this soup and is not allergic to any of them then this would be a great baby food.
- Other garnish ideas: green onions, parsley and Greek or plain yogurt.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 34g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 5g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Cholesterol: 2mg,
Sodium: 409mg,
Potassium: 744mg,
Fiber: 6g,
Sugar: 10g,
Vitamin A: 23050IU,
Vitamin C: 31mg,
Calcium: 94mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!
FAQs About Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup
- Can I make this soup vegan?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based. For an extra creamy texture, you can swirl in a bit of full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free cream at the end.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.
- What kind of apples should I use?
- For the best balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness, I recommend using baking apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or even a Granny Smith if you prefer a sharper tang. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples.
- How can I make the soup spicier?
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a small amount of freshly grated ginger at the same time you add the other spices. You could also swirl in a bit of sriracha or hot sauce when serving.
- What are some other garnish ideas?
- Beyond fresh green onions, parsley, or Greek/plain yogurt, you can experiment with toasted pumpkin seeds, crunchy croutons, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, a swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for added warmth.
Embrace the Flavors of Fall
This Creamy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Apple Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the rich, comforting flavors of the autumn season. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from little ones discovering new tastes to adults seeking a hearty yet healthy meal. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a moment of warmth, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your fall culinary repertoire. So, grab your apron, gather these beautiful seasonal ingredients, and prepare to create a truly unforgettable experience in a bowl. Happy cooking!