Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
Butternut apple soup recipe—it’s a cozy classic with a Mediterranean twist. Sweet apples meet velvety squash, simmered gently with herbs and olive oil. I grew up with warm, blended soups in Greece, and here in the U.S., I bring that same soulfulness to my fall cooking.
This butternut apple soup recipe started as a happy accident one rainy afternoon. I blended leftovers from my veggie drawer, and it turned into something silky, golden, and deeply comforting. Now it’s a favorite for chilly days and simple gatherings.
Table Of Contents
Why You Will Love This Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
What Makes This Dish So Satisfying
- Silky texture from roasted squash and apples
- Naturally sweet and earthy, balanced with spice
- Olive oil adds depth without heavy cream
- Warm, comforting flavor with every spoonful
- A swirl of lemon or yogurt brightens it perfectly
Why It’s a Favorite in My Kitchen
- Uses fall produce I always have on hand
- Easily made vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing
- My kids love it with grilled cheese
- It feels like autumn in a bowl
Ingredients for Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Adds richness and helps blend flavors - 1 medium onion, chopped
Gives savory depth to the soup base - 2 garlic cloves, minced
Adds warmth and classic Mediterranean aroma - 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
Pick one that feels heavy and has firm skin - 2 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Add natural sweetness and tartness - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Brings cozy, earthy spice to balance the sweetness - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or fresh grated ginger
Adds gentle heat and brightness - 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
Enhances all the flavors - 4 cups vegetable broth
Light, savory base—go for low sodium if possible - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Balances the sweetness and brightens the finish - Optional: swirl of Greek yogurt or coconut cream
For a creamy finish without overwhelming the soup - Optional garnish: pumpkin seeds or chopped parsley
Add crunch or color just before serving
How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
Fresh, Simple Ingredients Make It Shine
- Pick squash with firm skin and no soft spots
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for balance
- Choose fresh garlic over jarred for fuller flavor
- Go for homemade or low-sodium broth for best control
- Bright, fragrant onions add essential savory depth
- Use fresh ginger for more vibrant spice than ground
- Look for extra-virgin olive oil for a smooth finish
Smart Swaps and Tips
- Sub sweet potato for squash if needed
- Try pear instead of apple for a softer sweetness
- Use coconut milk instead of yogurt for a vegan swirl
- Add curry powder for a warm twist
- Blend in white beans for added protein and creaminess
How to Make Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; stir for 1 minute.
- Add squash, apples, and broth; bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 25 minutes.
- Blend soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
- Serve with a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions for Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
How I Love to Serve It
- In warm bowls with a swirl of Greek yogurt
- Sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch
- Alongside a crisp arugula and walnut salad
- With warm pita or sourdough for dipping
- Topped with a dash of chili oil for a kick
Perfect for Sharing
- A lovely starter for autumn dinner parties
- Comforting lunch with friends on cool days
- Great for gifting in jars with herb bundles
- Ideal for cozy family nights by the fire
- A favorite for holiday soup and bread tables
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
Common Prep Mistakes
- Don’t skip peeling the squash—it won’t blend smoothly
- Avoid uneven chopping—it causes uneven cooking
- Don’t boil too hard—gentle simmer preserves flavor
- Avoid undercooking the squash—it must be fork-tender
- Don’t rush the blending—take time for silky texture
Flavor and Texture Mistakes
- Don’t skip the lemon—it balances the sweetness
- Avoid overusing cinnamon—it can overpower the apples
- Don’t forget salt—sweet soups still need seasoning
- Avoid watery broth—rich, flavorful stock makes a difference
- Don’t blend too hot—let it cool slightly to avoid splatter
How to Store Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
Refrigerating Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Let it cool fully before sealing to avoid steam buildup
- Reheat gently on the stove, stirring to restore texture
- Add broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge
Freezing Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
- Freeze in individual portions for easy meals
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room to expand
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly
- Add yogurt or toppings only after reheating
Health Benefits of Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
- Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A and fiber
- Apples add antioxidants and support digestion
- Garlic and ginger may help boost immunity
- Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free when customized
- Light yet filling—perfect for balanced meals
- Great for gentle detox and seasonal resets
Related Recipes for Butternut Apple Soup Fans
If you enjoyed butternut apple soup, you might love these other warm, comforting soups with a creative twist:
- Kabocha Soup Recipe – Velvety kabocha squash soup, naturally sweet and nourishing.
- White Lasagna Soup Recipe – Creamy, cheesy lasagna soup packed with veggies and pasta.
- Rice and Onion Soup Recipe – A rustic soup with caramelized onions and fluffy rice for extra comfort.
- Chicken Velvet Soup Recipe – Silky, delicate chicken soup that’s light yet deeply flavorful.
Butternut Apple Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Peeler
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 apples peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground or fresh grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Greek yogurt or coconut cream for swirling
- Optional garnish: pumpkin seeds or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; stir for 1 minute.
- Add squash, apples, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 25 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
- Serve with yogurt or seeds, if desired.
Notes
Sweet, Silky, and Soothing
This butternut apple soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor, full of warmth, sweetness, and simple goodness. Whether I’m curled up with a mug or sharing it at the table with family, it always brings smiles and quiet moments. I hope this soup warms your kitchen just like it does mine.
FAQs
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What kind of apples are good in butternut squash soup?
I like using tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They balance the squash’s earthiness without making the soup too sweet.
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What broth is best for butternut squash soup?
Vegetable broth is my go-to—it’s light and lets the squash and apple shine. Choose low-sodium so you can season it just right.
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How do you take the bitterness out of butternut squash soup?
A splash of lemon juice or a little maple syrup helps. Also, roasting the squash first brings out its natural sweetness.
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What does lemon juice add to soup?
Lemon juice brightens everything. It lifts the sweetness, sharpens the spices, and gives the soup a fresh, clean finish.
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Can you add apples to soup?
Absolutely! They melt into the broth and add a beautiful natural sweetness. Just be sure to pair them with warming spices.
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What is a good accompaniment to butternut squash soup?
Crusty bread, a fall salad with walnuts, or even a little grilled cheese. I also love it with toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
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