Squash Soup with Parmesan

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Warm up with this comforting squash soup topped with rich parmesan cheese.

Rowan Tate

Created by

Rowan Tate

Last updated on 2025-12-25T16:40:15.321Z

This squash soup is a delightful blend of flavors, offering a creamy texture complemented by the savory notes of parmesan. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a starter for a dinner party.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy texture balanced with savory parmesan
  • Rich, comforting flavors perfect for fall
  • Easy to make and elegant enough for guests

The Richness of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This vibrant orange vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining healthy vision and immune function. Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory flavors, making it a perfect base for soups. When cooked, butternut squash develops a creamy texture that creates a comforting mouthfeel, especially in soups.

In addition to its health benefits, butternut squash is incredibly versatile. It can be roasted, mashed, or pureed, and it works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes. This recipe highlights its savory potential, allowing the squash to shine alongside the rich, nutty notes of parmesan cheese.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This squash soup is not only ideal for cozy nights at home but also makes an elegant addition to dinner parties. Its smooth texture and sophisticated flavor profile impresses guests, while being simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Serve it as a starter to set the tone for a delightful meal, or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dinner.

The soup's vibrant golden hue adds a pop of color to your table, making it visually appealing. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this squash soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about this squash soup is its adaptability. You can easily customize it by adding spices such as nutmeg or cayenne for an extra kick. For a herbal twist, consider incorporating fresh thyme or rosemary, which complements the flavors of squash beautifully. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the parmesan.

For an added layer of flavor, try roasting the squash before adding it to the pot. This brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall taste of the soup. With these simple adjustments, you can tailor the recipe to suit your palate and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious squash soup.

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

These ingredients will come together to create a warm and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your squash soup.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Squash

Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.

Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delicious squash soup!

Enjoy your comforting bowl of squash soup!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover squash soup, you’re in luck! This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it can last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and enjoy the flavors just as delicious as the day you made it.

Serving Suggestions

This squash soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a side of crusty artisan bread or homemade croutons for a delightful crunch. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup, making for a complete meal.

For a more gourmet touch, top your soup with a swirl of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also provide interesting textures and flavors that elevate the dish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen squash?

Yes, frozen squash can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the parmesan cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Squash Soup with Parmesan

Warm up with this comforting squash soup topped with rich parmesan cheese.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Rowan Tate

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  2. 1 medium onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 4 cups vegetable broth
  5. 1 cup heavy cream
  6. 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Olive oil for sautéing

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Step 03

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.

Step 04

Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delicious squash soup!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 6g