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Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl — creamy, comforting, and packed with cozy, autumnal flavors. Whether you’re craving something nourishing after a long day or need a quick meal that feels special, this soup fits the bill perfectly. The combination of sweet potatoes and butternut squash gives it a natural sweetness that’s beautifully balanced with warming spices.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to get such a rich and vibrant soup in under 40 minutes. You’ll find that this soup is incredibly versatile—perfect for a weekday lunch or an elegant starter for dinner guests. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly if you use vegetable stock, making it a crowd-pleaser wherever you serve it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
  • Rich, Creamy Texture: Coconut milk makes the soup beautifully velvety without any dairy.
  • Balanced Flavors: The warming spices complement the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
  • Versatile & Nourishing: Vegan-friendly but hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe plays a starring role. Choosing ripe butternut squash and sweet potatoes ensures maximum flavor, and a good quality coconut milk really elevates the creaminess.

  • Butternut Squash: Fresh is best for sweetness and texture; peel and chop evenly for smooth cooking.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished ones to avoid mushy soup.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings warmth; roasting softens the bite if you choose to roast veggies.
  • Olive Oil: Helps caramelize and enrich the sautéed veggies.
  • Full Fat Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness; keeps soup dairy-free.
  • Ground Cumin: Infuses a slightly smoky, earthy flavor that brightens the soup.
  • Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and complexity without overpowering.
  • Chili Powder: Just a bit for a gentle kick – adjust to your heat preference.
  • Chili Flakes: Optional, to ramp up the spicy note if you like it hot.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Stock (or water): A flavorful base; stock is preferred for richness but water works too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe lends itself to little tweaks depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own—every version brings something unique to the table.

  • Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes stir in some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
  • Spicy Kick: If you like more heat, doubling the chili flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce works wonders.
  • Roasted Veggies: Roasting the butternut squash and sweet potatoes beforehand amps up the sweetness and gives a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
  • Dairy Option: If you aren’t dairy-free, a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese makes an indulgent topper.

How to Make Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by peeling and chopping your butternut squash and sweet potatoes into roughly even cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly. Slice the yellow onion thinly and peel the garlic cloves. Taking your time here makes the cooking process much easier.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant—around 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it or let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Veggies

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and chili flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices lightly—this really brings out their aroma. Then add your chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes, tossing everything together so the spices coat the veggies well.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the stock (or water) and bring the pot up to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. This simmer softens the squash and sweet potatoes beautifully, making them easy to blend.

Step 5: Blend and Add Coconut Milk

Once the veggies are tender, remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Optional: transfer in batches to a stand blender if you don’t have an immersion blender. Stir in the coconut milk, reserving a tablespoon or two to drizzle on top when serving, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

  • Use Evenly Sized Chunks: This ensures that both the squash and sweet potatoes cook at the same rate, preventing mushy or undercooked pieces.
  • Toast Your Spices: I discovered that quickly toasting the spices in the oil before adding liquids makes the flavor pop so much more.
  • Blend Thoroughly: For the creamiest texture, blend until silky smooth—no one wants chunky bits in a velvety soup!
  • Adjust the Heat Gradually: Start with less chili, then add more if you want—it’s easier to add spice than remove it.

How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth orange soup topped with a line of green herbs and small red flakes placed diagonally across the surface. The soup has a creamy texture with a shiny finish. The bowl is held by a woman's hands with red nail polish and wearing a dark blue sweater. Around the bowl are two pieces of seeded bread, a small white bowl filled with green chopped herbs, and a halved pumpkin showing its seeds. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a little swirl of the reserved coconut milk for a pretty presentation plus a nice creamy contrast. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor. Sometimes just a dash of chili flakes on top is perfect for that inviting extra hit of warmth.

Side Dishes

For me, crusty bread or warm garlic naan are the perfect partners to dip and scoop. On colder days, a simple kale salad or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the soup’s creaminess really well. If you want something heartier, a quinoa or wild rice salad on the side makes it a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this at dinner parties, I love ladling it into pretty soup bowls and garnishing with a drizzle of chili oil and fresh microgreens for a gourmet touch. Another favorite is serving it in small espresso cups as an appetizer—a fun way to wow guests with flavor in small bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool the soup completely before refrigerating it to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to eat, just stir it well—sometimes it thickens, but a little extra broth or water can loosen it up beautifully.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave a little space at the top for expansion and avoid freezing with coconut milk mixed in—I add that fresh when reheating to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

I reheat this soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick. If the soup is too thick, adding a splash of stock or water brings it back to the perfect sipping consistency. Add the reserved coconut milk at the end for extra creaminess.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe without coconut milk?

    Yes! While coconut milk adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness, you can substitute with heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Just be aware that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

  2. Is roasting the butternut squash and sweet potatoes necessary?

    Roasting isn’t essential but it does enhance the natural sweetness and develop deeper flavors. If you’re short on time, you can skip roasting and cook the vegetables directly in the pot with the other ingredients.

  3. How spicy is the soup?

    The soup has a gentle warming heat from the spices and chili flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the chili powder and flakes to your preferred heat level or leave them out for a milder flavor.

  4. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a party?

    Absolutely! This soup holds up well when made a day ahead. Just reheat gently and add fresh coconut milk or garnishes right before serving to keep it vibrant and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something comforting and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. I love sharing it with friends because it always feels like a little celebration of fall and warmth, no matter the season. Trust me—you’ll enjoy how simple, flavorful, and satisfying this soup is. Give it a try and make it your own; I’m excited for you to taste this cozy magic!

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Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with roasted or sautéed butternut squash and sweet potatoes, fragrant spices, and rich coconut milk, this soup is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. It’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable stock.


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 small butternut squash (about 700-900g or 2-3 cups), peeled and chopped
  • 2 sweet potatoes (about 275g or 2 cups), peeled and chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled

Cooking Essentials & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

Liquids

  • 400 ml tin full fat coconut milk (reserve 2 tablespoons for serving)
  • 750 ml vegetable or chicken stock or water

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Slice the yellow onion and peel the garlic cloves.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, and chilli flakes. Cook the spices with the onions and garlic for about 1 minute to release their aroma and deepen the flavors.
  4. Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat them with the spices and oil. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer until tender: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the squash and sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.
  7. Add coconut milk and season: Stir in the full fat coconut milk, reserving 2 tablespoons for serving. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then gently heat through without boiling.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with the reserved coconut milk for an extra creamy touch. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

  • This soup can be made vegan by using vegetable stock.
  • Roasting the diced vegetables before sautéing adds a richer, deeper flavor but is optional.
  • Adjust the chili flakes and chili powder to your preferred spice level.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce the stock amount or cook longer to evaporate some liquid.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 48 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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