Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe with you! It’s one of those recipes that warms you up inside and out — perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a cozy bowl of comfort. The roasting brings out this gorgeous depth in the squash, while the coconut milk makes it ultra-smooth and luscious without feeling heavy.
What really makes this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe stand out are those aromatic spices that add just enough warmth and intrigue to every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or entertaining friends, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully paired ingredients. These work beautifully together to create rich layers of flavor, and most are easy to find year-round. When shopping, choose a firm butternut squash free of bruises and ripe coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Butternut Squash: Pick a small to medium-sized squash for easier roasting and perfectly creamy results.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk really enhances the soup’s creamy texture and lends a subtle tropical aroma.
- Red Onions: They caramelize nicely and add that sweet depth after roasting.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and balance the savory spices.
- Bell Peppers: Roasted bell peppers soften and bring a mild smokiness that complements the spices.
- Garlic Heads: Roasting whole garlic mellows its bite and enriches the soup’s flavor.
- Tomatoes (or Cherry Tomatoes): These give a subtle tangy hint and brighten up the dish.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a good-quality broth for depth — homemade if possible!
- Fresh Ginger (optional): Adds a little warmth and zing, but feel free to skip if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling and roasting — don’t skip this step to get that nice caramelization.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives the best flavor here.
- Ground Cumin: Brings an earthy warmth essential for the spice blend.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky touch and vibrant color.
- Dried Thyme: Offers a subtle herby background note.
- Dried Rosemary: Use sparingly — its piney flavor pairs beautifully with the squash.
- Chili Oil: Adds a lovely gentle heat that you can adjust to taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish — brings that fresh, bright contrast at the end.
Variations
I love how flexible this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe is — it’s very forgiving and easy to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices or swap out veggies to make it your own.
- Make it spicier: I sometimes bump up the chili oil or add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick. It’s perfect when you want something warming and bold.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: This recipe already shines as dairy-free thanks to coconut milk, but you can also swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re not vegan and want a richer taste.
- Add creaminess: For an ultra-luxe version, a splash of cashew cream blends beautifully with the coconut milk.
- Seasonal swaps: In the summer, I like swapping in roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin instead of squash. It keeps the soup exciting without losing its soul.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Vegetables to Bring Out Maximum Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash — I find cutting into roughly 1-inch pieces helps them roast evenly without turning mushy. Toss the squash, chopped red onions, carrots, bell peppers, and halved garlic heads with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, and the blend of black pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Spread everything on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through. You’re looking for tender, caramelized veggies with a bit of golden brown — that’s flavor magic happening.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base
While the veggies are roasting, roughly chop the tomatoes and add them to your favorite large pot along with the vegetable broth and optional grated ginger. Once the roasted veggies are ready, add them to this pot. It’s important to give everything a good stir and let it all simmer lightly for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully before blending.
Step 3: Blend Into Silky Perfection
Using an immersion blender is my favorite here because it cuts down on dishes, but you can use a regular blender too (blend in batches and let it cool slightly first!). Blend the soup until it’s completely smooth, then stir in the creamy coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasoning — sometimes I like a little more salt or a splash more chili oil depending on mood. If it feels too thick, just add a touch more broth or water.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this soup with fresh cilantro because it adds a vibrant, fresh note that brightens every bite. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle on toasted pumpkin seeds or a little swirl of chili oil for some crunch and extra flavor. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread — homemade or store-bought — which you can dip right in. For something heartier, I like serving it alongside a simple green salad or roasted chickpeas for contrasting textures. It’s also great as a starter if you’re doing a bigger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash halves — it’s such a showstopper and adds that autumn vibe instantly. Another fun idea is to drizzle some coconut cream in a pretty spiral on top and add edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests. It’s all about that warm, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up because it thickens in the fridge. Keeping it sealed well also preserves that fresh spice aroma.
Freezing
This soup freezes really well, which is a lifesaver for meal prep. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
I recommend warming it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it feels too thick after reheating, a quick splash of broth or coconut milk revives that creamy magic. Microwaving works too, but just heat in short bursts stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen if you make the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving. It also freezes wonderfully for meal prep.
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What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
Don’t stress! Use what you have — cumin and paprika are the most essential for that warm, earthy flavor. Thyme and rosemary add complexity but the soup will still be delicious without every spice.
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Can I use canned butternut squash or pumpkin instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh roasted squash gives the best texture and flavor. If you use canned, consider roasting some of the other veggies for depth and adjust cooking time since canned squash is already soft.
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Is this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! The recipe is entirely plant-based and uses vegetable broth and coconut milk, making it perfect for vegan diets.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and so full of layered flavors you just can’t resist. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect anytime you need a little extra coziness. Don’t hesitate to play with the spices and garnishes so it truly becomes your own signature soup!
Print
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Aromatic Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and comforting vegan dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and vegetables with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it features a blend of roasted red onions, carrots, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, simmered with vegetable broth and a fragrant mix of cumin, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this nutritious and flavorful soup offers a rich, velvety texture and a hint of chili heat for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small to medium-sized Butternut Squash
- 1–2 Red Onions
- 2 Carrots
- 1–2 Bell Peppers
- 1–2 heads of Garlic
- 2 Tomatoes or 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
Liquids
- 7 fl oz Coconut Milk
- 1 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth
Seasoning & Garnish
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Chili Oil
- Olive Oil (enough to drizzle over vegetables)
- Fresh Cilantro for garnish
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (optional, grated)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash, peel and quarter the red onions, peel and chop the carrots, deseed and chop the bell peppers, separate garlic cloves from the heads but keep them unpeeled for roasting, and chop the tomatoes (or if using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole).
- Roast the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over the butternut squash, onions, carrots, bell peppers, garlic heads, and tomatoes. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Spread them out in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Peel Roasted Garlic: Once roasted, allow the vegetables to cool slightly, then squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
- Sauté Roasted Vegetables: Add the roasted butternut squash, onions, carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the pot with the garlic. Optionally, add freshly grated ginger. Stir to combine with the garlic, allowing the flavors to mingle over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Add black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and chili oil. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to heat through fully.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed and warm gently.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or chili oil to preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- You can omit the ginger if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If you don’t have chili oil, substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of coconut milk when blending.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning based on your spice tolerance and preference.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them; they enhance the flavor and aroma.
Keywords: butternut squash, roasted vegetables, vegan soup, coconut milk soup, fall soup, warming soup, healthy soup, vegetable soup
