Cozy Up with the Perfect Fall Dish: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

It’s a little secret I’m finally letting out: I’m often perceived as the “mean mom” when it comes to pets. Ask my kids, and they’ll tell you their biggest grievance against me is my unwavering refusal to get a dog. It seems everyone we know is welcoming a furry friend into their home, and my children, especially Cade, are absolutely desperate for one. Yet, here I sit, blissfully ignoring their pleas, savoring every spoonful of this incredibly creamy, soul-warming Butternut Squash Soup, perfectly complemented by crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Croutons. Yes, I might be the meanest in their eyes, but I hope McCormick Gourmet Spices will overlook my maternal shortcomings, as this post isn’t about my canine-free household policies; it’s a celebration of their exquisite spices and the sheer delight of seasonal eating.

My stance on pets isn’t born of a lack of love for my children or a disdain for dogs. In fact, many dogs are undeniably cute. The truth, which I rarely share, is that I’m severely allergic. It often leads to awkward conversations when revealed, as people immediately worry about cross-contamination or managing interactions. While I personally don’t mind avoiding the enthusiastic crotch-sniffing and slobbery licks, I do feel a pang of guilt when hosts feel compelled to sequester their beloved pets for my comfort. Thankfully, when we entertain at home, such dilemmas are non-existent. Instead, my focus shifts to enchanting our guests with something truly special, seasonal, and utterly delicious, turning a potential social challenge into a culinary triumph.

Embracing the Flavors of Fall with Butternut Squash and McCormick Spices

This Butternut Squash Soup is a prime example of seasonal culinary excellence. We’ve often discussed with McCormick, in previous collaborations such as “5 Things You Should Do to Your Garden in Prep for Next Year,” “Fried Potatoes and Tips for Using Produce,” and our “Basic Gardening Tips,” the art of integrating seasonal ingredients into our meals. What ingredient screams “fall” more eloquently than butternut squash? This recipe beautifully showcases how the right spices can elevate seasonal produce, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. The goal is to inspire you to explore the aromatic possibilities that exist when you pair quality spices with fresh, seasonal harvests, creating dishes that truly capture the essence of autumn.

There’s an undeniable magic in the aroma of McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon. When it mingles with the sweet, earthy scent of butternut squash, it instantly evokes the crisp, inviting atmosphere of a chilly fall evening. This sensory experience alone is enough to transport you to a cozy, comforting place. To further enhance this delightful profile, I took a delightful detour into culinary craziness and added cinnamon sugar croutons. Why not? They introduce a wonderful textural contrast and provide yet another opportunity to revel in the warm, sweet notes of that exquisite Saigon Cinnamon. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy soup and crunchy, spiced croutons, making this dish an absolute autumnal masterpiece.

Butternut Squash FAQs: Your Guide to Fall’s Favorite Squash

Can Butternut Squash Be Cooked in a Microwave?

Absolutely! Microwaving butternut squash is a fantastic and time-saving method, especially when you’re in a pinch. To cook it, start by cutting the squash into smaller, manageable pieces – this helps it cook more evenly and quickly. Place the pieces in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, then cover the dish, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Cook on high power, checking for tenderness every few minutes. Alternatively, you can cook a whole butternut squash in the microwave. Before placing it in the microwave, make sure to pierce the flesh several times with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape and prevent it from exploding. A medium-sized squash typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook through, depending on your microwave’s wattage and the size of the squash. This method yields tender squash perfect for pureeing into soups or mashing as a side dish.

Is Butternut Squash Good For You?

Beyond its delicious flavor, butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet. It’s an outstanding source of Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health, often providing more than 400% of your daily recommended intake in a single serving. It also boasts significant amounts of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and Vitamin E, which supports cell protection. Furthermore, butternut squash is rich in important B-vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and B-6, vital for energy metabolism. You’ll also find a wealth of minerals, including magnesium, manganese, and, notably, potassium – a single cup of cubed butternut squash offers more potassium than a banana, essential for heart health and fluid balance. Its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it great for weight management. Incorporating butternut squash into your meals is a tasty way to boost your nutrient intake.

What Squash Could Substitute for Butternut Squash?

While butternut squash is prized for its smooth texture and sweet, nutty flavor, many other winter squashes can be used interchangeably in recipes, especially in soups where they will be pureed. Excellent substitutes include buttercup squash, known for its dense, creamy texture and sweet flavor, similar to butternut. Hubbard squash offers a slightly drier, starchier flesh but also a rich, sweet taste that works well in soups and stews. Sugar pumpkins, often used for pies, have a lovely sweetness and smooth texture when cooked, making them a great stand-in. Acorn squash, with its milder, slightly nutty flavor, can also be used, though it tends to be a bit stringier than butternut. When choosing a substitute, consider that butternut squash typically provides the smoothest, least stringy puree, which is why it’s often preferred for creamy soups. However, any of these winter squashes will deliver a delicious, comforting result.

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Sugar Croutons Recipe

2.50 from 4 votes

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

By Sweet Basil

Prep

15
mins

Cook

35
mins

Total

50
mins

Servings

6
servings

Pin
Print

Ingredients

• 3 Cups Water
• 3 Pounds Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped
• 5 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
• 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

• 6 Slices White Bread, good quality, crusts removed, cubed
• 3 1/2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• 6 teaspoons Sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Saigon cinnamon

Instructions

• In a steamer or large pot with a steamer basket, add the water to the bottom and the squash to the basket.
  3 Pounds Butternut Squash, 3 Cups Water
• Cover and steam for about 30 minutes, or until tender.
• Remove the squash and set aside the liquid.
• You should have about 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
• Puree the squash with a little of the steaming liquid in batches until smooth.
• In a large stockpot, melt the butter and add the pureed squash and nutmeg.
  5 Tablespoons Butter, 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
• Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  1/2 Cup Heavy Cream, 1 Cup Milk, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon
• Serve hot with cinnamon sugar croutons.

Croutons

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
• In a large bowl, add the cubed bread and melted butter, and toss to combine, ensuring all bread is coated.
  6 Slices White Bread, 3 1/2 Tablespoons Butter
• In a small separate bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered bread cubes, then toss again to ensure thorough coating.
  6 teaspoons Sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Saigon cinnamon
• Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for approximately 9 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Serve these irresistible croutons with your hot butternut squash soup. Try to resist eating them all before the soup is ready!

Recipe Notes

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For best results, store croutons separately and add just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g,
Calories: 428kcal,
Carbohydrates: 48g,
Protein: 7g,
Fat: 26g,
Saturated Fat: 16g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 70mg,
Sodium: 283mg,
Potassium: 918mg,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 15g,
Vitamin A: 24964IU,
Vitamin C: 48mg,
Calcium: 241mg,
Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

More Comforting Soup Recipes for Chilly Days

Golden Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Our family’s favorite, packed with all the delicious flavors of a hearty baked potato.

Lasagna Soup – All the rich, savory taste of your favorite lasagna, but in a comforting, slurpable soup form.

Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons – A classic tomato soup elevated with the depth of roasted tomatoes and miniature grilled cheese sandwiches as croutons!