Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Bruschetta

Apple bruschetta and a creamy butternut squash soup offer up plenty of comforting autumn flavors.

35 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min
Serves: 6 Save

Ingredients (21)

  • Soup:
  • 2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks (about 3 cups cubed)
  • 4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup low-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • White pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish
  • Bruschetta (optional):
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 3 apples, peeled, cored and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 baguette, sliced on the bias into 3/4-inch slices
  • 1 garlic clove, cut into halves
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Soup

  1. Combine squash and broth in a large saucepan; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and cool.
  2. Puree squash in blender or food processor.
  3. Return puree to saucepan and place over medium-low heat.  Stir in sour cream, butter and cayenne. Add salt and white pepper. If squash lacks sweetness, add sugar.
  4. Cook soup just until thoroughly heated but not boiling. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives and Caramelized Apple Bruschetta, if desired.

Caramelized Apple Bruschetta

  1. Warm a large saute pan over low heat. Add butter and olive oil. Add apples; cook until tender, about 6 minutes.
  2. Add sugar and cinnamon; cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes.
  3. Preheat broiler.
  4. Place bread on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Rub each slice of toasted bread with cut-side of garlic and brush with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Carefully drizzle a small amount of honey over the bread.
  6. Place a spoonful of apple mixture on top of each slice.