This Butternut Squash Bisque with Maple Cream is a deliciously rich & creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2022 to add new information. The recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
Much like this Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Butternut Squash Bisque is rich, creamy and spiced with yummy, comforting flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. But this bisque recipe leaves out the curry and instead adds in flavors of maple and bourbon.
Basically this soup recipe is all the things you would want in a perfect bowl of soup for chilly fall or winter days. I just want to sink into the sofa with a bowl of this…
ℹ️ What is Butternut Squash Bisque?
- The traditional usage of the term bisque means a soup that is made with shellfish stock. But in more modern times, the word bisque has been used to define any soup that is made with heavy cream.
This roasted butternut squash soup recipe swirls in heavy cream at the end to make it ridiculously decadent and crave worthy. However, if you would like to make a vegan butternut squash soup, simply swap coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for the heavy cream.
But I have to say that besides the butternut squash, one of the key players in this recipe is that beautiful, amber hued maple syrup. It lends just the perfect hint of sweetness to the soup base, but I’m also combining it with some sour cream to dollop on top of our bowls at the end.
Of course, the maple syrup you’re using matters in this recipe. If you’ve got some in your refrigerator, look at the label. If you see more than one ingredient, it’s not pure maple syrup. I’m using 100% pure maple syrup from Canada. This natural sweetener has an unmatched flavor that adds a beautiful depth and complexity to the roasted squash.
🛒 Ingredients Needed
- Butternut Squash – Look for a large squash that’s about 3 pounds.
- Olive Oil
- Bone Broth – Or chicken stock or vegetable broth.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt + pepper
- Maple Syrup – We’re looking for pure maple syrup for the best flavor here.
- Bourbon – This is optional, but it gives a great flavor. You can also use whiskey.
- Heavy Cream – For a vegan version, you can substitute cashew cream or coconut milk.
- Sour Cream – This is for topping the bisque. Optional.
- Fried Sage Leaves + Chopped Pecans – For topping. Optional.
🕕 How to Roast Butternut Squash
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.
- Trim the ends off the butternut squash, then slice in it half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with olive oil. Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt.
- Turn the squash cut-side down and roast until it is tender and cooked through, 40-50 minutes.
📋 How Do You Make It?
- Roast squash until tender (see above).
- Let cool then scoop out insides.
- Blend squash and stock until smooth. You can use an immersion blender or process the mixture to a blender or food processor.
- Add to a large pot or dutch oven and combine with additional stock and spices.
- Simmer until warmed through.
- Add maple, bourbon and cream. Heat 5 more minutes.
- Serve.
🍽 What To Serve with It
- Arugula Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples & Pecans
- Crispy Prosciutto
- Apple Slaw with Celery Root
- Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
- Crostini
- Roasted Delicata Squash
- Grilled Cheese
- MORE —> 30+ EASY sides for soup
❄️ Can You Freeze It?
- Yes! Store in a freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.
🍷 Wine Pairings
- A light-red wine works well with this creamy soup. Try a Grenache, Gamay or Barbera d’Alba.
- Gewürztraminer and Riesling are great pairings for the delicate spices in this soup.
Did you try this butternut squash bisque?
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🥣 More Creamy Soup Recipes
- Quinoa Soup
- Potato Cheese Soup with Smoky Chipotle
- Avgolemono Soup (Lemon Chicken Soup with Dill)
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Dill
- Healthy Potato Leek Soup
- 30-Minute Tomato Bisque Soup
🌟 More Butternut Squash Recipes
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Roasted Squash Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup
- Butternut Squash Curry
- Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Goat Cheese
Butternut Squash Bisque Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds, halved vertically, seeds removed)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups bone broth (or chicken or vegetable broth, divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon bourbon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Maple Cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Serving:
- Fried sage leaves
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with olive oil. Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt.
- Turn the squash face down and roast until it is tender and cooked through, 40-50 minutes. Set the squash aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
- Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the skin. Add 2 cups stock, being careful not to fill the container past the maximum fill line (work in batches if necessary), and process until smooth.
- Add squash puree to a large sauce pot and stir in the remaining broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Stir in the maple and bourbon, if using, and cream. Continue to cook another 5 minutes. Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
Maple Cream:
- In a small bowl stir together the sour cream and maple syrup until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
To Serve:
- Serve soup hot in bowls with a drizzle of maple cream, chopped pecans and fried sage leaves. Enjoy!
Equipment
It only says 1/2 heavy cream. 1/2 cup?
Yes – Sorry about that Caitlin! Thanks for catching that. It is 1/2 cup. Just updated the recipe card. Thanks!
Would it change things to leave out the bourbon?
Hi Michael – You can definitely leave it out!