Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Get ready to impress your guests with a bowl of comfort and luxury – Million Dollar Butternut Soup! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, with creamy butternut squash, savory chicken sausage, crispy bacon, and hearty kale coming together to create a soup that feels both indulgent and nourishing. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, this soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions when you want to serve up something truly unforgettable.

The magic begins with roasting the butternut squash until it’s perfectly tender and caramelized, adding a depth of flavor that sets this soup apart. The addition of white wine, cannellini beans, and a hint of lemon zest elevates the taste to a whole new level, making each spoonful a delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday potluck or simply craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening, Million Dollar Butternut Soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

So, gather your ingredients, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and get ready to experience the warmth and richness of this luxurious soup. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and promises to deliver a bowl of goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of luxury with Million Dollar Butternut Soup – a recipe that’s worth its weight in gold!

Quick Benefits

• Luxurious and comforting flavors: Creamy butternut squash, roasted chicken sausage, crispy bacon, and wilted kale create a rich and indulgent soup that feels special and nourishing.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily swap ingredients like sweet potatoes or pumpkin for butternut squash, or use different types of beans, greens, or sausage to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-ahead convenience: Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, and it freezes well for longer-term storage, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Recipe

• Luxurious and Nourishing: This soup feels deeply comforting and indulgent, perfect for a special meal that requires minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With ingredients like butternut squash, chicken sausage, and crispy bacon, this soup is sure to impress guests and picky eaters alike.
• Fall Comfort: Butternut squash is a quintessential fall ingredient, creating a cozy and heartwarming dish perfect for cold weather nights.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with ingredient substitutions, such as sweet potatoes for butternut squash or chickpeas for cannellini beans, making it flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The soup can be made in advance, and its flavors deepen overnight. It freezes well, making it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Family and Community Favorite: Whether for a family dinner or a neighborhood potluck, this soup has become a beloved tradition that everyone will enjoy.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: Blending a portion of the soup with heavy cream creates a velvety consistency that elevates the dish to a luxurious level.
• Herbal and Citrus Notes: The addition of fresh thyme and lemon zest adds brightness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve with warm sourdough or cheesy toast for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely finish.
• European Harvest Stew Inspiration: Rooted in classic European stews, this soup is perfect for the fall and winter seasons, providing warmth and comfort to all who enjoy it.

Ingredients for Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Vegetables

• 2 cups kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped

Meat and Sausage

• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 package chicken sausage, sliced

Herbs and Aromatics

• 10 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon

Pantry

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup dry white wine

Pro Tips for Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the butternut squash with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey before adding it to the soup. This will enhance its natural sweetness and deepen the overall taste profile. Don’t forget to season each component generously with salt and pepper as you cook to build layers of flavor.

To make this soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly, swap the chicken sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Adding a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, can mimic the savory depth typically provided by meat. You can also increase the amount of beans for added protein and texture.

When reheating the soup, do so gently over low heat to prevent the creamy base from separating. Stirring well during reheating will help maintain the soup’s velvety texture. Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, such as a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, to add your own personal touch to this rich and comforting dish.

How to Make Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Step 1: Preparation and Roasting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Combine cubed butternut squash and sliced chicken sausage with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 sprigs thyme on the prepared sheet.
3. Roast for 25 minutes until squash is tender and golden.

Step 2: Render Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot. Melt unsalted butter in the pot, then add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build Soup Base

Add all-purpose flour to the pan and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Slowly pour in dry white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate flour and browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans

Combine chicken stock, remaining kosher salt, remaining black pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, and drained cannellini beans in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Blend and Enrich

Blend 3 cups of soup until smooth. Return mixture to pot and stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Mix well.

Step 6: Combine Roasted Ingredients

Combine roasted butternut squash, sliced sausage, and chopped kale in the soup. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until kale wilts and ingredients are heated through.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Divide the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon. Serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store Million Dollar Butternut Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing the flavors to deepen over time. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. When reheating from frozen, do so gently over low heat to prevent the creamy texture from separating, stirring well to reincorporate any separated ingredients, especially after freezing.

For a comforting meal, serve the Million Dollar Soup with warm sourdough bread or a rustic cheesy toast to soak up all the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the presentation, especially when hosting guests. Adding a touch of lemon zest just before serving can brighten up the flavors. This versatile soup can also be customized by swapping ingredients like sweet potatoes for butternut squash, turkey sausage for chicken sausage, or chickpeas for cannellini beans according to personal preferences or availability.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this soup vegetarian or vegan, you can easily omit the chicken sausage and bacon, and swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock. To enhance the flavors and create depth, consider adding more beans like chickpeas or mushrooms to the soup.

If you’re missing some ingredients, sweet potatoes or even pumpkin can replace butternut squash for a similar creamy sweetness. Additionally, chickpeas can be a good substitute for cannellini beans. For a lighter green, spinach can replace kale in the soup. Feel free to customize the soup with ingredients you have on hand or based on dietary preferences.

For a different flavor profile, you can experiment with using turkey or pork sausage instead of chicken sausage. Blending a portion of the soup and stirring in heavy cream towards the end of cooking will help create a velvety texture. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Remember to refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Million Dollar Butternut Soup in a hollowed-out roasted butternut squash for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests. Top each serving with a dollop of creamy goat cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

For a cozy and casual dinner, ladle the soup into individual bread bowls and garnish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. Pair it with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or a warm apple cider to complete the meal.

FAQs for Luxurious Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken sausage and bacon, using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and adding more beans or mushrooms for depth and flavor.

How can I achieve a rich, velvety consistency in the soup?

Blending a portion of the soup and stirring in heavy cream will help create a rich, velvety consistency in the soup.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme for fresh thyme if fresh thyme is unavailable. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

How should I store leftover soup?

Let the soup cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently to ensure the creamy base does not separate. If freezing, ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, label with the date, and reheat from frozen over gentle heat.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for entertaining, Million Dollar Butternut Soup is a recipe that never fails to impress. The combination of creamy butternut squash, savory chicken sausage, crispy bacon, and hearty kale creates a soup that is sure to become a family favorite. The flavors only deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – swap in different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. The versatility of Million Dollar Butternut Soup makes it a go-to meal for any occasion. So, grab a spoon, savor each spoonful, and let this luxurious soup warm your soul.