This acorn squash soup recipe is the one I make on repeat once the weather turns cool. Roasted squash is blended into something silky, warmly spiced, and just a little sweet from a swirl of maple syrup. It comes together with basic pantry staples and one baking sheet, so there's no fuss involved, just a pot of golden soup that tastes like fall in a bowl.
Large Dutch oven or soup pot Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven recommended
Immersion blender or countertop blender Breville Immersion Blender recommended
Ladle
Microplane Fine Grater optional, for fresh nutmeg
Ingredients
2medium acorn squashabout 4 pounds total, halved and seeds removed
2tablespoonsolive oil30ml, divided
1medium yellow onionchopped
3clovesgarlicminced
1medium appleHoneycrisp or Gala, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
4cupsvegetable broth or chicken broth960ml
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground nutmegor freshly grated
1/4teaspoonground ginger
1/2cupcanned coconut milk or heavy cream120ml
2tablespoonspure maple syrup30ml
1teaspoonkosher saltplus more to taste
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
For Garnish
toasted pepitas
fresh sage leaves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and pulp, brush cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season lightly with salt. Place cut side down and roast for 35-40 minutes until fork-tender. Cool slightly, then scoop flesh into a bowl and discard skins.
While squash roasts, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chopped apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until apple begins to soften.
Add roasted squash flesh and broth to the pot. Stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. If using a countertop blender, work in small batches and vent the lid.
Return pot to low heat if needed. Stir in coconut milk or cream and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each with toasted pepitas and fresh sage leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Don't rush the roasting step, as caramelization is where most of the flavor comes from.
Roast squash cut side down so the natural sugars caramelize against the pan.
Blend the soup until completely smooth for the best silky texture.
Add the cream at the end, off high heat, so it doesn't separate.
Taste before serving, since broth saltiness varies quite a bit by brand.
Thin the soup with a splash of broth if it seems too thick after chilling.
To make vegan, use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of chicken broth and heavy cream.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water if too thick.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of curry powder.