This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is an easy and healthy recipe that incorporates classic Fall flavors like apples and squash, with delicious additions like cheddar cheese and cream or coconut milk!
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the inside of each half lightly with olive oil and rub on the surface to distribute. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Place it flat-side-down on a rimmed, light-colored baking sheet. (Dark baking sheets attract more heat and could cause burning.)
Roast for 45 minutes. Use a spatula to flip them over and use a large scoop to test the firmness of the inside, ensuring it’s soft. Note that it will cook more in the soup as well. (Measure out remaining soup ingredients while the squash is roasting.)
Make the Soup
Melt the butter in a large soup pot and add the diced onions. Let them soften and reduce for 5 minutes. Add the chopped apple and cook for 10 more minutes.
Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings and stir to combine.
Scoop the flesh of the roasted squash into the soup and gradually add the chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula to stir, combine, and smooth out the squash, it’ll almost look like mashed potatoes at first, until the rest of the broth is added.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat so that it’s still bubbling, but gently. Let it reduce/concentrate for 15 minutes, uncovered.
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to blend until smooth.
Transfer back to the heat on low. Stir in the half and half. Let the soup simmer until desired thickness is obtained (the longer it simmers, the thicker it becomes). Conversely, if it’s thicker than you like, add a little broth.
Slowly sprinkle in the cheese and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and serve!
Notes
Pro Tips
Shred the cheese from a block instead of using packaged shredded cheese if possible. It will melt and taste much better.
Ensure the base of the soup isn't too hot when the cheese is added, otherwise the dairy can separate and create a grainy consistency.