Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and full of comforting spice, this Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter is the perfect recipe to warm your soul. It’s a velvety blend of tender butternut squash enriched with savory bacon and sweet onions, all elevated by a luscious brown butter infused with aromatic curry powder. Every spoonful offers a beautiful balance of creamy texture, smoky depth, and just the right hint of exotic warmth that makes this soup an unforgettable fall or winter treat. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor while keeping the preparation straightforward. From the crispiness of the bacon to the richness of the butter and cream, each element brings something essential to the final dish.

• Bacon (3 slices, diced): Adds smoky, savory depth and crispy texture to contrast the smooth soup.
• Sweet onion (1, diced): Provides natural sweetness and a mellow base flavor.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic punch.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.
• Butternut squash (4 to 5 cups, cubed): The star ingredient that gives the soup its creamy body and vibrant color.
• Chicken or vegetable stock (4 cups): Creates the flavorful broth that ties everything together.
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (½ cup): Adds a luxuriously smooth finish and gentle richness.
• Creme fraiche or plain yogurt (for topping): Offers a tangy contrast that brightens the soup.
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for topping): Adds fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Key for making the fragrant curried brown butter drizzle.
• Curry powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, earthy spices that transform the brown butter into something truly special.

How to Make Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating the diced bacon in a stock pot over medium heat. Cook it slowly, stirring often, until it’s beautifully crispy and the fat has rendered out completely. This bacon fat will be the flavorful foundation for sautéing your onions and garlic, so don’t rush this step. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease, but keep the bacon fat in the pot for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced sweet onions and minced garlic directly into the pot with the warm bacon fat. Season lightly with kosher salt and pepper to bring out their flavors. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, about five minutes. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness and balances the savory base of your soup.

Step 3: Add Butternut Squash and Stock

Toss in the cubed butternut squash with another pinch of salt and pepper, stirring to coat it in the flavorful fat. Pour in the stock, whether chicken or vegetable, and bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cover the pot and let the mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender enough to mash with a fork. This creates the smooth, velvety texture that’s so satisfying.

Step 4: Puree the Soup

Using caution, transfer the hot soup in batches to a blender and puree until entirely smooth. Be careful not to overfill your blender to avoid any accidents. Alternatively, use an immersion blender right in the pot to keep it simple. Once silky smooth, pour the soup back into the pot and warm over low heat, preparing it for the finishing touches.

Step 5: Stir in Cream

Now for the creamy finish: stir in your choice of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. This step enriches the soup’s body and adds a beautiful silkiness that makes every spoonful luxurious. Taste and season again with salt and pepper as needed to make sure the flavors shine perfectly.

Step 6: Make the Curried Brown Butter

In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch closely as it begins to bubble and brown bits form at the bottom of the pan—the sign of perfectly toasted butter flavor. Once those golden brown specks appear, sprinkle in the curry powder and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and let the spices infuse the butter for an extra 30 seconds. This fragrant curried brown butter drizzle is what takes the Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the smooth squash soup into bowls, dollop with creme fraiche or plain yogurt, sprinkle crispy bacon on top, and finish it all with a generous drizzle of your homemade curried brown butter. This final combination of textures and flavors will have you coming back for seconds in no time.

How to Serve Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter

Garnishes

A bowl of this soup isn’t complete without some thoughtful garnishes. Creme fraiche or plain yogurt adds a refreshing tang and creamy temperature contrast that cuts through the richness. Crispy bacon adds a crunchy, smoky bite lifting the soup’s smoothness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro brightens the bowl with its lively, herbal flavor and a burst of green color.

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls to soak up every delicious drop. A crisp green salad with tart vinaigrette balances the richness and keeps things fresh. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa or wild rice complement the soup’s warm spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, serve this Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash for a stunning seasonal presentation. Garnish with a swirl of the curried brown butter, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like toasted pumpkin seeds, or a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky heat. These little touches elevate the experience and make the dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this soup keep very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve the vibrant flavors and creamy texture. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

If you want to save the soup for longer, it freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Keep the curried brown butter separate and drizzle it fresh after reheating to maintain its rich flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on low heat on the stove to avoid scorching, stirring frequently for even warmth. Adjust seasoning and add a splash of cream or coconut milk if it thickens too much. Drizzle with your pre-made curried brown butter just before serving to bring back that signature punch of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth, use vegetable stock, and opt for full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. Skip the creme fraiche and use a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream topping. The curried brown butter can be replaced with browned coconut oil mixed with curry powder for a similar effect.

What kind of curry powder is best for this soup?

A mild to medium curry powder works best here to enhance the soup without overpowering it. Look for a balanced blend with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and a touch of fenugreek. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne separately to taste.

Can I use other types of squash?

Yes! While butternut squash is ideal for its sweetness and creamy texture, kabocha or buttercup squash can also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times slightly if your squash has a denser texture.

Is it okay to omit the bacon?

Yes, omitting the bacon will still result in a wonderfully flavorful soup. Consider adding a drizzle of smoked olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt to impart some smoky warmth without the meat.

How do I prevent the soup from being too thick?

If the soup thickens too much during blending or chilling, simply add a little more stock or water and stir well. Heating gently while stirring also helps loosen up the texture without losing creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Squash Soup with Curried Brown Butter is truly a celebration of rich, comforting flavors with just the right hint of adventurous spice. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor each spoonful, and maybe even share with good company around the table. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something wonderfully warming and unforgettable.

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