A rich and creamy roasted butternut squash bisque that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted squash with aromatic herbs and a touch of cream. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings and makes a wonderful fall or winter starter.
Author:Julia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:60 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Roasting and Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
1 large butternut squash
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp fresh sage, minced
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Oils
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
6 cups vegetable broth
½ cup heavy whipping cream
Seasonings
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive or avocado oil, then place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast Squash: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until the squash is fork tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool while preparing the rest of the soup.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add minced garlic, fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Roasted Squash: Scoop the roasted butternut squash flesh out of the skin and add it to the pot. Continue simmering the soup until the carrots and celery are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Blend the Bisque: Add the heavy whipping cream. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup carefully to a stand blender and blend until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more vegetable broth if needed.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the bisque garnished with roasted pumpkin or butternut squash seeds, fried sage leaves, or homemade croutons if desired.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs may be used but reduce quantity to a teaspoon combined.
Be cautious when blending hot liquids; blend in batches and vent the lid to avoid pressure build-up.
Roasting the squash cut-side down helps caramelize the flesh, enhancing the bisque’s sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.