This Simple Butternut Squash Soup Is Perfect for Cool Fall Weather

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This simple butternut squash soup is the perfect appetizer or side dish for fall. The butternut squash cooks alongside aromatics like onion, thyme and garlic before getting pureed into a smooth soup. You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot for fewer dishes. Serve this soup alongside mains like roasted chicken or fish for a hearty meal.

Recipe image of Simple Butternut Squash Soup
Credit:

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8
  • You can adjust this soup to your liking, adding cream for an extra-smooth texture. 
  • Butternut squash contains vitamins A and C, which support eye health. 
  • This soup is easy to make, requiring just three steps before a bowl is on your table.
Ingredients for butternut squash soup arranged on a wooden cutting board including squash onion celery cream and herbs

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 1 stalk celery, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley

  • 5 cups chopped peeled butternut squash (about 1 medium squash)

  • 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 cups water

  • ½ cup half-and-half (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until the butter melts. Add chopped onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon thyme (or parsley); cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

    Cooking diced vegetables and garlic in a pot with a wooden spoon

    Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

  2. Stir in 5 cups butternut squash. Add 4 cups broth and 2 cups water; bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook until the squash is very tender, about 25 minutes.

    A pot of butternut squash soup with a wooden spoon holding diced squash

    Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

  3. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir in ½ cup half-and-half (if using), ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.

    Blended ingredients for butternut squash soup in a container

    Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

EatingWell.com, October 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

126 Calories
5g Fat
17g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size about 1 cup
Calories 126
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 6g 11%
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Vitamin A 481µg
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 11%
Folate 33µg
Vitamin K 5µg
Sodium 371mg 16%
Calcium 58mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 40mg 10%
Potassium 491mg 10%
Zinc 0mg 4%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.