Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup: Your Ultimate Gluten-Free Comfort Food
As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, inviting bowl of soup. This incredibly creamy and deeply flavorful butternut squash soup is a perfect embrace for those chilly days and cooler months. Crafted to be both hearty and wholesome, it serves beautifully as a sophisticated appetizer or a satisfying light meal. The best part? This easy soup recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to prepare it effortlessly in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Furthermore, it’s conscientiously made to be entirely gluten-free, completely dairy-free, and wonderfully vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delicious warmth.
Embracing the Cooler Seasons with Warm, Cozy Soups
Fall is undeniably one of my absolute favorite seasons. Beyond the joy of layering up in sweater weather and feeling snug in comfy knits, it ushers in the perfect excuse to indulge in big, hearty bowls of soup. There’s a certain magic in the air as temperatures drop, making a steaming bowl of homemade soup feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
From the vibrant sweetness of pumpkin soup to the earthy goodness of carrot turmeric soup, the sophisticated flavors of French onion soup, or the comforting richness of broccoli cheddar soup, not forgetting classics like chicken noodle soup or a simple yet satisfying tomato soup – each offers a unique culinary journey. But among these beloved favorites, there’s one that truly shines with its naturally sweet and savory profile: butternut squash soup.
The Irresistible Allure of Butternut Squash Soup
And how could we ever forget this thick, velvety, and incredibly rich butternut squash soup? Its inviting fragrance, which wafts through your kitchen as it simmers, is only paralleled by its exquisite taste. Each spoonful delivers a symphony of sweet and savory notes, a truly delightful experience for your taste buds. And let’s not overlook its stunning visual appeal – a vibrant yellow-orange hue that brightens any table and signals the wholesome goodness within. This soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a celebration of autumn’s bounty transformed into a nourishing and delicious meal.
Why This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite:
This savory butternut squash soup stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal recipe repertoire:
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You don’t need exotic items or a trip to a specialty store for this recipe. The ingredients required for this easy butternut squash soup are readily accessible at any local grocery store. We focus on fresh, natural components that come together to create an extraordinary flavor profile, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated.
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to long hours slaving over a hot stove! Preparing this slow cooker butternut squash soup takes just 15 minutes of hands-on prep. After a brief initial chop, you can let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, gently simmering the ingredients to perfection. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, making it the perfect fall comfort food for warming up on a chilly evening, even after a busy day.
- Inclusive for All Diets (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan): One of the most remarkable aspects of this hearty and comforting soup is its universal appeal. It is 100% gluten-free, completely dairy-free, and entirely vegan. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, lactose intolerance, or those following a plant-based diet can all enjoy this rich and creamy soup without any concerns. It’s truly a recipe designed for everyone to savor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Butternut Squash Soup
Crafting this delicious and savory butternut squash soup requires a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a visual overview to help you gather everything you need.
(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions for Perfect Butternut Squash Soup:
While this recipe is designed for optimal flavor and ease, there’s always room for customization and adaptability based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some key notes and substitution ideas to help you make this creamy butternut squash soup truly your own:
- Butternut Squash: As the name suggests, butternut squash is the undeniable star here, providing a naturally sweet and nutty base. While I typically use whole butternut squashes and prepare them myself, opting for pre-cut butternut squash can be a fantastic time-saver. If butternut squash isn’t available or you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute it with equal quantities of other winter squashes like acorn squash, pumpkin, or kabocha squash. Even sweet potatoes make an excellent alternative, lending a similar texture and sweetness.
- Onion: Yellow onion provides a classic, foundational sweetness and depth. However, don’t hesitate to use white onions for a slightly sharper flavor or red onions for a hint of color and a more robust taste if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is crucial for the aromatic depth of this savory soup. Its pungent notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the squash. Please stick to fresh garlic cloves rather than dried garlic powder for the best results; the flavor difference is significant. I’m quite fond of garlic, so I use three large cloves, but feel free to adjust to one or two cloves if you prefer a milder garlic presence.
- Olive Oil: I recommend extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits. However, other neutral vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, canola oil, or avocado oil will also work well. For those who aren’t vegan or lactose-intolerant, melted butter or ghee can be used for an even richer, more traditional flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: The quality of your broth can significantly impact the final taste. Both homemade and store-bought vegetable broth or vegetable stock are suitable. If you’re not adhering to a vegan diet, chicken stock or chicken broth can be used to add a different layer of savory flavor.
- Coconut Milk: To achieve that luxurious creaminess while keeping the soup dairy-free and vegan, full-fat coconut milk is key. It imparts a subtle sweetness and velvety texture without overpowering the butternut squash. If dairy isn’t an issue for you, regular heavy cream or half-and-half can be substituted for an equally rich result.
- Spices: This healthy butternut squash soup recipe gets its robust and warm flavor from a blend of ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground turmeric. These spices not only add depth but also contribute wonderful color and aromatic complexity. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili powder, ground cayenne pepper, or ground paprika to your preference.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Soup (Step by Step Guide):
Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully comforting and flavorful butternut squash soup:
1. Prepare Your Vegetables with Care
Begin by carefully peeling the butternut squash. This can be a bit challenging, so ensure you have a sharp peeler and a stable cutting surface. Once peeled, cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out and discard the seeds and fibrous strands using a spoon. Then, cut the squash into small, uniform cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster and more evenly. Next, peel your onion and cut it into quarters. Finally, peel the fresh garlic cloves, keeping them whole for now.
A well-prepped base is key to an amazing soup. Having your onions and garlic ready ensures all flavors meld perfectly.
2. Initiate Cooking with Olive Oil
Pour the olive oil into a large 8-quart slow cooker. The oil will help to distribute the flavors and prevent sticking, laying the groundwork for a rich and savory broth.
3. Combine All Ingredients and Stir Thoroughly
Carefully add your cubed butternut squash, quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, vegetable broth, coconut milk, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Once all ingredients are in, give them a good stir until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. This ensures all the flavors will meld beautifully during the slow cooking process.
4. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on a low setting for 5-6 hours, or on a high setting for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the butternut squash to become incredibly tender, almost falling apart. This slow simmering process allows all the flavors to deepen and intertwine, creating a rich and complex base for your soup.
5. Achieve Silky Smoothness by Blending
Once your vegetables are fully cooked and exceptionally tender, it’s time to transform them into a velvety soup. For ultimate convenience, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Blend everything until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, without any lumps. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer all the cooked ingredients to a regular high-speed blender. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overfilling, and process until you achieve that desired smooth and luxurious soup consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
6. Fine-Tune Your Flavors
Now is the critical moment to taste your beautifully blended soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even a dash more of your preferred spices to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Remember, a little adjustment can make a big difference.
7. Garnish and Serve with Style
Ladle your creamy vegan butternut squash soup into bowls. For a fresh touch and an extra burst of flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. If you appreciate a little extra warmth and visual appeal, a dash of ground black pepper and a pinch of chili powder can elevate the presentation and taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for Butternut Squash Soup Success:
- Creative Squash Swaps: While butternut squash offers a distinctive sweetness, feel free to experiment! You can indeed swap it out in equal quantities with other delicious winter squashes like acorn squash, pumpkin, or kabocha squash. Each will impart a slightly different flavor nuance to your soup. Alternatively, for a unique twist and similar creamy texture, sweet potatoes can also be used. Just remember that the final taste and subtle sweetness of the soup will vary depending on the specific squash or root vegetable you choose.
- No Slow Cooker? No Problem!: If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can still make this incredible soup on the stovetop. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large Dutch oven or a stock pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the squash is fork-tender. Once cooked, proceed with blending using an immersion blender or traditional blender until smooth and creamy.
- Elevate with Garnishes: Garnishes are not just for aesthetics; they add fresh flavor and texture! Some excellent herb garnishes include finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note, or fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma. For an added layer of crunch and healthy fats, consider sprinkling some toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) over your finished soup. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil or a drizzle of coconut cream can also add visual appeal and richness.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick for your liking after blending, simply whisk in a little extra vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it gently for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate, or blend in a small amount of cooked rice or potatoes (if not already in the recipe) for natural thickening.
Butternut Squash Soup FAQs:
To ensure your delicious butternut squash soup stays fresh, allow any leftovers to cool completely. Then, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup gently in the microwave or in a large soup pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Absolutely, this gluten-free vegan butternut squash soup freezes beautifully! First, make sure the soup has cooled down entirely. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let the soup thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it in the microwave or in a stock pot on the stovetop until hot.
This creamy butternut squash soup is versatile and pairs well with many accompaniments. For a light meal, serve it with crusty gluten-free bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a heartier option, you could add roasted chickpeas, a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt, or even some sautéed mushrooms on top. It also makes a fantastic starter for a larger fall-themed dinner.
If you love a little heat, there are several ways to kick up the spice! You can add an extra pinch of red chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Alternatively, for a fresh, vibrant heat, you can sauté a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions at the beginning of the stovetop method, or stir in a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a warm, zesty kick.
More Gluten-Free Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul:
- Easy 15-Minute Gazpacho Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Easy Carrot Lentil Soup (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Creamy Asparagus Potato Soup (Gluten-Free)
- Chicken Tortellini Soup (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Delicious Recipes to Savor During Fall & Winter Seasons:
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread (Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars (Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (Dairy-Free)
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Savory Butternut Squash Soup (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
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- Author: Felicia Lim
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this savory butternut squash soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days and the cooler months. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this easy soup recipe can be made in the crockpot or on the stovetop. Totally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cubed
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 fresh large garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Start by peeling and then removing the seeds before cutting the butternut squash into small cubes. Peel the onion and cut it into quarters. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Pour Oil: In a large 8-quart slow cooker, add the olive oil.
- Add Ingredients and Stir: Add the quartered onion, garlic, vegetable broth, coconut milk, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Cook Until Squash is Tender: Cook in the slow cooker for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, until the butternut squash is tender.
- Blend Until Creamy: Once the veggies are cooked and very tender, use an immersion blender to blend everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can also transfer all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and process until you get a smooth and creamy soup.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish this vegan butternut soup with fresh parsley or cilantro as well as a sprinkle of ground pepper and chili powder if you like.
Notes
Butternut Squash: Since this is a butternut squash soup, butternut squash is the star ingredient. However, you may also swap it out in equal quantities with other types of squash (such as acorn squash, pumpkin, kabocha squash etc).
Onion: I used a yellow onion, but feel free to use white onions or red onions too if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a beautiful savory flavor to this creamy soup, so make sure you use fresh garlic and not dried garlic. I enjoy garlic in general, so I used 3 large garlic cloves, but if you’re not such a big fan, feel free to reduce the garlic to 1 or 2 cloves.
Olive Oil: I used extra virgin olive oil, but you can also use other types of vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil, canola oil, avocado oil etc).
Vegetable Broth: Homemade or store-bought vegetable broth will work just as well. Alternatively, you may also use vegetable stock if you prefer.
Coconut Milk: I used full-fat coconut milk to add creaminess as well as to keep the recipe dairy-free and vegan. If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular heavy cream instead.
Spices: To add plenty of flavor, I’ve used ground cumin, ground coriander and ground turmeric for this delicious butternut squash soup recipe. Feel free to add other spices if you prefer more heat (such as red chili powder, ground cayenne pepper, ground paprika etc.).
Storing: To store, place any leftover butternut soup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the soup in the microwave or a stock pot before serving.
Note: This recipe was originally posted in 2013, but has since been republished to include step-by-step instructions as well as recipe notes and substitutions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American