There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of honey roasted acorn squash soup, especially on a chilly day. The sweet, earthy flavors of roasted acorn squash combined with the luscious creaminess of coconut milk create a comforting hug in a bowl. As the honey caramelizes during roasting, it brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, giving this soup a delightful depth that’s simply irresistible. I’m telling you, every spoonful feels like a cozy embrace! It’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when you want something nourishing yet easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen for those cozy days ahead!
Ingredients for Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Tip: Make sure to select ripe acorn squashes that feel heavy for their size, as they’ll have the best flavor. If you want a little extra sweetness, feel free to adjust the honey to your taste. And don’t forget, the coconut milk adds a silky richness, so I recommend using the full-fat version for the creamiest result!
How to Prepare Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Making this honey roasted acorn squash soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the warmest, most inviting aromas! Let’s dive into the steps that’ll have you savoring this delicious soup in no time.
Preheat and Roast the Acorn Squash
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your acorn squashes and carefully slice them in half. Scoop out those seeds—don’t worry, they can be roasted later for a crunchy topping! Drizzle the halved squashes with honey and olive oil, giving them a nice massage to coat evenly. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to easily poke with a fork. This step is crucial because it caramelizes the sugars and deepens the flavor!
Sauté Aromatics
While the squash is roasting, let’s get those aromatics going! In a large pot, add a splash of olive oil over medium heat and toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until it’s fragrant—just be careful not to burn it, or it’ll get bitter!
Combine Ingredients
Once your squash is perfectly roasted, it’s time to combine everything! Carefully scoop the flesh out of the squash and add it to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes to allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Blend and Finish the Soup
Now comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you prefer a little texture, feel free to leave some bits intact! Once it’s blended to your liking, stir in the coconut milk and heat through for a couple of minutes. This adds that rich creaminess you’ll absolutely adore. And voilà, your honey roasted acorn squash soup is ready to be served warm—just perfect for cozying up with a big bowl!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your honey roasted acorn squash soup turns out perfectly every time!
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter soup, don’t hesitate to add a bit more honey. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more savory profile, reduce the honey and maybe even add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Herb Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers. Just toss in a few sprigs, then remove them before blending!
- Texture Variations: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, top your soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or even some croutons right before serving. It adds a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Add a Kick: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while simmering. It gives the soup a zesty warmth that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with a swirl of additional coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a beautiful presentation. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can also brighten it up visually!
- Batch Cooking: This soup freezes wonderfully! Make a double batch and store some in individual portions for a quick and comforting meal on busy days.
With these tips, I’m confident you’ll create a honey roasted acorn squash soup that’s not only delicious but also uniquely yours!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious honey roasted acorn squash soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
This soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your cozy meals. Enjoy every spoonful knowing it’s good for you too!
FAQ About Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
I’ve gathered some common questions that pop up about this delicious honey roasted acorn squash soup, so let’s dive in!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make it in advance. Just give it a good stir and reheat gently on the stove before serving!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can pop it in the fridge for about 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating!
Can I use other squashes?
Definitely! While acorn squash gives this soup its signature flavor, you can substitute with butternut squash or even pumpkin if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the roasting time as it might vary slightly!
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly as long as you use plant-based vegetable broth and coconut milk. It’s creamy, comforting, and completely dairy-free!
Can I make it spicier?
For sure! If you love a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you’re combining the ingredients. It’ll give the soup a delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
What topping do you recommend?
I love topping this soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of extra coconut milk for that creamy finish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a lovely pop of color too!
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help you make the most of your honey roasted acorn squash soup experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, this soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a soothing weekend project.
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of honey, roasted acorn squash, and warm spices creates a rich, comforting flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with nutrients, this soup is a great way to enjoy your veggies while indulging in a creamy, satisfying dish.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, add spices, or even toss in other veggies to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or cozy dinners throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet, smooth texture is a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring it’s a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for Any Season: Whether it’s chilly outside or you just need a comforting bowl of goodness, this soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your honey roasted acorn squash soup properly is key to keeping its delicious flavor and creamy texture intact! Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerator: Once your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well so it doesn’t absorb any other odors from your fridge!
- Freezer: If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just label the containers with the date, so you know when it’s time to enjoy it!
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is super simple:
- Thawing: If frozen, transfer the container to the fridge the night before to let it thaw slowly. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheating: Pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up a bit.
- Microwave: You can also reheat it in the microwave—just pour it into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a paper towel, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your honey roasted acorn squash soup whenever the craving hits! Just remember, it’s always best served warm and comforting.
Print
Honey Roasted Acorn Squash Soup: 5 Cozy Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting honey roasted acorn squash soup.
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle honey and olive oil over the squash.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add roasted squash, broth, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk and heat through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Top with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: honey roasted acorn squash soup