Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

This comforting dish features roasted acorn squash blended with sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic, simmered in savory broth with thyme and nutmeg. Pureed until smooth, it’s enriched with cream for a velvety texture. Garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme, it delivers warmth and elegance for chilly days or casual gatherings. Easily adapted with coconut milk for a dairy-free option and versatile with butternut squash as a substitute.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:43:00 GMT
Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup: a warm, vibrant orange bowl, garnished with pepitas and drizzles of cream. Pin it
Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup: a warm, vibrant orange bowl, garnished with pepitas and drizzles of cream. | smartyskitchen.com

A velvety, comforting soup made from roasted acorn squash, blended with aromatic vegetables and finished with cream. Perfect for chilly days and elegant enough for entertaining.

I first made this creamy roasted acorn squash soup on a chilly autumn evening and was amazed by how a handful of humble ingredients created such a luxurious dish. The aroma of roasting squash filled my kitchen, making it feel extra cozy as we all eagerly awaited dinner.

Ingredients

  • Acorn squash: 2 medium, halved and seeded
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml) or coconut milk for dairy-free
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste
  • Ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas): For garnish, optional
  • Fresh thyme leaves: For garnish, optional
  • Drizzle of cream: For garnish, optional

Instructions

Prepare squash:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast squash:
Brush cut sides of squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until tender and browned at edges. Cool slightly.
Sauté vegetables:
Heat remaining olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Combine and simmer:
Scoop roasted squash flesh into pot. Add vegetable broth, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. Stir and bring to simmer. Cook 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Blend soup:
Remove from heat. Puree smooth with immersion blender or blend in batches using countertop blender.
Finish and serve:
Stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning. Reheat gently if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with pumpkin seeds, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of cream if desired.
A close-up of the smooth, rich Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup, perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy. Pin it
A close-up of the smooth, rich Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup, perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy. | smartyskitchen.com

My kids always ask for seconds, especially when I let them sprinkle extra pepitas on top. This soup has become a favorite comfort meal to share with family on pumpkin-carving night.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, large pot, blender or immersion blender, knife and cutting board are all you need to prepare this soup easily.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from heavy cream, but can be made dairy-free with coconut milk. Always check broth and cream labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 270, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 4 g.

Flavorful Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup, inviting aroma, served with crusty bread for a satisfying fall meal. Pin it
Flavorful Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup, inviting aroma, served with crusty bread for a satisfying fall meal. | smartyskitchen.com

This soup shines whether served as an appetizer or a cozy main course. The creamy texture and aromatic flavors will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe!

Recipe Questions & Answers

What is the best way to roast acorn squash?

Cut squash in half, brush with olive oil, season lightly, and roast cut side down at 400°F until tender and caramelized, about 35-40 minutes.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to maintain smoothness without dairy.

What herbs complement the flavor of roasted acorn squash?

Dried thyme and a hint of nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness and depth of roasted acorn squash.

How can I achieve a smooth texture?

Puree the cooked ingredients with an immersion blender or in batches using a countertop blender until completely smooth.

What garnishes pair well with this dish?

Roasted pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme leaves add a pleasing crunch and herbal brightness as finishing touches.

Are there good substitutions for acorn squash?

Butternut squash works well as an alternative, offering similar sweetness and texture.

Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash

Velvety blend of roasted acorn squash and aromatic vegetables finished with a smooth cream touch.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Overall Time
65 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
03 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Garnish (optional)

01 Roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
02 Fresh thyme leaves
03 A drizzle of cream

Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and squash: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush acorn squash cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on the baking sheet.

Step 02

Roast acorn squash: Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until flesh is tender and edges are browned. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 04

Combine squash and seasonings: Scoop roasted squash flesh into the pot. Add vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. Stir well to combine.

Step 05

Simmer flavors: Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 06

Puree soup: Remove from heat and puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender.

Step 07

Finish with cream and seasoning: Stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning to taste. Reheat gently if needed.

Step 08

Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh thyme leaves, and a drizzle of cream if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy. Check broth and cream labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 270
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 4 g