Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
This creamy roasted acorn squash soup is an easy fall soup recipe made with garlic, sage, thyme, and evaporated milk. It’s a vegetarian squash soup perfect for weeknights or as a holiday starter soup and ready in under an hour.
When the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, there’s nothing more soothing than a warm bowl of creamy soup. This roasted acorn squash soup delivers exactly that: a velvety, golden bowl of comfort with just the right balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice.
Acorn squash, with its mild, nutty flavor, shines when roasted until caramelized, deepening its natural sweetness. Blended with aromatic shallots, garlic, sage, thyme, and evaporated milk for creaminess, this soup transforms into a silky, comforting dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Perfect for holiday dinners, cozy weeknights, or even as a starter for your festive gatherings — this soup is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with warm bread or a crisp salad, and you have a nourishing dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This recipe serves four, but don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly — it’s one of those winter classics you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken in the refrigerator, so add a splash of vegetable stock or milk to loosen it up
Serving
- Serve with a crusty baguette or sourdough boule. While the soup simmers for the last five minutes, place the baguette or sourdough boule in the broiler on low. When the soup is done, the bread will be lightly toasted and perfect for dipping
- For a complete meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a fall salad
Substitutions
- Use butternut squash or pumpkin if acorn squash isn’t available — both offer a similar sweetness and texture
- Replace fresh herbs with dried if needed: Use 1 teaspoon dried sage and ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Ingredients:
- 3 large acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 6–8 fresh sage leaves
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 12-ounce can evaporated milk
Method
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Step One:
Roast the squash
Heat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice acorn squash in half, scoop out seeds, and place cut side up on the sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast 30–40 minutes, or until flesh is tender and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
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Step Two:
Sauté aromatics
In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced shallot and garlic until fragrant and lightly browned for about 3–5 minutes. Add vegetable stock, sage leaves, thyme, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Scoop the roasted squash out of the skin and add to the pot. Then, bring to a simmer.
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Step Three:
Blend into soup
Add evaporated milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
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Step Four:
Serve and enjoy
Ladle soup into bowls. Serve hot with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy winter meal.