As soon as the temps drop, this creamy and nourishing soup for kids is a go-to. It comes together really easily, and it has mild flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike. The leftovers heat up beautifully, and it’s a great way to use up apples if you went apple picking. All of the ingredients in this Butternut Squash Soup go into one pot and are simmered until soft. Then you simply need to blend it up to make it creamy. It’s so super easy and no fancy or unusual ingredients are required. This soup is creamy and dairy-free and is an easy toddler dinner to share. The texture is from a combination of the squash and white beans, which also add fiber and protein without changing the flavor or the texture. Win! (You may also like Red Lentil Soup, Apple Cinnamon Muffins, Cinnamon Applesauce, and Easy Applesauce Cake.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this Butternut Squash Apple Soup recipe, you need the following ingredients: Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Butter or olive oil: Use either one and warm in the pan to sauté the vegetables. Butternut squash: You can cut the squash yourself or start with pre-cut butternut squash from the store. Onion: You’ll use about 1 medium onion of any color, skin discarded. Carrots: This adds subtle flavor to the soup and increases the depth of the pretty orange color. Apple: I typically use a baking-type of apple like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious. Reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: You can use whichever type you prefer. (Use vegetable broth if making the soup vegetarian.) White canellini beans: Rinsed and drained in a colander. Optional flavor boosters including garlic, ginger, turmeric, or cumin.
TIP: To make this vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and information. TIP: You can swirl in some plain yogurt, sour cream, or goat cheese if you’d like.
Tips for Kids and Soup
I like to offer small servings so as to not overwhelm (and to reduce the likelihood of a big spill). I also like to offer things that the kids can dip into the soup. We like toast sticks, crackers, and muffins for dipping! Or, serve it alongside grilled cheese or a cheese quesadilla for a simple toddler dinner. You can also try using a little of this soup as a sauce for rice, couscous, or pasta.
Which Apples are Best in Butternut Squash Soup?
You can use any apple you have and like, though I usually use a firmer cooking type apple like Honeycrisp, Jonathan, MacIntosh, or Granny Smith. You can peel it or leave the peel on. If you have a powerful blender, the peel will blend right in. You can also use frozen apples if you have them.
How to Store
You can make the soup and let it cool, then store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Then simply reheat for the family or in portions as needed. Or, freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge or on the defrost setting in the microwave. You can also freeze smaller portions in an ice cube tray, then thaw 1-2 at a time for a baby portion or to use as a sauce for a toddler meal with grains or pasta.
Best Tips for Success
Puree the soup with an immersion blender right in the pot, or let cool slightly and puree in a regular blender. To serve soup to a toddler who’s not so into it, start with a very small serving and offer bread or crackers for dipping. You can serve this soup in a reusable pouch or give them permission to drink it right out of a little cup or mug. Try using a little of this soup as a sauce for rice, couscous, or pasta. If you have more butternut squash, try my Butternut Squash Pasta Bake.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe so please comment below!
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This post was first published October 2018.