Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory in this creamy butternut squash and apple soup, a delightful dish that warms the soul. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash is beautifully complemented by tart apples, creating a rich and velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
What sets this soup apart is the addition of crispy sage croutons, which add a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or as a starter for a festive gathering.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Croutons: 4 slices of crusty bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced butternut squash and apples to the pot, followed by the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
- For the croutons, toss the bread cubes in melted butter and chopped sage. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy sage croutons. Enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use olive oil for the croutons.
For the best flavor, choose a sweet variety of apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you want more thickness in your soup, add a potato during cooking. You can also substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.