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Creamy Brown Butter Delicata Squash Soup (Easy Fall Recipe)

brown butter delicata squash soup - featured image

This creamy brown butter delicata squash soup is a quick and easy fall recipe that uses a whole-roasting technique for maximum sweetness and minimal effort. The nutty brown butter adds a rich, toasty depth that makes every spoonful feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably European-style like Kerrygold or Plugrà)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
  • 8–10 fresh sage leaves
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled bacon, additional brown butter drizzle, or a swirl of cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the delicata squash thoroughly and pat dry.
  2. Prick the squash all over with a fork (about 8-10 times each). Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 35-45 minutes, until a knife slides in easily with no resistance.
  3. While the squash roasts, make the brown butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Remove the crispy sage leaves and set aside for garnish. Add the diced onion to the brown butter and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the smashed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
  6. When the squash is done, let it cool for 5 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop the tender flesh into the pot, discarding the skins.
  7. Add the maple syrup, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot.
  8. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches (let cool slightly first and never fill more than halfway).
  9. Stir in the heavy cream slowly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy sage leaves, a drizzle of cream, and optional toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds.

Notes

Don’t skip pricking the squash to prevent bursting. Watch the brown butter carefully as it can burn quickly. Use room temperature cream to avoid curdling. Season in layers for best flavor. The soup tastes even better the next day. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño when sautéing onions.

Nutrition

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