Chef John's Butternut Bisque

Name: Chef John's Butternut Bisque
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, diced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided; 1 (2 pound) butternut squash; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 quart chicken broth; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; ½ cup heavy cream or creme fraiche, plus more to garnish; 2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste; Chopped fresh chives for garnish; Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Rating: 4.88 stars

58 Ratings
50 Reviews
6 Photos

For a winter special occasion or just a weekday meal, this butternut bisque makes a perfect, warming starter course. The snipped chives and pomegranate garnishes add a festive touch, but you can also use crumbled bacon and a swirl of crème fraiche.

By Chef John

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Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary test

prep:

15 mins

cook:

35 mins

total:

50 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1
Melt butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and a large pinch of salt. Cook and stir until onions have softened but not taken on any color, about 10 or 15 minutes.

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Step 2
Cut off ends of squash. Carefully cut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut into chunks.
Step 3
Raise heat under pot to medium-high. Stir in tomato paste; cook and stir until mixture begins to caramelize and turn brown, about 2 minutes. Add squash, chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until squash is very tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Blend with an immersion blender until very smooth. Stir in cream and maple syrup; add more salt if needed.
Step 4
Ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with a swirl of cream, and a sprinkle of chives and pomegranate seeds.

Chef's Note:

If I'd intended this bisque to be a main course, I would probably have roasted the squash first. When you roast butternut squash, you caramelize and concentrate the flesh, and get something sweeter, starchier, and richer. That's perfect if you're enjoying it as a meal, but maybe not such a great thing if it's going to be followed by additional courses.

If you don't have an immersion blender, you can blend the squash mixture in batches in a regular blender. Just be careful not to burn yourself.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

231 calories; protein 3.2g; carbohydrates 27.1g; fat 13.7g; cholesterol 45.8mg; sodium 1058.9mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (50)

Most helpful positive review

Eric Engwall

02/06/2018

I made this for a Super Bowl gathering. I made this and two other soups. I should have just made this one - it disappeared in a hurry and our guests wanted copies of the recipe before they left our house! I made it straight up according to the recipe and wouldn't really change anything. The cayenne does give it some zip, so if you're not into spices you may prefer a tamer version. It's not burn your mouth spicy, but there's definitely a kick. I can't wait to make it again. Safety tip: Don't put the squash peelings in the disposal. I thought I was fine, but ended up with a majorly clogged sink. Rookie mistake on my part. Read More

Helpful

(9)

Most helpful critical review

Elijah Geise

08/20/2018

The soup was ok but I feel the onion is over powering it. Are there any suggestions to cut the onion flavor other than using less onion? Read More

Helpful

(1)

58 Ratings

5 star values: 53
4 star values: 3
3 star values: 2
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

Eric Engwall

02/05/2018

Helpful

(9)

kstuart623

02/27/2018

This was a delicious and super easy recipe that will definitely be made again. I did decide to roast the squash (peeled and cubed before roasting for 24 minutes at 400 degrees). I also skipped the maple syrup and used less creme fraiche. I am the boss of my squash, right? Read More

Helpful

(5)

butr4what

11/29/2019

I had a roasted butternut squash that I was eager to use so I made this tonight and it was outstanding and easy! I was out of tomato paste so I substituted a couple handfuls of chopped sweet cherry tomatoes. I also didn't have heavy cream so I substituted half and half. I'm sure it would only be better with the real thing. I served it with finely chopped bacon on top. The combo of the sweet bisque with the salty bacon was outstanding. Nice job once again chef John! Read More

Helpful

(1)

Erminia Penta

04/15/2020

This soup is SO delicious! I have just discovered Chef John And will be trying more of his recipes! YUMMY! Read More

Helpful

(1)

Elijah Geise

08/20/2018

The soup was ok but I feel the onion is over powering it. Are there any suggestions to cut the onion flavor other than using less onion? Read More

Helpful

(1)

Kathy Fiorentino

11/22/2019

crème fraiche bumped it up! Read More

Helpful

(1)

Tim

12/31/2017

Made this Butternut Squash Bisque It taste great! I could not find a 2lb butternut squash used a 3lb one followed the directions added a little more butter (5 tbs) and needed to add some water at the end because it was too thick. Thanks Chef John Read More

Helpful

(1)

Renate S. Herlong

09/15/2018

Absolutely delicious and so easy! Read More

Mieka Hanna

10/06/2018

I did not make any changes and I will definitely make it again! Read More

More Reviews

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All Reviews for Chef John's Butternut Bisque

- of Reviews

Chef John's Butternut Bisque

Servings Per Recipe: 6
Calories: 230.7

% Daily Value *

protein: 6 %

carbohydrates: 9 %

dietary fiber: 15 %

sugars:

fat: 21 %

saturated fat: 41 %

cholesterol: 15 %

vitamin a iu: 333 %

niacin equivalents: 20 %

vitamin b6: 18 %

vitamin c: 59 %

folate: 12 %

calcium: 10 %

iron: 8 %

magnesium: 21 %

potassium: 19 %

sodium: 42 %

thiamin: 18 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.