1large butternut squash (about 3 pounds)(peeled, seeded and cubed)
2tablespoonsunsalted butter(melted)
2tablespoonsmaple syrup(plus more for drizzling if desired)
½teaspoonground cinnamon
Pinchground cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper(to taste)
4cupsless-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
½cupheavy cream
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the squash on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle over the melted butter and syrup, then sprinkle over the cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing space in between the cubes when possible.
Roast for about 15 minutes until tender and lightly browned on the bottom. Use a spatula to flip the squash (it won’t all be perfectly flipped; that’s okay!) and spread it back out on the baking sheet. Roast for another 15 until it is caramelized in spots and very tender.
Cool the squash until just warm. Then, you have two choices: put the squash into a medium-sized pot, add the broth and cream, and puree with an immersion blender. Or, transfer the squash to a blender or food processor, add the broth and puree, then turn the soup into a pot. Stir in the cream. Whichever way you go, heat it gently over medium heat just until hot throughout and serve. Drizzle over a bit more maple syrup as desired, or see the Note for other topping ideas.
Notes
Make sure the cubes are evenly coated with the melted butter and spices.
Flipping the squash in the middle of the roasting time gives all the sides a chance to get lightly brown, which means they will develop a delicious caramel-like flavor.
Let the squash cool a bit before bending which will allow it to continue to soften and make it blend more smoothly.
There are two great ways to puree this soup: first, you can puree it with the cream and broth using an immersion blender, or second, you can blend the same ingredients in a blender or food processor.
Instead of or in addition to the extra drizzle of maple syrup over the top at the end (go lightly! It’s more for visual appeal than the need to add much more sweetness), you can play with the following: