What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup (25+ Side Dishes)
Whenever I make a warm soup, I love exploring different sides. This hearty meal becomes more exciting when you know exactly what to serve with butternut squash soup.
Imagine enjoying a creamy butternut squash soup recipe with easy-to-make, savory bites. Pair with butternut squash soup for an extra crunchy twist or a tangy salad that complements the bright flavors.
It’s a great way to use crisp vegetables or toasted breads that deliver a satisfying balance. I often find these best side dishes turn my table into a fall soup feast.
What is Butternut Squash Soup?
People have called this dish a creamy soup that highlights winter squash. Butternut squash is one main ingredient, pureed with vegetable broth for a rich flavor. It’s a comforting option that’s both healthy and delicious everywhere.
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup?
I believe soups shine brighter with sides that draw out sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Let’s explore fresh salads, bread and crackers, vegetable sides, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty proteins today.
Fresh Salads
Your crunchy greens can gently stand out with roasted sweet potatoes or tangy apples. Fall soup pairs well with crisp leaves that refresh every spoonful.
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad: I enjoy tossing kale with roasted delicata squash, which is similar to butternut squash. You get a tangy blend that’s a side dish for a hearty soup or main dish.
- Fennel Celery Salad: My friend Lauren from scratch recommended adding crunchy fennel and crisp celery. It’s the perfect salad that pairs well with butternut squash soup, bringing a refreshing pop to every forkful.
- Harvest Salad: I love to eat kale topped with pears, apples, pecans, cranberries, and balsamic dressing. This colorful bowl pairs well with butternut squash, offering a savory blend that’s hearty and comforting.
- Roasted Beet with Feta: Whenever I serve it as an appetizer, sweet beets and salty feta bring vivid contrast. This fall salad recipe stands out beside a creamy soup, adding bright color and flavor.
- Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad: I sometimes toss chickpeas with warm squash flesh and crunchy greens. This dish with butternut squash soup adds a protein boost, side for those who want a heartier dinner recipe.
Bread and Crackers
Bread or crackers can add a crispy note that highlights your soup’s comforting base. I love how toast or cornbread truly intensify each savory spoonful.
- Homemade Focaccia: My neighbor introduced me to this airy bread that captures the essence of olive oil. It’s a great way to use fresh herbs, creating a perfect side for thick soup.
- Italian crusty bread: I once tried dipping this bread into a hearty soup, and each bite felt comforting. Crunchy edges meet a soft interior, delivering a delightful contrast that pairs well with butternut squash.
- Braided Challah Buns: I remember making butternut squash soup on a cool evening, and these buns gave me sweet relief. Each fluffy bite complements creamy broth, rounding out your meal with gentle sweetness.
- Crackers: I like putting oyster crackers or butter crackers on the table. Those crispy rounds bring a crunch that’s easy to make and fun for kids, elevating any simple recipe quickly.
- Cornbread: My mother showed me how to cook this sweet bread, which complements a savory bowl. The crumbly texture soaks up each spoonful, adding a balance to your butternut squash soup.
- Sourdough Bread: My sister adores tangy sourdough because it’s a great side dish that pairs luscious broth with a punch. I toast slices for extra crispiness and watch people devour every bite.
Vegetable Sides
Veggie blends can be a delicious side that pairs with rich puree. I love how each vibrant color brings a fresh pop to your bowl.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Grew up disliking Brussels sprouts until I tossed them in olive oil. They turn crispy on the outside and tender inside, capturing flavors that complement easy butternut squash soup recipe.
- Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower: I tried this method for a quick side dish that pairs well with butternut squash soup. Each floret becomes lightly golden, preserving a hearty snap and delicate, crisp roasted undertone.
- Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms: My coworker insisted these mushrooms are full of flavor. She was right because every bite bursts with tangy balsamic. This vegetable side merges with a delicious soup to satisfy cravings.
- Grilled Broccolini: I read how to grill broccolini with just simple oil and salt. That smoky flavor is the main ingredient for a hearty soup spread, bringing gentle char to your plate.
- Baked Sweet Potato: I pop sweet potatoes in the oven until they’re fork-tender. This easy recipe pairs well with butternut squash soup, ensuring a combination that highlights natural sweetness and warm, cozy vibes.
Gourmet Sandwiches
Sandwiches can turn your soup into a meal. I appreciate how cheesy or meaty layers create depth, complementing the warmth of butternut squash in spoonful.
- Apple Grilled Cheese: I layer thin apple slices between melty cheese, bacon, and bread. That tangy sweetness meets goodness, forming a side dish that pairs well with butternut squash soup in crisp fall weather.
- Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich: I discovered this sandwich at a local cafe. Thick turkey slices, smoky bacon, and sauce blend into one hearty soup companion, elevating the meal from a light appetizer to a filling delight.
- BLT: I gather bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a timeless sandwich. That savory trifecta balances a creamy bowl, delivering enough freshness to cut through hearty soup textures in each mouthwatering bite.
- Turkey Pesto Sandwich: My cousin swears by pesto’s herb flavor. Slices of turkey add heartiness, while the green sauce brightens everything. It’s a simple way to transform any soup into an elevated feast.
- Grilled Panini: I embrace warm cheese pressed between artisan bread for a crisp exterior. Each bite releases melty layers that complement a hearty soup, making butternut squash the star of your table.
Proteins Main Courses
Sometimes you want a main dish to go with your soup. I’ve found these proteins add substance, so your meal feels hearty and extra satisfying.
- Honey Balsamic Chicken: I marinate chicken thighs in a tangy mix of honey and vinegar. That sweet bite matches your savory soup recipes, weaving delightful layers of flavor onto one fulfilling dinner plate.
- Poached Salmon: Placing salmon in broth yields a mild taste that enhances creamy butternut squash soup. I love how those flakes still provide a tender contrast without overpowering the rest of the table.
- Roasted Turkey Slices: My family loves to carve leftover turkey and slide it beside a thick soup. The savory morsels fuse with each spoonful, ensuring you never leave the table hungry or unsatisfied.
- Italian Sausage: Grilling sausage over medium heat brings smoky aromas that pair well with butternut squash soup. Each juicy bite complements sweet puree, granting a meaty element to complete your cozy supper.
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer these cuts for a tender outcome. Marinating them in spices gives a succulent bite that pairs with hearty soup, ensuring a filling meal for you and your guests.
Flavorful Toppings for Butternut Squash Soup
Topping boost every spoonful with fresh crunch or creamy depth. Customize your soup with these delightful special finishing touches.
- Roasted Butternut Squash or Pumpkin Seeds
- Hazelnut Cream or Coconut Milk
- Croutons, Kale Chips, or Nuts
- Fruits (cranberry, pears, apples)
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Granola
- Caramelized Onions
- Blue Cheese Crumbles
- Crumbled Bacon or Pancetta
- Fresh Herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley, thyme, sage, chives)
Final Thoughts
Your warm soup moment can feel extra special with the right sides for butternut squash soup. I’ve shared personal experiences and easy ways to pair well with butternut squash soup.
Branch out and test new flavors, whether you lean savory, tangy, or crunchy. Each side dish that pairs with this delicious soup can open up a world of creativity in your kitchen.
By mixing fresh produce, hearty proteins, or crispy bread, you’ll discover the best recipes that delight everyone at the table in each flavorful bite.
