The 13 Best Toppings for Butternut Squash Soup
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that is packed with nutrition and flavor, look no further than butternut squash soup.
This creamy vegetable-based soup is easy to make and can be spiced up with any number of toppings.
From crunchy croutons to hearty chunks of bacon, there are endless possibilities when it comes to topping your butternut squash soup.
In this article, I will share the 13 best toppings for butternut squash soup so you can create an unforgettable bowl every time.
Read Also: What To Serve With Butternut Squash? 15 Best Side Dishes
Why Use Toppings for Butternut Squash Soup?
- Toppings can add texture and crunch to a creamy soup like butternut squash. For example, adding croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds will give the soup an extra layer of flavor and texture that will make it more enjoyable to eat.
- Toppings can also be used to add color and visual appeal to the dish. Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, are a great way to brighten up the look of the soup while adding flavor at the same time.
- Finally, toppings can be used as a way to customize each bowl of soup for individual diners’ tastes and preferences. For instance, some people may prefer their butternut squash soup with bacon bits while others may prefer it with diced apples or walnuts instead – both options are delicious!
The 13 Best Toppings for Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting dish, but it can be even more enjoyable when topped with the right ingredients.
Here are 13 toppings that will take your butternut squash soup to the next level:
1. Bacon Bits
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/695032155010470652/Bacon bits are small pieces of bacon that have been cooked and crumbled.
They are often used as a topping for salads, soups, and other dishes to add flavor and texture.
Bacon bits can be purchased pre-cooked in the grocery store or made at home.
To make your own bacon bits, start by cooking the bacon until it is crisp.
Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces using your hands or a knife. You can also use a food processor to chop the bacon into smaller pieces if desired.
Finally, spread out the crumbled bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool before adding to your dish!
2. Dried Cranberries
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/622763454737593023/Dried cranberries are a type of dried fruit made from cranberries that have been dehydrated.
They are sweet and tart, with a chewy texture and intense flavor.
Ways To Prep This Topping
Dried cranberries can be used as a topping for butternut squash soup in several ways.
The simplest way is to sprinkle them on top of the soup before serving.
For an extra burst of flavor, try sautéing the dried cranberries in butter or olive oil until they become plump and fragrant.
You can also add them to the soup while it’s cooking for added sweetness and texture.
Finally, you can make a quick compote by simmering the dried cranberries in water or juice until they soften, then stirring in some honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
3. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/547117054743274181/Roasted pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a crunchy and flavorful topping for butternut squash soup.
They are the edible seeds of pumpkins or other squash varieties and have a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of butternut squash.
How To Prep This Topping
Roasting pumpkin seeds is an easy way to add texture and flavor to your soup.
Start by removing the seeds from the inside of a pumpkin or other winter squash.
Rinse them off in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other desired seasonings.
Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool before adding to your soup!
4. Chopped Fresh Herbs
Chopped fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and texture to butternut squash soup.
Herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and chives can be used to top the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
Ways To Prep This Topping
Fresh herbs should be washed and dried before chopping them into small pieces.
For best results, use a sharp knife or herb scissors to cut the herbs finely.
Once chopped, sprinkle the herbs over the top of the soup just before serving for maximum flavor and aroma.
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can also use dried herbs instead; however, they will not provide as much flavor as fresh ones do.
5. Chopped Walnuts
Chopped walnuts are a crunchy and nutty topping that can be added to butternut squash soup for an extra layer of flavor.
Walnuts are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
How To Prep This Topping
To prepare the chopped walnuts for your butternut squash soup, start by measuring out the desired amount of walnuts.
Place them on a cutting board and chop them into small pieces with a sharp knife or food processor.
Once they’re chopped, you can sprinkle them over the top of your soup before serving.
For an even more flavorful topping, try toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned before adding them to your dish.
6. Diced Apples
Diced apples are small cubes of apple that can be used as a topping for butternut squash soup.
They add a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
How To Prep This Topping
- Start by washing and peeling one large apple.
- Cut the apple into quarters and remove the core from each quarter.
- Slice each quarter into thin slices, then cut those slices into small cubes.
- Place the diced apples in a bowl and set aside until ready to use as a topping for your butternut squash soup.
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the diced apples over your soup for an added layer of flavor and texture!
7. Shredded Cheese
Shredded cheese is a type of cheese that has been cut into small, thin strips or pieces.
It can be made from any variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan.
The shredded cheese is often used as a topping for dishes such as salads, soups, pizzas, and tacos.
How To Prep This Topping
When using shredded cheese as a topping for butternut squash soup it’s important to choose the right kind of cheese.
A milder flavored cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack will work best with this dish since it won’t overpower the flavor of the soup.
Once you’ve chosen your desired cheese simply shred it using either a box grater or food processor and sprinkle over the top of your soup before serving.
8. Toasted Croutons
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166422148717089290/Toasted croutons are small cubes of bread that have been toasted in the oven until golden and crispy.
They are a popular topping for soups, salads, and other dishes.
How To Prep This Topping
To make toasted croutons, start by cutting a loaf of crusty bread into small cubes.
Place the cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle with salt and any desired herbs or spices such as garlic powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, etc.
Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Let cool before adding to your soup!
9. Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic is a type of garlic that has been cooked in the oven until it is soft and caramelized.
It has a milder, sweeter flavor than raw garlic and can be used as an ingredient or topping for many dishes.
How To Prep This Topping
- To prepare roasted garlic for use as a topping on butternut squash soup, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Peel off the outer layers of skin from one head of garlic, leaving the cloves intact.
- Place the head of garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil.
- Wrap up the foil around the head of garlic and place it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Once done, let cool before squeezing out each clove into a bowl.
- Mash them together with a fork to form a paste-like consistency then sprinkle over your butternut squash soup!
10. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a popular topping for butternut squash soup.
They add texture and flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious. Mushrooms can be sautéed in butter or oil with garlic, herbs, and spices for added flavor.
How To Prep This Topping
- Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slice them into thin slices and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil.
- Once hot, add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant then remove from heat and serve on top of butternut squash soup!
11. Sliced Almonds
Sliced almonds are often used as a topping for salads, desserts, and other dishes.
The almond slices have a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many savory and sweet dishes.
How To Prep This Topping
To prepare sliced almonds for use as a topping on butternut squash soup, first toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown.
Once toasted, let them cool before adding them to the soup.
Alternatively, you can also buy pre-sliced almonds from the store if you don’t want to take the time to slice them yourself.
When ready to serve, sprinkle some of the sliced almonds over each bowl of soup for added crunch and flavor!
12. Sliced Radishes
Radishes are a root vegetable that come in many varieties, including red, white, and black.
They have a crisp texture and a slightly spicy flavor. Sliced radishes can be used as a topping for butternut squash soup to add crunch and flavor.
How To Prep This Topping
Slice the radishes into thin rounds or matchsticks using either a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Place the slices on top of the soup just before serving so they retain their crunchy texture.
For added flavor, sprinkle with sea salt or freshly ground black pepper before serving.
13. Chopped Celery
Celery is a crunchy vegetable that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used as an ingredient in salads and soups, but it can also be eaten raw or cooked.
Chopped celery adds texture and flavor to dishes like butternut squash soup.
How To Prep This Topping
- Start by washing the celery stalks thoroughly under running water.
- Cut off the ends of each stalk and discard them.
- Slice the stalks into thin strips lengthwise, then cut across them to create small cubes of celery.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped celery over your bowl of butternut squash soup for added texture and flavor!
Conclusion
In conclusion, butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
With so many flavorful toppings to choose from, you can easily transform the soup into something special.
The best toppings for butternut squash soup are bacon bits, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped fresh herbs, chopped walnuts, diced apples, shredded cheese, toasted croutons, roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, sliced almonds, sliced radishes, chopped chives, chopped celery, and dried oregano.
These toppings can be used alone or in combination to create a unique and flavorful soup.
The 13 Best Toppings for Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- Bacon Bits
- Dried Cranberries
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Chopped Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Walnuts
- Diced Apples
- Shredded Cheese
- Toasted Croutons
- Roasted Garlic
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Sliced Almonds
- Sliced Radishes
- Chopped Celery
Instructions
- Select your favorite toppings.
- Prepare the topping according to the instructions.
- Enjoy your soup in 20 minutes or less.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.