Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

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On chilly evenings when I crave something cozy yet nourishing, this Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup never fails to hit the spot. The sweetness of roasted acorn squash, enhanced by a drizzle of golden honey and a touch of spice, turns a humble vegetable into a rich, velvety bowl of comfort. I love making this soup when squash is in season—it fills the kitchen with warm, caramelized aromas and brings out the naturally nutty, buttery notes of the squash.

What I particularly enjoy about this soup is its versatility. It can stand alone as a light meal with some crusty bread or be a delicious starter to a hearty fall or winter dinner. Plus, it’s simple to make yet feels gourmet. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this recipe has that cozy, made-with-love magic that always impresses.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

• It’s naturally sweet and deeply flavorful thanks to honey and roasted squash.
• Creamy texture without needing loads of cream—great for lighter eating.
• Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
• A comforting, warming dish that highlights seasonal produce.

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What Kind of Squash Should I Use?

For this recipe, I stick with acorn squash because of its mild, buttery flavor and smooth texture when roasted. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with honey. However, if you’re out of acorn squash, you can substitute with butternut squash or even delicata squash. Each variety will bring a slightly different taste and texture, but they all work well roasted and pureed.

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Options for Substitutions

• Honey: Maple syrup is a great alternative if you want a deeper, more earthy sweetness.
• Heavy cream or coconut milk: Swap for almond milk or omit entirely for a lighter version.
• Acorn squash: Butternut or kabocha squash are excellent substitutes with a similar texture.
• Spices: Feel free to play with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or smoked paprika for added depth.
• Vegetable broth: Chicken broth works if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

• Acorn Squash – The star of the show, roasted to bring out its sweet and nutty flavor.
• Honey – Adds a natural sweetness that enhances the caramelized notes of the squash.
• Olive Oil – Helps with roasting and adds a silky richness to the soup.
• Yellow Onion – Provides a savory base and depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves – Infuses aromatic warmth into the soup.
• Vegetable Broth – Light and flavorful, it allows the squash to shine while adding moisture.
• Thyme (fresh or dried) – Adds a herby, earthy depth that balances the sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk – Optional, but adds luxurious creaminess and rounds out the flavor.

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Step 1: Roast the Squash

Cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle the flesh with olive oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper, then place cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender and slightly caramelized.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the squash is roasting, heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onions and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Scoop and Add the Squash

Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the roasted flesh and add it to the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well to combine and let everything mingle for a minute or two.

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Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add the vegetable broth to the pot, just enough to cover the squash mixture (about 3-4 cups depending on the size of your squash). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

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Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until silky smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.

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Step 6: Add Creaminess (Optional)

Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich, creamy finish. Start with ¼ cup and add more to taste. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes but don’t boil.

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Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, drizzle in a little extra honey. Garnish with fresh thyme or a swirl of cream before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

Prep Time:
Prepping this soup takes around 15-20 minutes. That includes halving and cleaning the squash, chopping the onion and garlic, and getting everything ready for roasting and sautéing.

Cook Time:
The acorn squash needs about 40-45 minutes in the oven to roast to tender perfection. Then, simmering everything together takes another 15 minutes. Blending and finishing the soup adds about 5 more minutes.

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup

• Roast the squash cut-side down for better caramelization and even cooking.
• Use an immersion blender for a mess-free blending experience.
• Add broth gradually when blending to control the soup’s thickness.
• A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can elevate the sweetness and warmth.
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning or sweetness to your liking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Under-roasting the squash: You want a deep caramelization for full flavor.
• Adding too much broth at once: This can lead to a thin, watery soup. Add gradually.
• Skipping the sauté step: Onions and garlic build essential flavor; don’t skip this.
• Overheating the cream: If you’re adding dairy, avoid boiling the soup after.
• Not tasting as you go: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sweetness.

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What to Serve With Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup?

1. Crusty Sourdough Bread

The perfect dipper for this creamy soup. Toasted or fresh, it complements every bite.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A gooey, crispy sandwich pairs deliciously with the soup’s smooth texture.

3. Mixed Greens Salad

Add freshness with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their crispy, earthy profile contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy soup.

5. Apple and Walnut Salad

The sweetness of apples and crunch from walnuts elevate the fall vibes of this meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Freezer:
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Store it in a freezer-safe container or individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does acorn squash taste like?

It has a mild, slightly nutty and sweet flavor. Roasting enhances its natural sweetness.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

How can I thicken the soup without cream?

Use less broth during blending or add a small cooked potato for a natural thickener.

Can I roast the squash ahead of time?

Absolutely. Roast and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. It speeds up the process.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can use a countertop blender. Just blend in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.

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Conclusion

Creamy Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients. It’s easy to make, full of rich flavor, and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re cozying up on a fall evening or prepping for a week of healthy meals, this soup is sure to satisfy. Simple, beautiful, and deeply delicious—just the way a good soup should be.

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