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Creamy Delicata Squash Soup with Brown Butter

delicata squash soup with brown butter - featured image

This creamy delicata squash soup with brown butter is a comforting, budget-friendly fall recipe that’s velvety smooth and deeply savory. The nutty brown butter adds a toasty, caramel-like depth that makes this soup feel special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and cooking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the delicata squash well. Cut each squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  2. Cut the squash into 1-inch half-moons. Place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized at the edges.
  3. While the squash roasts, start the base. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown at the edges. Add the smashed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the roasted squash to the pot once it’s done. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The squash should be very tender.
  5. Blend the soup until smooth. If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 5 minutes, then blend in batches. Return the blended soup to the pot.
  6. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If using cream, stir it in now. Keep the soup warm over low heat while you make the brown butter.
  7. Make the brown butter: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally. The butter will foam up, then the foam will subside, and you’ll see brown specks forming at the bottom. This takes about 3-5 minutes. The moment it smells nutty and toasty and turns golden brown, remove it from the heat immediately. If using sage leaves, add them to the butter during the last 30 seconds and let them crisp up.
  8. Serve the soup in bowls. Drizzle each bowl with brown butter and top with crispy sage leaves if you used them.

Notes

Brown butter goes from perfect to burnt very quickly. As soon as you see brown specks and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately. Don’t skip roasting the squash—it concentrates the natural sugars and adds caramelized flavor. Season in layers for best depth of flavor. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil and skip the cream. The soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; make fresh brown butter when serving.

Nutrition

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