While it is delicious on its own, you might be wondering what are the best side dishes to serve with butternut squash soup. This post will explore delicious pairings for butternut squash soup.
How to Make Butternut Squash Soup
Here is an easy butternut squash soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Croutons if desired
Instructions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them for about 5 minutes or until softened. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the cubed butternut squash and stir to combine. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
After the squash has cooked, add the sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Now, it’s time to blend the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend the soup until it has a creamy texture. If using a traditional blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending and blend in batches if needed.
Add croutons if desired before serving.
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash about 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them for about 5 minutes or until softened. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the cubed butternut squash and stir to combine. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- After the squash has cooked, add the sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Now, it's time to blend the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend the soup to the desired consistency. If using a traditional blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending and blend in batches if needed.
Breads to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup
Crusty French Bread
A warm and crusty French bread is the perfect side dish to your butternut squash soup. You can serve it:
- As a whole baguette
- Sliced for easy dipping
- Lightly toasted for added crunch
Focaccia bread and sourdough bread also pair well with butternut squash soup.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread brings a touch of savory goodness to your soup experience. You can prepare it using:
Store-bought garlic bread
At home, using a French baguette, garlic butter, and an oven
Topped with cheese for added indulgence
Cornbread
Adding a slice of cornbread to your soup spread introduces a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crumbly texture. Cornbread can be:
- Baked from scratch or using a boxed mix
- Enjoyed in muffin form
- Served with a pat of butter or honey on the side
Salads to Pair with Butternut Squash Soup
Arugula Salad
A refreshing Arugula Salad is another perfect side dish to serve with your butternut squash soup. To prepare it, simply toss these ingredients together:
- A few handfuls of arugula leaves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
For the dressing, whisk these ingredients until well combined:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: a touch of honey or maple syrup
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf Salad offers a mix of sweet and savory flavors that balance the warm, earthy tones of butternut squash soup. The traditional recipe includes:
- Diced apples
- Chopped celery
- Halved red grapes
- Walnuts
Combine the ingredients in a bowl, then toss with a light dressing made from:
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Chill the salad for a bit before serving for the best flavor.
Greek Salad
For a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired option, consider pairing your soup with a colorful Greek Salad. The salad’s zesty flavors and crisp textures contrast well with the smooth, buttery soup. Gather the following ingredients:
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
Prepare a light Greek dressing with these ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Toss the salad with the dressing, and you’re ready to serve.
Main Dishes That Complement Butternut Squash Soup
Grilled Chicken
Any type of protein pairs well with butternut squash soup, especially a well-seasoned grilled chicken. To add extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your preferred choice of herbs and spices before grilling. Pairing the mildly sweet and nutty taste of the soup with a tender, juicy chicken brings a sense of balance to your meal. Serve with a side of wild rice pilaf.
Roast Beef
Alternatively, a succulent roast beef can also be a delicious partner for your soup. The savory and tender roast beef, when served alongside the creamy soup, creates a delightful contrast in both flavors and textures. Serve with a side of sweet potatoes.
Vegetable Stir Fry
For a vegetarian option, consider pairing your butternut squash soup with a colorful vegetable stir fry. You can easily customize this dish with your favorite variety of veggies, such as:
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Snow peas
- Zucchini
- Brussels sprouts
Season the stir fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. The combination of crisp vegetables and aromatic seasonings will provide a refreshing accompaniment to the rich, silky soup.
Desserts to Follow Butternut Squash Soup
Apple Pie
After enjoying a hearty butternut squash soup, you might be craving a dessert that complements its flavors. An apple pie is an excellent choice. The sweetness and tartness of the apples blend well with the nutty and earthy taste of the soup. Opt for a traditional, flaky crust, or try a crumb topping for added texture. Serve your apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped heavy cream.
Chocolate Mousse
If you prefer a lighter, more delicate dessert, chocolate mousse is the answer. You can easily customize your chocolate mousse, too. Add a splash of orange liqueur for a citrus twist, or top it with fresh raspberries for a fruity contrast. Serve in elegant glasses or dishes to elevate the presentation.
Cheesecake
Another fantastic option to follow your butternut squash soup is a slice of cheesecake. Experiment with different flavors, such as:
- Classic New York style with a graham cracker crust
- Pumpkin or apple-spiced for a seasonal touch
- Chocolate swirl or caramel drizzle for an added indulgence
Wine Pairings for Butternut Squash Soup
Chardonnay
A well-rounded Chardonnay is an excellent choice to pair with butternut squash soup. Opt for a Chardonnay that showcases:
- Apple or pear fruit flavors
- Light to medium oak influence
- Moderate acidity to balance sweetness
- A smooth, full-bodied character
Sweet Riesling
For a more adventurous pairing, give a sweet Riesling a try. This white wine’s natural sweetness and fruity flavors work well with the squash’s natural sugars. The Riesling’s acidity also helps cleanse your palate between bites. Look for these attributes in your Riesling:
- Floral or honey aromas
- Bright, tropical fruit flavors
- High acidity to enhance the soup’s flavors
- A luscious, velvety texture
Pinot Noir
If you prefer red wine, consider a light-bodied Pinot Noir. Its earthy and slightly spicy notes can add depth to the soup, while its mild tannins won’t overpower the dish. Select a Pinot Noir with these characteristics:
- Red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, or strawberry
- Earthiness for a grounding contrast
- Bright acidity to lift the dish
- Soft tannins that won’t clash with the soup
FAQs – What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup
Can I freeze butternut squash soup?
Yes, you can freeze butternut squash soup. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, leaving enough headroom for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to garnish butternut squash soup?
Include a swirl of sour cream or crème fraîche, a drizzle of brown butter or olive oil, and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or sage. Add a dash of smoked paprika or crumbled bacon for a savory twist. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese also adds a tasty touch.
What is the best sandwich to serve with butternut squash?
Over here at HomePerch, we love pairing our butternut squash soup with a hot and crispy grilled cheese sandwich made with cheddar cheese and a side of kale chips. Avocado toast is also the perfect side dish for butternut squash soup.
