Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Croutons: A Perfect Fall Delight

Admittedly, there are moments when I feel like the “mean mom” in our household. For instance, I’ve consistently said no to a family dog, much to the disappointment of my kids (and even my husband, Cade!). It seems everyone we know is welcoming a furry friend into their home, and the plea for a puppy is constant. Yet, here I am, blissfully savoring spoonfuls of this incredibly rich and creamy butternut squash soup, perfectly complemented by homemade cinnamon sugar croutons. Yes, perhaps I am a little mean for denying them a dog, but hopefully, McCormick Gourmet Spices will overlook my parental shortcomings, as this post is truly about celebrating their exceptional spices and the joy of seasonal cooking.

My decision isn’t born out of a lack of love for my children or a dislike for dogs. In fact, I find many dogs utterly adorable. The truth is, I suffer from severe dog allergies. It’s not something I typically broadcast, as it often leads to awkward situations where people become overly concerned about me sharing a room with their pet. While I might secretly dislike the occasional “crotch-sniffing” and enthusiastic licking, I genuinely feel bad when families feel compelled to put away a beloved member for my sake. Fortunately, when we host gatherings, there’s no need for such worries. Instead, I focus on delighting our guests with seasonal, delicious dishes that are sure to impress.

This creamy butternut squash soup is a prime example. We’ve often discussed with McCormick the importance of incorporating seasonal ingredients into our diets. What better way to embrace autumn than with the versatile and vibrant butternut squash? In previous collaborations, we’ve shared tips like 5 things you should do to your garden in prep for next year, explored Fried Potatoes and tips for using produce, and even offered basic gardening tips. This particular recipe perfectly showcases how well aromatic spices can enhance seasonal produce, offering a comforting and inspiring culinary experience.

There’s an undeniable magic in McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon. Its rich, warm aroma, when paired with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash, evokes the crisp, inviting sensation of a chilly fall evening. To elevate this sensation further, I ventured into a touch of culinary madness and added cinnamon sugar croutons – because why not? It was yet another delightful opportunity to infuse more of that exquisite cinnamon flavor into every bite.

Unlocking the Potential of Butternut Squash: Tips & Benefits

Butternut squash isn’t just a delicious fall vegetable; it’s a nutritional powerhouse and remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Understanding its benefits and various cooking methods can transform your seasonal meals.

Can Butternut Squash Be Cooked in a Microwave?

Absolutely! The microwave offers a quick and convenient way to cook butternut squash, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a softened squash quickly for pureeing. You can cook it in pieces: simply peel, de-seed, and chop the squash into uniform cubes, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover, and cook until tender. Alternatively, you can cook a whole butternut squash in the microwave. Just be sure to pierce the skin several times with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape during cooking. A medium-sized squash typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook thoroughly in the microwave, depending on its size and your microwave’s wattage. This method simplifies the process of removing the tough skin and makes the squash much easier to cut and prepare for your soup or other dishes.

Is Butternut Squash Good For You?

Butternut squash is indeed incredibly good for you, offering a wealth of essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, providing a massive boost for eye health, immune function, and skin vitality. Beyond that, it delivers a healthy dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant crucial for immune support and collagen production. This vibrant squash is also rich in vitamin E, thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), vitamin B-6, and folate, all vital for energy metabolism and overall well-being. Furthermore, a single cup of cubed butternut squash provides more potassium than a banana, making it a fantastic ingredient for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function. With its high fiber content, butternut squash aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, contributing to better weight management. Its low-calorie and nutrient-dense profile makes it a smart choice for any healthy diet.

What Squash Could Substitute for Butternut Squash?

While butternut squash has a distinct sweetness and smooth texture, many other winter squash varieties can be used interchangeably in recipes, especially in soups where they will be pureed. You can confidently substitute acorn squash, buttercup squash, hubbard squash, and even sugar pumpkin. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture: acorn squash is often milder, buttercup is known for its creamy consistency, and hubbard squash can be a bit drier but equally flavorful. Butternut squash is generally favored for its naturally smoother, less stringy flesh, which lends itself beautifully to velvety soups. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with what’s available or what you prefer. The key is to ensure the substitute is also a “winter squash,” known for its hard rind and starchy, sweet flesh, which will hold up well to steaming and pureeing.

Choosing the right squash involves a few simple tips. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size, indicating good moisture content. The skin should be dull, firm, and free of soft spots, blemishes, or mold. A shiny skin often means it was picked too early. Store winter squash in a cool, dark place for up to several months, making it a reliable staple for seasonal cooking throughout fall and winter.

The beauty of this butternut squash soup lies in its simplicity and the way it highlights the natural sweetness of the squash, enhanced by the thoughtful addition of warm spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a sophisticated starter, or a comforting dinner, especially when paired with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. And those cinnamon sugar croutons? They’re not just a garnish; they’re a textural and flavor revelation, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of unexpected sweetness that makes this soup truly unforgettable.

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

By Sweet Basil

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 6 servings

This rich and creamy butternut squash soup, elevated by the aromatic warmth of McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon and topped with irresistible cinnamon sugar croutons, is the epitome of fall comfort food. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Croutons:

6 Slices Good Quality White Bread, crusts removed, cubed
3 1/2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
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 chopped butternut squash to the basket.
Cover and steam for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the cooked squash from the steamer and set aside the steaming liquid. You should have approximately 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
Working in batches, puree the steamed squash with a little of the reserved steaming liquid in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and creamy.
In a large stock pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the pureed butternut squash and nutmeg.
Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper, and stir in the McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon. Simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the warm butternut squash soup immediately, garnished generously with the freshly made cinnamon sugar croutons.

Croutons Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cubed white bread with the melted butter. Toss gently to ensure all the bread cubes are evenly coated.
In a small separate bowl, stir together the sugar and McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered bread cubes and toss again until well coated.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 9-12 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Let the croutons cool slightly before serving with the soup. If you can resist eating them all straight from the pan, they are truly irresistible!

Recipe Notes

This butternut squash soup is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For a smoother consistency, pass the pureed soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute. The soup also freezes beautifully; allow it to cool completely before freezing in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin to your desired consistency. Don’t skimp on the McCormick Gourmet Saigon Cinnamon – its distinctive warmth is what truly elevates this dish!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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

We hope you love this cozy and flavorful butternut squash soup! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Your feedback means the world to us!

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