Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (2024)

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Butternut Squash Soup Instant Pot Recipe is easy and quick but so flavorful. It's perfect for the fall and your family will ask for seconds!

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (1)

I'm addicted. To my Instant Pot. To an electric pressure cooker, if that makes sense. I haven't named her, yet, but I'm clearly addicted to her superpowers. I am constantly thinking of what (else) I can make in it. You can clearly see how much fun I'm having here my Instagram photos.Just check all the foods I've had in the last week or so. I bet you're drooling now that you've seen all the delicious dishes I made.

Perfect Winter Squash Soup

It's pretty shocking that you can make a hearty soup from raw vegetables in just 10 minutes. That's as long as it takes in my Instant Pot! (See why I love it so much?)

If possible, it is always best to cook with seasonal ingredients. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and onions are all vegetables that are in season in the fall.

Other types of winter squash are acorn squash and buttercup squash. This soup looks and tastes the best with butternut squash.

How To Make Butternut Squash Soup

The entire recipe is in the printable card at the bottom of this post. First, I have some helpful tips for you that I learned when I made this soup.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (2)

Use A Sturdy Vegetable Peeler

If you are going to peel the butternut squash, you need a strong and sturdy vegetable peeler like the one, pictured above. It's like no other vegetable peeler I ever had. It's strong and the entire peeler is made with stainless steel, not just the handle that gets weak after a while.

This is by far, the best peeler I've had. The set also comes with a shredder which is great for shredding carrots for salads.

Peel and Cut The Vegetables

Some people don't even cut the squash or sweet potatoes but I didn't want the skin so I peeled them, then, cut them up for even faster cooking.

Have you ever wondered how to cut a butternut squash? It's pretty simple! Just follow these steps and it will look like the photo above:

  1. Cut the top and bottom off the squash.
  2. Cut it in half lengthwise.
  3. Scoop the seeds of the middle.
  4. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin.

You don't have to chop them up into very small pieces. They will cook just as fast in large 3-inch chunks.

If you don't like sweet potatoes (That's ok. We can still be friends.), you can use carrots instead. Or skip the root vegetables all together. But be aware that it will be less sweet.

Use Pre-Made Bone Broth To Save Time

I already had a huge stash of bone broth I made in Instant Pot (2 hours on HIGH pressure made the densest gelatinous bone broth!) so that was another time saver. I recommend making homemade bone broth, if you can, as it will have more flavor than anything out of a can or a box.

But if you don't have homemade broth, you can still use a can or box. Just make sure you use bone broth instead of stock, since broth is thicker with more gelatin and you want a thick consistency for this soup.

Best Spices To Use In Butternut Squash Soup

The best thing about cooking your own soup is that you can alter these spices and make it as spicy or as mild as you wish. I loved the combination of sweet and heat that this spice mixture gave the soup.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (3)
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Pink Himalayan Salt
  • Curry
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Tarragon
  • Parsley
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (4)

Easy Instructions

  1. When the Instant Pot is hot, sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt in coconut oil.
  2. Sauté until onion is soft.
  3. Add the vegetables and the spices.
  4. Sitr to incorporate.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (5)

5. Set the Instant Pot on Manual or Pressure Cooker for 10 minutes on HIGH pressure.

6. When the timer ends, allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally.

7. Using an immersion blender, pureé the vegetables in the inner pot until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool a little and use the blender to pureé.

8. You can eat the soup 'as is' or garnish with coconut cream when serving.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (6)

Freeze This Soup For Later

Make this quintessential fall soup today and freeze what you don't finish. You'll appreciate a quick soup when the weather gets colder.

There are two ways you can freeze it - you can either do all the food prep and freeze all the ingredients with the bone broth or you can completely cook and prepare the soup, let it cool, and freeze it.

It is much faster to prepare if you freeze it after you cook it completely. That way, all you have to do is let the soup thaw and warm it up on the stove. Easy!

This soup will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Butternut Squash Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (7)

Not only does a pressure cooker method cooks food ⅓ times faster, saves energy, retains moisture and more nutrients, it also eliminates the need for using so many pots and pans. It makes one pot meals so much easier!

For this Butternut Squash soup, I didn't bake or steam or boil the squash first to make soup. I did everything in the Instant Pot, from the beginning 'til the end so clean up was so much easier. I'm all for fewer pots and pans to clean!

More Soup Recipes

If you enjoyed this hearty soup, I have more soup recipes you will love too.

  • Chicken Zoodle Soup
  • Cheddar Cheese Corn Chowder
  • Cream of Potato With Roasted Cauliflower

Recipe

Did you try this recipe? We would love your feedback! Click on the stars on the recipe card below.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (8)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Butternut Squash Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Savory butternut squash soup made in the Instant Pot is easy and quick!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course : Soup

Cuisine : Paleo

Keyword : Vegetable

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 194kcal

Author: Karen Lee

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon Coconut Oil
  • 1 small onion cubed
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 cups Sweet Potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 3 Cups Bone broth or Chicken broth or Vegetable Broth if vegetarian
  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds for garnish optional
  • 1 tablespoon coconut cream or dairy cream for garnish optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Press "Saute" setting on Instant Pot.

  • When 'HOT" appears on the screen, add coconut oil, onions, ginger, garlic and pinch of salt.

  • Sauté until onion is a bit soft.

  • Add the rest of the ingredients.

  • Stir to mix.

  • Close the lid tightly, make sure the vent release valve is on "SEALING".

  • Press "MANUAL" and set the timer to 10 minutes.

  • When the timer goes off, pressure release naturally.

  • When it's completely depressurized, open the lid carefully.

  • If you have an immersion blender, pureé, right in the pot.

  • If you DON'T have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a food processor or a blender and pureé. Be careful with hot soup when using the food processor or blender.

  • If using, garnish with finely chopped parsley, cream of your choice (i.e. dairy or coconut cream), nuts, and/or pumpkin seeds before serving.

Notes

  • An immersion blender is very convenient to make smooth soups like this right in the inner pot. And since you don't have to transfer the soup into another blender, you have one less thing to wash!
  • But if you don't have an immersion blender, you must allow the soup to cool down a little before pureeing in a blender as hot soup will splatter.
  • If you don't have sweet potatoes, you can also use carrots. It'll taste just as sweet! Or you can omit the root vegetables all together for lower carbs!
  • If you want to garnish with cream and you can tolerate dairy, top with heavy cream before serving. If you can't tolerate dairy, then, use coconut cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16875IU | Vitamin C: 18.8mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1.2mg

DisclosureThis recipe may contain links that pay commission to this site when you purchase from the links, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure!

Tried this recipe? Share your photo and mention @drkarenslee or tag #drkarenslee!

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup - Easy Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make butternut squash soup less bland? ›

I use ground sage and nutmeg which both enhance the flavors of butternut squash and bring out its natural sweetness. Stir in full-fat coconut milk to make this soup extra-creamy, and don't forget the salt and pepper!

Do you need to peel butternut squash for soup? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

Is butternut squash soup good for blood pressure? ›

It can help your blood pressure.

Butternut squash is high in potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. Its fiber helps with blood sugar. Butternut squash contains a type of fiber that's not digestible.

How can I thicken my butternut soup? ›

How do I thicken butternut squash soup? If you find the soup is too thin, try adding pureed white beans to the soup. You can also use a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water (called a slurry) to thicken it up. Use a 1-to-2 ratio (for example, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to 2 teaspoons of water).

Why is my butternut squash tasteless? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

What adds flavor to bland soup? ›

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

What are the benefits of eating butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

Can dogs have butternut squash? ›

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

Can diabetics eat butternut squash? ›

Is Butternut Squash Safe for People Living with Diabetes? Butternut squash is a fantastic option for those who need to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C, butternut squash can provide numerous health benefits for those living with diabetes.

Can you eat too much butternut squash? ›

When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might stimulate the bowels too much.

Is butternut squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash

It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants that support vision. Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Why is my butternut squash soup so bitter? ›

Why does my butternut squash soup taste bitter? The growing conditions of the gourd can impact the taste of the flesh. This may cause an elevated production of cucurbitacin in the squash, resulting in a slightly bitter taste. You can balance it with a little bit of salt and sweetener like honey or pure maple syrup.

What is the healthiest soup thickener? ›

Consider using methods like making a roux, blending beans or legumes, using bread, adding egg yolk, pureeing vegetables, incorporating heavy cream or coconut milk, adding potato flakes or starch, or making a slurry with cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken soups without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? ›

The flesh of the squash is soft and tender—perfect for a smooth pureed soup. Why is my butternut squash soup gritty? Under-cooked squash will make this soup more gritty than smooth. Make sure all of your vegetables (and fruits) are very tender before blending and you'll have effortlessly creamy soup every time.

How do you rescue bland soup? ›

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl. Our Lemony Chicken Soup will make your mouth water.

How do you salvage bland soup? ›

Not enough depth: A well-rounded soup has multiple layers of flavour, including acidity, umami, and sweetness. If your soup is missing any of these, it may taste bland. Adding ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, parmesan cheese for umami, or even a touch of sweetness can make a world of difference.

How do you keep soup from being bland? ›

Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex. Experiment with different cooking methods: Roasting or caramelizing vegetables before adding them to the soup can bring out thei.

How do you elevate boxed butternut squash soup? ›

5 Ways to Upgrade Store-Bought Butternut Squash Soup
  1. Bacon-Butternut Squash Pasta. Whisk 4 c. ...
  2. Squash Cornbread. Prepare and bake 1 box cornbread mix as label directs, replacing liquid with equal amount butternut squash soup. ...
  3. Spicy Veggie Chili. Simmer 4 c. ...
  4. Instant Curry Dinner. Simmer 4 c. ...
  5. Squash Mashed Potatoes.
Sep 30, 2013

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