Fall calls for comfort in a bowl, and this Butternut Squash & Apple Cider Cheddar Soup with Garlic Grilled Cheese Croutons delivers exactly that. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with cozy seasonal ingredients, it’s the ultimate Fall Dinner idea for chilly evenings. The roasted butternut squash blends beautifully with tangy apple cider and sharp cheddar, creating a smooth, velvety Apple Cider Cheddar Soup that balances sweetness and savory depth. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the recipe, a full ingredient breakdown, a simple step-by-step cooking guide, expert tips for perfect texture, and helpful FAQs to make your next bowl of Butternut Squash Soup the best ever.
A Fall Memory in the Kitchen
The first time I made this Butternut Squash Soup, the leaves were turning amber and gold, and the scent of apple cider simmering on the stove filled the air. The kitchen glowed with soft afternoon light as roasted butternut squash caramelized in the oven, its nutty aroma mingling with melting butter and garlic. It was one of those quiet, cozy weekends when the world slows down, inviting you to linger over good food and good company.
That afternoon, the soup began as a spontaneous Fall Dinner idea—a way to warm our hands and hearts after a walk through the crisp air. What emerged was more than a meal; it was comfort captured in a bowl. The roasted squash lent the soup its natural sweetness, while the apple cider added a bright, tart note that danced on the palate. When I topped the steaming bowl with crunchy garlic grilled cheese croutons, the dish transformed into pure nostalgic bliss.
Now, this recipe has become a small Autumn tradition. Every year, as soon as the first chill arrives, the familiar rhythm begins: chopping the squash, simmering the broth, and spreading butter on thick slices of bread for the croutons. The process is grounding, the flavors timeless. Whether shared with family around a flickering candle or enjoyed solo with a blanket and a good story, this Butternut Squash Soup makes any evening feel special and every spoonful feel like home.
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Butternut Squash & Apple Cider Cheddar Soup with Garlic Grilled Cheese Croutons
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy butternut squash and apple cider cheddar soup is topped with garlic grilled cheese croutons for a cozy autumn meal. The blend of roasted squash, tangy cider, and sharp cheddar creates a warm, flavorful bowl perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and toss squash cubes with olive oil salt and pepper then roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender
2. In a large pot melt butter over medium heat then add onion and cook until translucent about 5 minutes
3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds
4. Add roasted squash apple cider and broth then bring to a boil
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth
7. Stir in shredded cheddar off the heat until melted then season with nutmeg salt and pepper
8. Mix softened butter garlic powder and parsley and spread on bread
9. Assemble sandwiches with cheese and grill in a pan 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden
10. Cut grilled cheese into cubes for croutons
11. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: roasting
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: butternut squash soup, apple cider cheddar soup, fall soup, garlic grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, autumn recipe, cozy dinner
Why Butternut Squash & Apple Cider Are the Perfect Pair
There’s a delicate magic in pairing roasted butternut squash with apple cider. The natural earthiness of the squash brings depth and creaminess, while the cider’s crisp sweetness lightens every bite. When simmered together, they create layers of flavor—golden, silky, and fragrant with hints of roasted garlic and herbs. The color itself, a glowing amber, mirrors the hues of Fall leaves dancing outside the window.
Then enters the cheddar: sharp, tangy, and beautifully rich. Its creaminess marries the apple cider’s brightness and the squash’s warmth into a unified, velvety soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome. But the final flourish—the garlic grilled cheese croutons—takes it to the next level. Each crunchy bite offers a burst of buttery texture and melted cheese that perfectly contrasts with the soup’s smooth consistency.
This isn’t just a bowl of Squash Soup; it’s the heart of Fall, reimagined. The flavors echo the coziness of a Butternut Squash Pasta yet remain distinctly a soup lover’s delight. Together, the squash, cider, and cheddar form the ultimate trio of autumn comfort, inviting you to slow down, savor the season, and celebrate all the small, delicious moments that come with it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a creamy, flavorful Butternut Squash & Apple Cider Cheddar Soup, start with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each component plays a role in adding depth and balance to the dish—from the natural sweetness of butternut squash to the tang of apple cider and the richness of sharp cheddar. Here’s everything you’ll need for both the soup and the garlic grilled cheese croutons.
Ingredient List
- For the Soup:
- 1 large butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups fresh apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- For the Garlic Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices country bread or sourdough
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 fresh minced clove)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese
| Category | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Vegetables | Butternut squash, onion, garlic | Choose fresh, firm squash for sweetness |
| Liquids | Apple cider, broth | Use real apple cider for authentic flavor |
| Dairy | Butter, sharp cheddar cheese | Adds depth and creaminess |
| Seasoning | Nutmeg, salt, pepper, herbs | Balances sweet and savory tones |
| Croutons | Country bread, butter, garlic, parsley, cheese | Crunchy contrast to smooth soup |
Collect everything in advance—you’ll need an oven for roasting, a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering, and a blender for achieving that ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality texture.
Step-by-Step Method for the Perfect Soup
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for about 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the squash is golden and tender.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent—about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Add roasted squash, apple cider, and broth. Stir well, then simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Blend until silky smooth with an immersion or high-speed blender. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer.
- Add Cheese: Off the heat, add shredded cheddar slowly, stirring until melted. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Make Garlic Grilled Cheese Croutons: Butter bread slices with the garlic mixture, grill each side in a skillet with cheese until golden, then cut into cubes.
- Assemble and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with croutons, herbs, or a swirl of cream, then serve warm.
Recommended Tools for Success
- Oven & Baking Sheet
- Dutch Oven or Saucepan
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Cast-Iron Skillet
Tips for Creamier, Richer Soup
- Roast the squash for maximum flavor: Roasting caramelizes natural sugars and deepens the taste.
- Add apple cider gradually: Adjust for a balanced sweet–tart finish.
- Melt cheddar correctly: Incorporate slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.
- Adjust texture: Add broth for thinner consistency; simmer longer for thick.
- Finish with seasoning: Add nutmeg, black pepper, and a dash of acid for brightness.
Serving Options for Cozy Fall Dinners
- Top with croutons: The buttery crunch complements the soup’s creaminess.
- Add seeds or nuts: Pumpkin or sunflower seeds provide toasty balance.
- Enhance with a drizzle: Add cream, chili oil, or thyme for presentation.
- Pair with sides: Serve alongside salads, breads, or small portions of Butternut Squash Pasta.
- Reinvent leftovers: Use as pasta sauce, risotto base, or freeze for later.
This dish combines comfort, warmth, and creativity. Whether served as a first course or the main star, the union of Butternut Squash, Apple Cider, and Cheddar celebrates Fall in every spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Butternut Squash Soup ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and blend the soup, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat slowly over low heat to preserve creaminess.
What’s the best substitute for apple cider?
Use unsweetened apple juice with a splash of lemon juice, or vegetable broth with a touch of maple syrup for balanced sweetness.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it remains fresh for 3–4 days. Stir occasionally while reheating to maintain texture.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes up to 3 months. Reheat gently after thawing and whisk in a touch of broth if needed. Make croutons fresh before serving.
What type of cheese works best for croutons?
Sharp cheddar provides tang and meltability, but white cheddar, Gruyère, or smoked gouda also work well.
The Warm Finish
This Butternut Squash & Apple Cider Cheddar Soup with Garlic Grilled Cheese Croutons is pure Autumn comfort. Its creamy texture and golden hue make it a perfect Fall Dinner idea for cozy nights. Sweet roasted squash, tangy cider, and melted cheddar combine into a bowl of unforgettable warmth.
Serve it as a centerpiece or a starter, or reinvent it as a Squash Pasta sauce. Light a candle, pour cider, and enjoy this celebration of Fall flavors. The best comfort meals come from the heart—and this Butternut Squash Soup proves it with every rich, velvety spoonful.
