16 Warm Squash Soups for Chilly Nights

The silky flesh of this sensational squash lends itself to a velvety bowl of soup. It's the perfect blank slate on which to embellish with various spices like curry powder. So, you can go hot — or not. Follow along with Chef John in this how-to video.

Of course, pumpkins aren't just for Halloween decor. The edible pumpkin varieties are sweeter, even more so the later in the season you buy them.

All squash are not equal, with some bringing more sweetness to the soup party. Take the adorable buttercup, for instance. It's prized for its high sugar content, which can be balanced by the introduction of something salty.

Fish sauce adds all sorts of character to soup. It's known as an "umami bomb," a savory flavor that's considered the fifth taste, following salty, sweet, bitter, and sour.

So easy and so perfect for fall, this one's from the collection I created for my kiddo when she was a starving college student. I top it with toasted pumpkin seeds or curried almonds.

"This is a nice soup," reviewer dhay616 says. "While one might think all squashes are alike, it was a nice alternative to the butternut squash soup I usually make. The delicata squash was a little sweeter and a little nuttier than butternut, so it really stands on its own with so few other ingredients and spices."

Reviewers recommend roasting the butternut squash instead of simmering it in broth to bring out a richer flavor. Otherwise, follow the recipe instructions as directed to whip up this best-rated soup.  

"The roasted squash caramelizes giving the soup that extra depth of flavor. This soup has a very creamy consistency but is completely dairy-free except for the optional garnish of sour cream," recipe creator LEXINOLE29 says. "Feel free to play around with the amount of carrot, onion, celery, or garlic."

"Really tasty soup. I got a load of acorn squash in my CSA storage share and was looking to do something different than the typical sweet side dish preparation of it. I love that this recipe uses half and half instead of heavy cream. With a side of hearty, crusty sourdough bread, this soup is a keeper." — jmerar

This Thai-inspired soup gets its flavor from red chili peppers, coconut milk, and lemongrass, plus fresh basil for garnish.

Yellow curry powder, pumpkin pie spice, cayenne, and nutmeg give this soup its warming flavor. Coconut milk makes an indulgent base, no heavy whipping cream needed.

Sweet potato and green apple bring out banana squash's natural sweetness, while coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor. Finish this well-balanced soup with curry powder, basil, and a bay leaf before blending it all together.

"My boys love this soup! It's a stick-to-your-ribs soup that everyone will enjoy. Sherry helps to deepen the flavor while half-and-half cream gives an added richness." — LuvMyFamily

Chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, frozen peas, and your favorite winter squash (butternut, kabocha, or acorn) stew together with short-grain white rice, white wine, and broth to create a complete one-pot soupy stew that's perfect for fall and winter meals.

Roasted acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash team up in this aromatic soup. Tart green apples, fresh ginger, curry powder, cayenne, and sherry kick up the flavor.

"Excellent recipe," says reviewer France C. "This soup has a thick, creamy consistency without using fatty creams like most other butternut squash soup recipes."