Hey there, friend! As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, I find myself craving comfort food that wraps me in warmth like a cozy blanket. One particular dish that calls to me during this fall season is my Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Cheddar & Granola. It’s the perfect bowl of sunshine on a chilly day, and the mere thought of it makes my kitchen feel like a snug little haven.

Let me take you on a delightful journey through not just this delicious recipe, but also the story behind it—one that’s filled with flavors, textures, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s that homemade goodness that brings everyone together, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this heartwarming world of butternut squash goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🌟 Perfect for weeknight dinners: This soup comes together quickly, making it an easy choice after a long day.
• 💰 Budget-friendly: Packed with seasonal ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• 🥰 Comforting flavors: The natural sweetness of the squash combined with warming spices is pure magic.
• 🧀 Cheddar & granola duo: This unexpected combo elevates the soup, adding richness and crunch.
• 🥗 Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your cozy bowl of Spiced Butternut Squash Soup:

• 1 medium butternut squash (around 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds so much more flavor than powdered!)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup granola (try to choose one with nuts for added texture!)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your warm, inviting soup.

1. Prep the squash: Start by peeling and cubing your butternut squash. This step may take a bit of muscle, but trust me, it’s worth it. Those tender cubes will cook up beautifully!
2. Sauté your aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The smell will make your stomach rumble!
3. Add the garlic and spices: Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to awaken and fill your kitchen with their fragrant embrace.
4. Cook the squash: Throw in the cubed butternut squash and give it a good stir, coating the pieces with the aromatic mix. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, just to slightly soften.
5. Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. A good watch-out here is to make sure not to let it boil too vigorously; we want tender squash, not mush!
6. Blend it up: Once the squash is soft, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
7. Season to taste: Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. You might also want a sprinkle of additional cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous!
8. Cheesy goodness: Stir in the grated cheddar until it’s melted and well incorporated. This is where the magic happens, turning the soup into a creamy, cheesy delight!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s have some fun with this soup! Here are some playful twists you can try:

• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Herb infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy depth.
• Swap the cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a tangy goat cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add protein: Stir in some cooked beans or lentils for a heartier soup option, perfect for a complete meal!
• Sweeten the pot: A splash of maple syrup or honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the squash, if that’s your jam!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your beautiful bowl of Spiced Butternut Squash Soup, let’s talk about how to serve it! Picture this: you ladle the warm soup into a rustic bowl, sprinkle a generous handful of crunchy granola on top for that delightful contrast, and then finish it off with a scattering of cheddar. Isn’t that comforting? I love to pair this soup with a crispy slice of homemade bread or a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. Or, how about whipping up a quick grilled cheese sandwich for that nostalgic touch? It’s pure heaven in every bite!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (or want to make a double batch for meal prep!), here’s how to store your soup:

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label your containers!
• Reheat: You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If it’s too thick after freezing, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash is a great time-saver. Just skip the peeling and cubing steps, and toss it into the pot with the spices. It will cook up just as deliciously!

How do I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Also, check your granola to ensure it’s dairy-free!

What can I garnish the soup with instead of cheddar and granola?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using roasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of crème fraîche, or even freshly chopped herbs like chives or dill for a bright finish!

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Of course! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or even a bit of apple can be deliciously added for extra depth and sweetness. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything is tender.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A bowl of Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Cheddar & Granola that’s cozy, comforting, and filled with love. I hope this recipe brings a little warmth to your kitchen and your table. Please share how your version turns out or any fun tweaks you made—I love hearing from you! Let’s embrace the fall season together, one delicious bowl at a time. Happy cooking!

Delicious Spiced Butternut Squash Soup: Cheddar & Granola Magic

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor a warm bowl of spiced butternut squash soup topped with cheddar & granola for a comforting, flavorful meal everyone will love. (155 chars)

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 medium butternut squash (around 2 pounds), peeled and cubed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

4 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

½ cup granola

Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prep the squash: Start by peeling and cubing your butternut squash.

Sauté your aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute.

Cook the squash: Add cubed butternut squash and stir. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the broth: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for about 20 minutes.

Blend it up: Remove the pot from heat and purée the soup until silky smooth.

Season to taste: Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Cheesy goodness: Stir in grated cheddar until melted and incorporated.

Notes

A cozy bowl of Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Cheddar & Granola that’s perfect for chilly days and filled with comforting flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: butternut squash soup, cheddar soup, comfort food, fall recipes, cozy soups