Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk is a creamy, dreamy bowl of Fall flavor that’s just what you need when the cooler weather hits. A whole butternut squash is roasted until caramelized, then pureed with coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and earthy spices for a velvety smooth soup that’s packed with flavor.
London’s Top Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a little cayenne and cinnamon—they add just the right kick to balance the squash’s natural sweetness!
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While everyone else is cooking up pumpkin recipes the moment Fall hits, I tend to go a different direction with all things butternut squash… and this creamy soup is the first thing on my stovetop!
It’s a lightened up version of the classic since coconut milk is used in place of heavy cream. But fear not. It still comes out so irresistibly creamy and doesn’t have a weird coconut aftertaste at all- promise!
But maybe the best part of all? It’s ready in under an hour, so you can whip up a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner even on your busiest weeknights.
If you’re on a creamy kick, you’ve GOT to try out this Pumpkin Soup, Zucchini Soup, and Cauliflower Soup recipes next!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, you can jump to the recipe.
- Butternut Squash. Look for a large squash that is around 2 ½ – 3 pounds. This is the ideal size when combined with the other ingredients.
- Coconut Milk. The bulk of the liquid in this recipe is from this milk. Make sure you get the CANNED coconut milk and NOT the kind in the refrigerated section. You can substitute with Lite coconut milk, but you won’t get the same creamy texture.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be substituted if that’s all you have.
- Ginger. Minced ginger paste is quick and easy-to-use.
- Vegetable Broth. If you are not vegetarian or vegan, you can swap this out with chicken broth or bone broth instead.
- Cayenne Pepper. This spice helps give it a little kick. Feel free to omit if you want it to be a bit sweeter.
- Cinnamon. Give a Fall feeling to the soup with this subtle spice. If you’re not a fan, simply leave it out!
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
Jump to the recipe for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
- Roast the butternut squash in the oven: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place flat-side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast at 425℉ for 40-50 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the thickest portion is fork-tender. For more details, check out my guide on How to Roast Butternut Squash!
- Combine ingredients in a pot: Cook the onions in a Dutch oven until tender. Stir in the coconut milk, garlic, ginger, seasonings, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. (Make sure you shake the can of coconut milk well before pouring in!)
- Blend the roasted butternut squash and soup base in a high-speed blender until smooth. (The Vitamix is my favorite if you happen to have one- it makes it SO creamy!) If needed, use a food processor or immersion blender. Reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, then serve with a drizzle of coconut milk, fresh herbs, cayenne, and optional toppings like homemade croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Storage Directions
- Storage: This dish seriously gets better with time and will taste wonderful after a day in the refrigerator. Simply keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for 2-3 months, maintaining good texture and flavor. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For smaller portions, microwaving works well—heat in short intervals, stirring between each round.
FAQs
No, coconut milk primarily adds creaminess without a strong coconut flavor. It’s a lighter alternative to heavy cream that still delivers richness
Yes! It’s even better when made ahead, as the flavors have time to develop. It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months
Yes, you can use alternatives like acorn squash or kabocha, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and texture of the squash used
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, ginger, and turmeric complement the sweetness of the squash, while fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley add depth
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup?
If you’re looking for something to serve with this butternut squash soup to make a complete meal, then try one of these recipes:
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad
- Cauliflower au Gratin
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Kale Salad with Cranberries
- Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
- Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
More Creamy Soup Recipes
Fill up with a cozy bowl of soup any time with these tasty recipes:
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
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Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash about 3 pounds
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
- ½ small sweet onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 ¼ teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
- 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley optional
- Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Drizzle squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and use your hands to rub it all over the flesh. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.1 large butternut squash
- Place the butternut squash flat side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges begin to caramelize. Remove the squash from the oven and flip.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and ginger and continue cooking for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.½ small sweet onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 ¼ teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
- Pour in the coconut milk (see Note) and broth, scraping along the bottom of the pot to release any bits. Mix in 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, as well as the cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk, 1 ½ cups vegetable broth, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Once the squash is done cooking and cool enough to the touch, remove as much flesh as you can and discard the skin. Add all of the squash meat and coconut milk mixture to a high-speed blender or large food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes, or until completely smooth.
- Pour soup back into the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.Fresh flat-leaf parsley, Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
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Notes
- Servings: 6 bowls for an appetizer serving, 4 bowls full for a full meal.
- Coconut milk: If you’d like to finish your soup with a drizzle of coconut milk, reserve 2 tablespoons and pour over soup just before serving.
- Lite coconut milk: can be used in place of full-fat but the soup won’t be as creamy.
- Storage: This dish seriously gets better with time and will taste wonderful after a day in the refrigerator. Simply keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For smaller portions, microwaving works well—heat in short intervals, stirring between each round.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for 2-3 months, maintaining good texture and flavor. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Needs nutmeg; makes it much better!
That sounds like a great addition! Will have to try that out next time 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful recipe. I just had my wisdom teeth removed AND am on day 15 of the whole30. This soup has been a savior for me – it’s so delicious and flavorful.
You’re so very welcome, Mary!! I’m happy this soup could help get you through your week. My hubby and I are dentists so I know how uncomfortable it can be after that surgery. Thanks for your comment and rating!!
I bought some butternut squash from the store in hopes to make a delicious coconut soup. After looking through many recipes i went with this one as it sounded truly amazing. EVERY bite i take of this soup i fall more in love. This was amazing. Thanks 🙂
Oh I am thrilled you loved it so much!! Thank you so much for your sweet comment and rating 🙂
Thank you SO much for this recipe! I’m participating in the Whole 30 and this was exactly what I needed. It was super filling and now I have a lot saved for future meals! This is definitely going to be something I make regularly. My family loved it as well and they’re tough critics. Thank you so much for this! 😀
Yay!! So happy you and your family loved it! It definitely makes a ton and tastes even better for leftovers. Thanks so much for your comment and rating 🙂
Super easy to make and so yummy!
So happy you enjoyed it, Crissy!
This is great soup and easy to make
I am so glad it was so easy to make for you! Thanks for your comment and rating 🙂
The soup is delicious and easy to make. I would recommend it to anyone who love savory flavors and wants to eat healthy
I am so happy you enjoyed it, Sheryl! Thanks so much for your review!
I made this for a vegetarian friend who is under the weather. I didn’t have any fresh garlic, and added garlic powder with the other spices. It came out beautifully, and was very tasty! I will surely make this again!
I love that you worked with what you had on hand, Margaret! And I am so happy that your friend enjoyed the soup. I hope she gets to feeling better soon! Thanks so much for your comment and rating!
Hi… I am looking to fill up a 5.5qt crock pot with this soup, for an Ash Wednesday soup supper. Do you have recommendations for increasing the volume, and using ground ginger instead of fresh? Thanks!
Hi Kathy! This soup sounds perfect for an Ash Wednesday soup supper! You should be OK with doubling the recipe. The recipe makes about 7-8 cups of soup, so you should be safe serving it in a 5.5 quart Crock Pot (which will hold 22 cups when filled to the brim!) As for ground ginger instead of fresh, I would start with 1/4 teaspoon and then add up to 1/2 teaspoon if you want a little more ginger flavor. Thanks so much for your questions!
Wow! Just made this butternut squash soup. I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it was. This one is a definite keeper!
Yay, Debra!! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks so much for the comment!