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Cozy Brown Butter Delicata Squash Soup for Fall Evenings

brown butter delicata squash soup - featured image

A creamy, nutty soup made with roasted delicata squash and brown butter, perfect for chilly autumn nights. This forgiving recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (pure)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt), plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of brown butter, fresh sage leaves, or a swirl of cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Cut each delicata squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Slice the squash into 1-inch thick half-moons. No need to peel.
  3. Toss the squash pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fork-tender.
  4. While the squash roasts, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until the butter turns golden amber and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heatproof bowl.
  5. In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of the brown butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let cool for 5 minutes, then blend in batches, filling no more than halfway.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and the remaining brown butter. Taste and adjust seasoning. Heat gently over low heat if needed, but do not boil.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of brown butter, fresh sage leaves, or a swirl of cream. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the butter—it gives the soup its signature nutty flavor. Watch it carefully to avoid burning. Roast the squash until caramelized for maximum sweetness. Season in layers for best flavor. Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. The soup thickens as it cools; add more broth to adjust consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash soup, brown butter soup, fall soup, autumn soup, creamy squash soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup