Skip to main content

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Bacon

4.1

(91)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 4 1/2 cups

Ingredients

2 slices bacon
1/2 medium onion, chopped fine (about 1/2 cup)
white and pale green parts of 1 large leek, chopped fine and washed well (about 1 cup)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 bay leaf
1 1/4 pounds butternut squash, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1 medium Granny Smith or other tart apple
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup water plus additional for thinning soup
2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche

Accompaniments

Sour cream or crème fraîche
chopped unpeeled apple

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a skillet cook bacon until crisp and drain, reserving 1 1/2 tablespoons fat. Crumble bacon.

    Step 2

    In a heavy saucepan cook onion, leek, garlic, and bay leaf with salt and pepper to taste in reserved fat over moderate heat, stirring, until softened.

    Step 3

    Add squash, apple, peeled and chopped, broth, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer mixture, covered, until squash is very tender, about 15 minutes, and discard bay leaf.

    Step 4

    In a blender purée mixture in batches, transferring as puréed to a clean saucepan, and add enough additional water to thin soup to desired consistency.

    Step 5

    Whisk in sour cream or crème fraîche and salt and pepper to taste and heat soup over moderately low heat until hot (do not boil).

  2. Step 6

    Serve soup topped with crumbled bacon and accompaniments.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like “spectacular” breakfast shrimp and a lentil scallion salad.
This mix of crisp lettuces with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with practically everything.