As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of roasted butternut squash wafted through the air, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. This moment inspired me to create my newest favorite, Creamy Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash and Honey. This easy soup recipe is not only a vegetarian delight but also a comforting hug in a bowl that quickly becomes a staple during chilly evenings. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can prepare a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple. Imagine curling up with a creamy, velvety soup that balances the sweetness of butternut squash with the tang of feta and a hint of honey—pure bliss. Ready to dive into this deliciously warming recipe? Let’s get started!
Why is this soup a must-try?
Velvety Texture: This soup boasts a creamy, smooth consistency that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Burst of Flavor: The combination of sweet butternut squash, tangy feta, and a drizzle of honey creates a flavor profile your taste buds will crave.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few pantry staples, this easy soup recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for any weeknight meal.
Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite herbs or add proteins like chicken or chickpeas for a customized touch!
Crowd-pleasing Comfort: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup is sure to impress and warm everyone’s hearts. Pair it with crispy feta toast for a delightful texture contrast!
Roasted Feta Soup Ingredients
• To create your delightful Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey, gather these perfect ingredients!
For the Soup
- Butternut Squash – The main ingredient that delivers a sweet and creamy base; frozen butternut squash works in a pinch!
- Feta Cheese – This tangy cheese adds that delicious creaminess, but feel free to try aged goat cheese for a new flavor experience.
- Garlic – Roasting brings out its natural sweetness; ensure to use just the bottom half of the bulb, cut-side down!
- Olive Oil – A rich addition for roasting; opt for extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your taste after blending for the best result.
- Sage – Adds earthy depth; swap it with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if that’s what you have on hand.
- Vegetable Broth – The flavorful liquid base for the soup; choose low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- Honey – This sweet touch balances flavors beautifully; drizzle a little more when serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Happy cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment for roasting, which helps caramelize the butternut squash and brings out its natural sweetness. As the oven warms up, grab a braising pan or a Dutch oven, ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In your prepared braising pan, drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Toss in the cubed butternut squash and season it with kosher salt along with any dried herbs you choose, such as sage. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while roasting.
Step 3: Add Feta and Garlic
Nestle a chunk of feta cheese in the center of the butternut squash, and place a halved garlic bulb cut-side down alongside it. The feta will melt into the soup as it cooks, adding a creamy texture. Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the squash is tender and just starting to brown slightly.
Step 4: Extract the Roasted Garlic
Once the butternut squash is perfectly tender, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully extract the roasted garlic and squeeze the softened cloves directly into the pot, blending them with the squash. This will infuse the soup with a rich, sweet garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey.
Step 5: Add Broth and Honey
Next, pour in the vegetable broth, which forms the flavorful base of the soup. Add a drizzle of honey to balance the savory notes of the feta and squash. If you’re using fresh herbs, toss them in at this stage as well. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring the mixture to a traditional blender, blend the soup until velvety smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth and blend again to reach your desired texture. Taste your creamy Roasted Feta Soup and adjust the salt if needed for the perfect flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and for an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling more honey over the top. Pair your soup with crispy feta toast or your favorite bread for a delightful meal that will warm your soul.
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Feta Soup
Fridge: Store leftover roasted feta soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this comforting soup later, freeze it for up to a month. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to achieve the desired consistency. Add a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
Serving Freshness: To retain optimal flavor and texture, enjoy your creamy roasted feta soup within the suggested timeframes. Perfect for warming up on chilly days!
What to Serve with Creamy Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash and Honey
Indulging in a warm bowl of soup invites a sprinkle of creativity for a truly satisfying meal. Let’s explore some delightful pairings!
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Crispy Feta Toast: The contrasting crunch of this toasted bread complements the soup’s creamy texture, making every bite a crispy delight. Pair it for a textural adventure!
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic companion, the melty cheese and buttery bread provide the ultimate comfort experience, perfect for dipping into your velvety soup.
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Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette brighten up the meal, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich soup while providing a burst of texture.
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Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted veggies offer earthy flavors and a beautiful color contrast, enhancing the wholesome experience of your meal and bringing in more nutrients.
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Honey Drizzle for Garnish: A subtle drizzle over the soup enhances the sweetness of butternut squash and ties together the flavors harmoniously.
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Chardonnay Wine: A glass of crisp Chardonnay balances the richness of the feta while complementing the honey’s sweetness, making for an elevated dining experience.
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Savory Herb Crackers: These crunchy delights add a herby flavor profile and delightful crunch, perfect for nibbling alongside or dipping into your creamy soup!
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Chili Flakes: For those who love a gentle kick, sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the soup for a warm and spicy twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Roasted Feta Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this soup masterpiece to suit your tastes!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute feta with a dairy-free cream cheese for a similar creaminess without the dairy.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika in place of sage for an aromatic twist that complements the squash beautifully.
Fresh herbs bring their own unique qualities, enhancing the flavor of your dish. Adjust according to the season or what you have on hand!
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or chickpeas for a hearty, protein-packed meal that satisfies those hunger pangs.
This twist not only bulks up the soup but also adds a delightful texture, making it more filling and fulfilling for any dinner setting.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to introduce a mild heat and smokiness that transforms the overall taste experience.
This variation appeals to those who enjoy a little kick in their comfort food while still retaining the soup’s luscious qualities.
- Extra Crunch: Top your bowls with crispy bacon bits, crunchy fried onions, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
The sumptuous creaminess of the soup pairs perfectly with these delightful, crunchy additions!
- Honey Drizzle: For a sweeter finish, drizzle extra honey on top just before serving, allowing it to melt into the warm soup for an irresistible treat.
This simple touch enhances your flavor profile, drawing in the sweetness that balances so beautifully with the savory notes.
- Veggie Medley: Toss in roasted or sautéed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to add color and a nutritious boost to your soup.
Incorporating vibrant veggies not only adds to the visual appeal, but it also enriches the flavor, making it even more satisfying!
For more warm, delicious options, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Feta Cranberry Rigatoni or Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs, perfect for pairing alongside your comforting soup!
Make Ahead Options
This Creamy Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash and Honey is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made ahead of time to save precious moments in the kitchen! You can prepare and blend the entire soup up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container after cooking. To maintain its velvety texture, store the soup without toppings and reheat gently on the stove before serving. If you prefer making it even earlier, you can roast the butternut squash and garlic up to 24 hours ahead, then proceed with blending upon your return home. You’ll have a warm, comforting dish that’s just as delicious waiting for you!
Expert Tips for Roasted Feta Soup
- Don’t Rush the Roast: Roasting the butternut squash until it caramelizes brings out its natural sweetness. Take your time for the best flavor!
- Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend less; for a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth gradually.
- Adjust for Sweetness: Taste your soup before serving and add more honey if desired. The right balance elevates the Roasted Feta Soup!
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs like sage, remember they are more potent—use them sparingly!
- Serve with Style: Don’t forget your crispy feta toast on the side; the texture contrast adds a delightful touch to your comforting soup.
Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe butternut squash?
When choosing butternut squash, look for firm, smooth skin that is free from bruises or dark spots. A good one will feel heavy for its size and have a vibrant, rich color. Avoid any that have soft spots or are overly blemished, as these may indicate that the squash is past its prime.
How should I store leftover Roasted Feta Soup?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it to help preserve its flavors and texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to a month. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion as it freezes.
Can I freeze Roasted Feta Soup?
Yes, absolutely! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date for reference. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, and then reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
If you find that your Roasted Feta Soup is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in additional vegetable broth or a splash of water while reheating. Start with a small amount—about 1/4 cup—and mix well until you reach your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, as adding broth may dilute some flavors.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this soup?
This soup is generally vegetarian and can accommodate various dietary preferences. However, it contains dairy due to the feta cheese, which can be an allergen for some. If you’re serving this soup to guests with dietary restrictions, consider using plant-based cheese options instead. Also, keep in mind that while the ingredients in this recipe are safe for humans, they may not be suitable for pets; it’s best to keep soup away from your furry friends!
Delicious Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle olive oil in your braising pan, add cubed butternut squash and season with kosher salt and sage.
- Nestle feta cheese and halved garlic bulb in the squash, cover, and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove roasted garlic, squeeze softened cloves into the pot, and blend with squash.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add honey, stir gently.
- Blend the soup until smooth and adjust consistency with more broth as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and drizzle with additional honey before serving.