Introduction
Creamy butternut squash soup with apple is the kind of dish that defines autumn comfort food. The moment the air turns crisp and the leaves start falling, I’m drawn to my kitchen to make warm, cozy soups that feel like a hug in a bowl. This recipe is creamy, slightly sweet from fresh apple, and perfectly spiced with nutmeg — everything you want in a fall soup that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for the holiday table.
My love for this soup began during a chilly October evening when I paired farm-fresh butternut squash with apples from a nearby orchard. The result was a velvety soup that’s both nourishing and indulgent, making it one of my favorite healthy autumn soup recipes. Just like my savory sweet potato casserole with pecans, which brings a nutty depth to holiday spreads, this soup balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Fall recipes have a way of creating lasting traditions, and this one quickly became part of mine. Whenever I make it, I like to finish the meal with a dessert that carries the same seasonal flavors, such as my cranberry apple crisp with oat topping. Together, they transform an ordinary evening into something special.
What makes this easy butternut squash apple soup stand out is its versatility. Serve it with crusty bread for a light dinner, or use it as a starter before a festive meal. It’s naturally vegetarian, and with simple swaps, it can be made vegan or dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess. That flexibility is why I consider it one of the best butternut squash soup recipes you can keep in your rotation.
As we move forward, I’ll share the exact ingredients, substitutions, cooking methods, and tips that will help you make this cozy fall soup the star of your table.
Table of Contents
Why This Soup Works
The Perfect Blend of Savory and Sweet
What makes creamy butternut squash soup with apple unforgettable is its perfect balance of flavors. The butternut squash brings an earthy, nutty richness while the apple adds a natural sweetness that brightens the dish without overpowering it. A touch of nutmeg ties everything together, creating the kind of cozy fall soup that feels both comforting and refined.
This flavor pairing reminds me of how pumpkin recipes shine in fall baking. For example, my pumpkin baked oatmeal with oat flour has the same warm spices and seasonal produce that make it a breakfast favorite. In the same way, this soup celebrates the harvest by combining ingredients that naturally belong together.
Another reason this soup works so well is its creamy texture. Using a blend of milk and half-and-half creates richness without making it too heavy. And if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version, swapping in coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note that still keeps it silky smooth. That adaptability makes this one of the best butternut squash soup recipes for both everyday dinners and holiday entertaining.
Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash Soup
Beyond its comforting flavor, this healthy autumn soup recipe is loaded with nutrition. According to the USDA nutrition profile for butternut squash, it’s packed with vitamin A for vision, potassium for heart health, and fiber for digestion. Apples add vitamin C, which supports immunity — making this an ideal dish for chilly weather when your body craves both warmth and nourishment.
One serving of this easy butternut squash apple soup is surprisingly low in calories while still filling, thanks to its fiber content. That’s why it works beautifully for anyone who wants a meal that feels indulgent but still aligns with healthy eating goals.
In fact, many of my fall recipes combine comfort and wellness, like the high protein pumpkin pie mousse, which offers dessert-like satisfaction with a nutrient boost. Together, they prove that fall cooking doesn’t need to choose between flavor and health — you can enjoy both in every bite.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy butternut squash soup with apple is a cozy fall recipe made with roasted squash, fresh apples, warm spices, and a silky creamy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 Gala apple, cored and chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Fresh chives, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
- Sprinkle in nutmeg and salt, stirring to coat the onions.
- Add roasted squash, chopped apple, and vegetable broth. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in milk and half-and-half. Cook for another 30 minutes until the squash and apples are completely soft.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth.
- Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread grilled cheese.
Notes
- For a vegan version, swap butter for olive oil and use coconut milk instead of dairy.
- For added spice, try curry powder or smoked paprika.
- Soup can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop + Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving, ~1 ½ cups
- Calories: 277 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 938 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
Ingredients & Substitutions
Core Ingredients You’ll Need
A good bowl of creamy butternut squash soup with apple starts with simple, fresh ingredients that transform into something rich and satisfying.
- Butternut Squash: The star of the show. Its nutty, slightly sweet flesh makes the base of this soup. Using fresh squash gives the best flavor, but frozen pre-diced squash can save prep time.
- Apple: Gala apples work beautifully, but Honeycrisp or Fuji bring extra sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a subtle tartness. The apple balances the savory notes and gives this soup its unique twist.
- Onion & Butter: Onions provide depth, while butter enhances creaminess. For a lighter option, use olive oil.
- Nutmeg & Kosher Salt: Nutmeg adds a warm spice note, and salt sharpens every flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Gives body and keeps it vegetarian. Swap for chicken broth if you prefer a heartier, savory base.
- Milk & Half-and-Half: These create a velvety finish. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or oat milk — both add richness without overpowering the squash.
This combination results in a soup that’s as cozy and inviting as any creamy fall soup should be.
Smart Substitutions for Every Kitchen
One of the best parts about this easy butternut squash apple soup is how flexible it is. With a few substitutions, you can adapt it to fit almost any diet.
- For a Vegan Butternut Squash Soup: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use full-fat coconut milk in place of dairy. The result is still silky smooth with a hint of tropical flavor.
- For a Dairy-Free Version: Almond milk or oat milk make excellent substitutes, while still keeping the soup creamy.
- For Added Spice: Try cinnamon, curry powder, or smoked paprika. Each brings a different flavor profile — cinnamon leans sweet, curry adds warmth, and smoked paprika brings subtle smokiness.
- For Extra Herbs: Fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary complement squash beautifully. These can be stirred in at the end or used as garnish.
- Fruit Alternatives: If apples aren’t available, pears make a wonderful swap, giving the soup a similar sweetness with a slightly floral note.
This adaptability makes it one of the best butternut squash soup recipes to keep in rotation during the colder months. It’s easy to customize based on what’s in your pantry or what your guests prefer.
And of course, a cozy fall dinner deserves a sweet ending. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s just as creamy and seasonal, my no-bake pumpkin Biscoff cheesecake bars are a perfect choice. Together with this soup, they create a complete fall menu that’s indulgent yet approachable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Roasting and Prepping the Squash
The first step in making creamy butternut squash soup with apple is roasting the squash. Roasting helps bring out the natural sweetness while adding a slight caramelized depth that stovetop cooking alone can’t deliver. Preheat your oven to 350°F, spread the cubed squash on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20 minutes until it’s fork-tender.
This simple step transforms the soup into something richer and more flavorful. If you’d like to perfect your technique, the guide to roasting vegetables from Serious Eats explains how roasting enhances sweetness and texture. For busy nights, you can skip roasting and cook the squash directly in the broth, but roasting will always give you that extra layer of cozy fall flavor.
Building Creaminess in the Soup
Once the squash is roasted, melt butter in a Dutch oven and sauté onions until they’re translucent. This creates the base flavor that makes the soup taste full-bodied. Next, add the apple pieces, roasted squash, broth, and seasonings. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle.
To achieve that signature velvety texture, stir in milk and half-and-half, then simmer for another 30 minutes. By this time, both the squash and apples will be completely tender. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, move the soup cautiously in batches to a regular blender, but make sure to allow steam to vent to avoid pressure buildup.
This is one of the easiest butternut squash soup methods, yet it feels gourmet. The result is a creamy fall soup that rivals any restaurant bowl of autumn comfort food.
For an equally cozy alternative, try my pinto bean chili recipe. Like this soup, it’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for cold nights, but with a completely different flavor profile that makes it another must-have in your fall recipe rotation.
Flavor Boosters & Cooking Tips
How to Make Butternut Squash Soup Taste Better
Even though creamy butternut squash soup with apple is naturally delicious, a few small touches can take it from good to unforgettable. Start with roasting the squash — this caramelizes the edges and brings out a depth of flavor that stovetop cooking alone can’t achieve. If you have the time, roast the apple alongside the squash for an even richer sweetness.
Balance is the key to flavor. If your soup tastes a little too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. This acidity brightens the flavors and prevents the soup from becoming heavy. For more savory depth, stir in roasted garlic or caramelized onions — both add layers that make every spoonful feel gourmet.
If you enjoy pairing cozy fall soups with drinks, this recipe shines when served alongside my apple cider Halloween punch. The spiced cider complements the creamy squash perfectly, creating a festive fall dinner menu that feels like it belongs at any holiday gathering.
Best Herbs & Spices for Butternut Squash Soup
Choosing the right herbs and spices can transform this dish. Nutmeg is classic, but don’t stop there. Cinnamon works beautifully for a sweet-spiced version, while curry powder brings an earthy warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that balances the apple’s sweetness.
Herbs also play a big role in lifting flavors. Fresh thyme pairs naturally with squash, sage adds a savory autumn note, and rosemary infuses a fragrant touch. For extra inspiration, this NIH overview on the benefits of herbs and spices highlights how common kitchen herbs can support both flavor and wellness. If you’re keeping it simple, a sprinkle of fresh chives on top not only adds flavor but also makes the soup visually striking.
Experiment with combinations until you find the blend that speaks to your table. The beauty of this healthy autumn soup recipe is that it’s forgiving — a pinch of the right spice or a sprig of fresh herbs can make it uniquely yours.
Serving, Pairings & Storage
Perfect Pairings for a Cozy Meal
A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup with apple is comforting on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish turns it into a complete meal. Crusty artisan bread is a classic choice, but if you want something extra indulgent, try it with my garlic bread grilled cheese. The crispy, buttery bread layered with melted cheese balances the creamy texture of the soup perfectly, making every bite more satisfying.
For a lighter option, serve the soup alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette — the acidity helps balance the natural sweetness of the apple and squash. At holiday gatherings, this cozy fall soup also works well as a starter before heavier mains like roasted turkey or ham. The mild sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser that won’t overpower other dishes on the table.
And don’t forget dessert. After enjoying this soup, finish the evening with a fruity seasonal treat such as cranberry desserts or pumpkin bars for a menu that celebrates the best flavors of fall.
Storing and Reheating Butternut Squash Soup
One of the best things about this soup is how well it keeps. In the fridge, butternut squash soup with apple lasts for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring often, until warmed through. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its silky consistency.
This is also a freeze-friendly soup, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the soup cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat gently on the stovetop.
Since it’s such an adaptable prepare-ahead autumn recipe, you can make it in advance for hectic weeknights or even freeze a portion to have available for surprise guests. That makes it not only tasty but also convenient — a genuine essential in any fall kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes in butternut squash soup?
A classic butternut squash soup usually starts with fresh squash, onion, broth, and warm spices. In this version, we add apple for natural sweetness and balance. The base includes roasted squash, a diced apple, onion sautéed in butter, vegetable broth, and a touch of nutmeg. Creaminess comes from milk and half-and-half, though coconut milk or oat milk can make a dairy-free alternative. These simple ingredients create the foundation of an easy butternut squash apple soup that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
What are the benefits of eating butternut squash soup?
Creamy butternut squash soup with apple isn’t just delicious — it’s packed with nutrition. Butternut squash provides a rich source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, along with potassium for heart health and fiber for digestion. Apples add vitamin C for immunity and a touch of natural sweetness without added sugar. Together, these ingredients make the soup a healthy autumn recipe that’s light in calories but deeply satisfying, making it perfect for cozy fall meals.
How do I make my butternut squash soup taste better?
If you want to boost flavor, start by roasting the squash before adding it to the pot. Roasting caramelizes the edges and adds depth. For balance, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the sweetness. Herbs and spices are another way to improve taste — fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary bring savory notes, while roasted garlic or caramelized onions add richness. A drizzle of olive oil or a garnish of toasted seeds can also elevate the final bowl. This is one of the easiest ways to turn a simple squash soup into a restaurant-worthy dish.
What spices are good in butternut soup?
Nutmeg is the classic choice for butternut squash soup, but there are many others that can enhance the flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth, curry powder gives it an earthy kick, and smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness. For a savory edge, try cumin or coriander. The best spices for butternut squash soup often depend on whether you want it to lean sweet or savory — and this flexibility is what makes it one of the best fall soup recipes to customize.
How to make easy butternut soup?
An easy butternut squash soup starts with just a few fresh ingredients: squash, apple, onion, broth, and milk. Roast or simmer the squash until tender, blend it with the other ingredients, and adjust seasonings to taste. Using an immersion blender makes the process quick, while coconut milk or oat milk can add creaminess without dairy. This method creates a smooth, flavorful soup in under an hour, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you still want a cozy autumn dinner.
Conclusion
Creamy butternut squash soup with apple is more than just a recipe — it’s a bowl of fall comfort that warms you from the inside out. With its blend of sweet apple, earthy squash, and a touch of spice, this soup embodies everything we love about autumn cooking. It’s simple to make, nourishing, and flexible enough to suit different diets with easy substitutions.
Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner with crusty bread, pair it with a classic side like garlic bread grilled cheese, or bring it to the holiday table as a starter, it always delivers. The beauty of this easy butternut squash apple soup is that it feels indulgent but still supports healthy eating, making it a true staple in any cozy fall menu.
So next time the air turns crisp and you’re craving something warm, pull out your pot and make this soup. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, nutrition, and seasonal joy to every spoonful. And who knows — it might just become one of your family’s favorite traditions too.