There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on a chilly evening. When I first paired the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with creamy feta and a hint of honey, it was a game-changer for my weeknight dinners. The way the feta melts into the soup creates a rich, velvety texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
After a long day, this Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of baking magic, you’ll have a hearty meal that pleases everyone at the table. The playful blend of flavors—sweet, savory, and just a touch of tang—is bound to make this dish a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Join me as I guide you through the steps to create this creamy soup that will have you saying goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade comfort on a spoon.
Why love Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey?
Warm, cozy essence of home cooking: This soup captures that heartwarming feeling of homemade meals that nurture the soul.
Flavor explosion with every spoonful: The roasted squash melds beautifully with tangy feta and sweet honey for a taste experience you won’t forget.
Effortless preparation: With minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, impressing family and friends.
Perfect for any season: Whether it’s a cold winter night or a light summer meal, this soup adapts to any occasion beautifully.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Its unique balance of flavors and creamy texture will make it a hit at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Healthy comfort food: Enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on nutrition — it’s a delicious way to incorporate veggies into your diet. For more scrumptious soups, check out our selection of delightful comfort soup recipes.
Ingredients for Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
For the Soup Base
• Butternut Squash – 5 cups, cubed; this is the star ingredient that brings sweetness and creaminess to your soup.
• Garlic – ½ bulb, bottom half only; roasting transforms this ingredient into a sweet and savory delight.
• Olive Oil – ⅓ cup; helps caramelize the squash and add depth of flavor.
• Kosher Salt – ¼ teaspoon; enhances all the natural flavors of your ingredients.
• Sage – 4 leaves (or 1 teaspoon of herb of choice); adds a fragrant earthy note, perfect for fall.
For the Creamy Finish
• Feta – 1 8 oz chunk; it melts beautifully into the soup, creating that rich, creamy texture characteristic of this Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey.
• Vegetable Broth – 1 32 oz quart; provides a warm, savory base for the soup.
• Honey – 2 tablespoons; a drizzle adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
How to Make Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. This prepares the environment for roasting, ensuring your butternut squash becomes tender and flavorful.
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Combine ingredients in a braising pan. Add olive oil, cubed butternut squash, kosher salt, and sage. Toss everything to evenly coat the squash with oil and seasonings.
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Nestle the feta. Place the feta chunk in the center of the pan, and gently tuck the bulb of garlic (cut side down) in the surrounding squash. Cover the pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until golden and fragrant.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic into the pot. Once out of the oven, remove the garlic bulb and squeeze the sweet, caramelized garlic into the squash mixture. Add honey and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
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Blend until velvety. Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it turns smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Sample your soup and feel free to add a pinch more salt if you desire additional flavor enhancement.
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Drizzle honey before serving. To present this comforting soup, add a lovely swirl of honey into each bowl just before serving, elevating both the look and taste.
Optional: Garnish with cracked black pepper for a touch of spice.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cut the butternut squash and garlic up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can combine the olive oil, kosher salt, and sage with the squash beforehand. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply roast the prepared ingredients, followed by blending them with the feta and honey. This way, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of soup ready in no time, maintaining that rich flavor and creamy texture, just as delicious as freshly made!
What to Serve with Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey?
Cozy up your mealtime with perfect accompaniments that enhance the warmth and sweetness of this delightful soup.
- Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing salad with shallots, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the rich soup.
- Herb-Infused Quinoa: Adding nutty quinoa stirred with fresh herbs complements the soup beautifully and boosts its nutritional value.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts tie in nicely with the sweetness of the squash.
- Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses like gouda and brie to create a lovely contrast with the salty feta in the soup.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: A light, refreshing drink, sparkling water garnished with lemon or lime balances the creaminess of the soup perfectly.
Invite warmth into your home with these harmonious pairings that will bring a smile to your face and comfort to your table!
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
Fridge: Store your leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore desired creaminess.
Serving Suggestions: Drizzle a little extra honey on top just before serving to enhance the delightful flavors of your Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey.
Expert Tips for Roasted Feta Soup
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Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, local butternut squash and high-quality feta will elevate your soup’s flavor significantly. Always opt for the best you can find.
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Roast to Perfection: Make sure to cover your pan while baking. This traps steam, allowing the squash to cook evenly, and helps the feta melt beautifully for a creamy texture in your Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey.
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Adjust the Sweetness: Honey adds a delightful touch, but always taste first! Depending on your squash’s natural sweetness, you might find varying levels of honey work better for your palate.
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Use an Immersion Blender: For smooth results, an immersion blender is perfect! It’s easier to clean and allows you to blend directly in the pot without transferring hot soup to a blender.
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Store and Reheat: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore creaminess, as it may thicken in the fridge.
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Experiment with Herbs: While sage is a fantastic choice, don’t hesitate to try other herbs! Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of nutmeg can introduce new layers of flavor.
Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delicious soup to match your taste!
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Vegan: Substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a delightful heat that contrasts against the sweetness.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to create a unique flavor profile that enhances the earthiness of the squash. A little variety can go a long way!
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Creamy Coconut: For a tropical twist, incorporate a can of coconut milk instead of vegetable broth, which adds a lovely creaminess and depth of flavor.
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Roasted Veggies: Mix in additional roasted vegetables, like carrots or sweet potatoes, for a hearty, vibrant soup packed with nutrients.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving for added texture and a delightful crunch that contrasts the smooth soup.
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Toastiness: Drizzle with some toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma, or sprinkle some toasted seeds on top for a beautiful garnish.
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Zesty Lemon: For a zesty flavor punch, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving, brightening up the entire dish with a refreshing twist.
Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best butternut squash?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be a creamy beige color without any dark spots or blemishes. A firm texture indicates freshness, while any soft or shriveled spots may suggest it’s past its prime.
What’s the best way to store leftover Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey?
You’ll want to store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to maintain the best quality. If you’d like to enjoy it later, freezing is also a great option.
Can I freeze Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey?
Yes, you can! To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat over low heat on the stove, adding broth to restore creaminess.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
If your Roasted Feta Soup is thicker than you’d like, it’s an easy fix! Simply stir in a little vegetable broth or water, a splash at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Blend again for a smooth finish, and always taste for seasoning adjustments if needed.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely, you can! For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta or even nutritional yeast for a similar flavor kick. You can also enhance creaminess with coconut cream or cashew cream. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey while accommodating dietary preferences.
Creamy Roasted Feta Soup with Butternut Squash & Honey Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Combine ingredients in a braising pan: olive oil, cubed butternut squash, kosher salt, and sage. Toss to coat evenly.
- Nestle the feta in the center of the pan, and tuck the bulb of garlic around the squash. Cover and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into the pot, then add honey and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy using a blender or immersion blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if desired.
- Drizzle honey before serving to enhance flavor.