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Cozy Brown Butter Delicata Squash Soup (Best Easy Recipe)

brown butter delicata squash soup - featured image

This velvety, soul-warming soup combines roasted delicata squash with nutty brown butter for a deeply satisfying fall meal. It’s rich without cream, easy to make in about 45 minutes, and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 grams)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 200 grams, diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (950 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15 ml)
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: toasted pepitas, cream or coconut milk, extra brown butter, fresh thyme leaves, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Wash delicata squash, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. Slice crosswise into 1-inch (2.5 cm) half-moons.
  3. Toss squash pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  4. While squash roasts, brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Swirl occasionally until it foams, then the foam subsides and golden brown specks form (about 3-4 minutes). Immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
  5. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add roasted squash, browned butter, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove thyme sprigs (the leaves will have fallen off).
  8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender, removing the center cap to let steam escape and covering with a towel.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed.
  10. Serve hot with desired garnishes.

Notes

Don’t skip roasting the squash—it concentrates sweetness and adds depth. Watch the brown butter carefully; it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds. Season in layers for best flavor. Soup tastes even better the next day. For vegan version, use coconut oil or vegan butter and vegetable broth. For extra creaminess without dairy, add a can of full-fat coconut milk or a peeled diced potato.

Nutrition

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