Roasting the butternut squash before blending concentrates its sweetness and gives this creamy soup deeper caramelized flavor. Crisp bacon, thyme, nutmeg, and a modest amount of cream balance the naturally sweet squash with smoky and savory notes.
Estimated nutrition
Per serving
Based on 6 servings
- Calories
- 320 kcal
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbs
- 28 g
- Fat
- 21 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Actual values can vary with brands, amounts, and preparation.
Ingredients
Loading serving controls…- 1 medium butternut squash (1.1 kg whole; about 800 g prepared), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 6 slices bacon (about 120 g), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (150 g), diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp fine salt, divided
- ½ tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp (18 g) pumpkin seeds, optional
Need a broader change?
Adjust this recipe around your kitchen and preferences.
SpiceGuy suggestions
- Black Pepper — Balances the squash's sweetness.
- Aleppo Pepper — Adds gentle fruity warmth.
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2
Toss the squash with the olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- 3
Roast for 30–35 minutes, until completely tender and lightly caramelized.
- 4
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat for 7–9 minutes, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving 1 tbsp rendered bacon fat in the pot. Discard any excess rendered fat.
- 5
Add the onion and cook for 5–6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 6
Add the roasted squash, chicken stock, dried thyme, nutmeg, remaining ½ tsp salt, and remaining ¼ tsp black pepper.
- 7
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- 8
Remove from the heat and carefully blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
- 9
Return to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and warm for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
- 10
Divide among 6 bowls and distribute the crispy bacon evenly over each serving. If using the optional pumpkin seeds, divide them evenly over the bowls.
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