Cozy Autumn Soup with Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing better than warming up with a bowl of hearty, comforting soup. This Autumn Soup with Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato is the perfect seasonal recipe to satisfy your cravings. Packed with nutritious vegetables, wild rice, and a creamy, savory broth, this dish is a blend of bold flavors and soothing textures that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a standout dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, versatile, and easily customizable to suit dietary preferences. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a dream for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s what makes it special:

  • Seasonal Ingredients: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and kale shine in this dish, making it an ode to autumn produce.
  • Rich and Satisfying: The addition of spicy Italian sausage and heavy cream creates a luxurious broth that’s both filling and flavorful.
  • Easy to Customize: You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs (more on this below!).
  • Meal Prep-Friendly: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
  • One-Pot Wonder: No need to dirty multiple dishes—everything comes together in a single pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients to gather:

  • 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion.
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Forms the base of the soup’s flavor.
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, ground: Adds a savory, spicy kick.
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed: A sweet and creamy star ingredient.
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Brings extra sweetness and a hearty texture.
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness to the soup.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a depth of flavor.
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base of the soup.
  • 1 cup wild rice: A nutty, chewy grain that makes the soup more filling.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb for warming autumn dishes.
  • 1 bay leaf: Infuses the soup with subtle aromatic notes.
  • 2 cups kale, chopped: Adds color and nutrition.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: For a velvety, creamy finish.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of heat.
  • Fresh thyme (optional): Perfect for garnishing.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup:

  • A large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly.
  • A sharp knife: For chopping vegetables.
  • A cutting board: To keep your prep organized.
  • A wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
  • A ladle: For serving.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Add the ground spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the butternut squash, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the wild rice, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables and rice are tender. Remove the bay leaf.
  5. Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for about 5 minutes until wilted. Then, slowly mix in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips and Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your wild rice and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy sausage, opt for mild Italian sausage or turkey sausage instead.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in carrots, celery, or even parsnips for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative like oat cream.

Storing and Reheating

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers:

  • Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Perfect Pairings

  • Bread: Serve with crusty sourdough bread or garlic bread for dipping.
  • Salad: Pair with a fresh autumn salad featuring arugula, pears, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Wine: A glass of Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay complements the soup’s creamy and savory flavors beautifully.

FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen butternut squash or kale can save time. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen veggies cook faster.

What can I use instead of wild rice?
Brown rice, quinoa, or even barley are great substitutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Soup with Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato is everything you need in a fall recipe: comforting, nourishing, and bursting with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees rave reviews.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes. And if you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

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