DALL·E-2024-11-26-15.42.46-A-warm-and-comforting-bowl-of-Smokey-Butternut-Squash-Soup.-The-soup-is-creamy-with-a-rich-orange-color-garnished-with-a-swirl-of-cream-a-sprinkle-o

Smokey Butternut Squash Soup

Healthy Fact of the Day

Butternut squash provides exceptional nutrition, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. To make this soup healthier, use milk or coconut milk instead of cream. Turkey bacon can replace regular bacon for less fat. Consider using vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. The spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while pepitas add protein and healthy fats. For a lighter version, skip the cream and use Greek yogurt for garnish. While nutritious, watch portion sizes if using full-fat cream. The combination of protein from bacon and fiber from squash makes this soup satisfying with fewer calories.

Ingredients

 

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish
  • Fresh chives, chopped
  • Crème fraîche for serving
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon in large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  2. In same pot, sauté onion in bacon fat and olive oil until soft.

  3. Add garlic and spices, cook until fragrant.

  4. Add squash cubes and stir to coat with spices.

  5. Pour in chicken stock, bring to boil.

  6. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until squash is tender.

  7. Let cool slightly before blending until smooth.

  8. Return to pot, stir in cream.

  9. Simmer additional 5 minutes.

  10. Adjust seasonings to taste.

  11. Top with crispy bacon bits.

  12. Garnish with pepitas, chives, and a swirl of crème fraîche.

Dip your spoon into this Smokey Butternut Squash Soup and watch as steam rises from its silky, orange surface! Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of sweet squash and smoky spice, creating a warming bowl of autumn comfort that’ll chase away any chill. Whether you’re starting a special dinner or just craving something soul-warming, this soup proves that a little smoke makes everything better. So grab that squash, cook up that bacon, and get ready to create a bowl of pure comfort that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Recent Recipes

Happy Juneteenth — Here’s How to Celebrate

  • June 19, 2026
  • 4 min read

The Hidden World of Umami and the

  • June 19, 2026
  • 9 min read

Chicken Spiedini

  • June 19, 2026
  • 8 min read

It’s National Splurge Day — And BOGO

  • June 18, 2026
  • 4 min read

The Curious Life of Food Trends and

  • June 18, 2026
  • 10 min read

Apricot Bourbon Smash

  • June 18, 2026
  • 11 min read

Chile Verde Pork

  • June 18, 2026
  • 9 min read

Cold Stone Creamery Just Launched a Supergirl

  • June 17, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Underrated Pleasure of Eating Alone

  • June 17, 2026
  • 9 min read

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

  • June 17, 2026
  • 12 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Blog
Daily Disher

Happy Juneteenth — Here’s How to Celebrate With Food Today

Juneteenth has a beautiful food tradition worth knowing about — the holiday is historically associated with red foods including hibiscus tea, red velvet cake, watermelon, and red beans, a tradition rooted in West African foodways that carried through generations of Black American culture. Many of these traditional Juneteenth foods are nutrient-rich in their natural forms: hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants and has been studied for its benefits to blood pressure, and watermelon is a hydrating, vitamin C-rich summer staple. Celebrating with traditional foods today is both delicious and a way of honoring the cultural roots behind what’s on your plate.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Hidden World of Umami and the Fifth Taste

The practical application of umami knowledge has meaningful implications for sodium reduction in cooking. Research demonstrates that replacing a portion of added salt with glutamate-rich ingredients — miso, soy sauce, tomato paste, Parmesan, and other fermented or aged umami sources — maintains perceived saltiness and flavor satisfaction while significantly reducing total sodium content. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that incorporating umami-rich ingredients allowed for sodium reductions of up to forty percent in soups and sauces without any decrease in perceived palatability — making umami literacy one of the most practical tools available for heart-healthy cooking.

Read More »
Appetizers
Amelia Grace

Chicken Spiedini

Chicken breast is one of the leanest, highest-protein cuts available, and marinating in olive oil and lemon juice rather than heavy sauces keeps this recipe exceptionally clean nutritionally. Oregano is rich in antioxidants and has documented antimicrobial properties—making the herb in this marinade more than just a flavor addition.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content