Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a cozy bowl of Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup—a creamy, velvety blend that balances gentle sweetness with a bold, warming kick. This vibrant soup boasts the earthiness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, the aromatic lift of spices, and a swirl of coconut milk that feels like pure comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re craving something nourishing for a chilly evening or hoping for an impressive yet easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers. Trust me, after just one taste, you’ll be making Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, bringing out layered flavors, gorgeous color, and a deeply satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup sing.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the aromatics for a mellow base.
- Yellow onion: Diced, it brings a gentle sweetness and classic depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic: A necessity for bold, savory notes that enhance every other flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to lift the dish with subtle heat and a bright, zesty aroma.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin gives the soup a distinctive savory background.
- Ground cinnamon: Just enough to echo the natural sweetness of the squash and sweet potato.
- Cayenne pepper: For adjusting the heat, adding that craveable spicy edge (feel free to use less or more to your liking!).
- Smoked paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to round out the spice profile.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient, peeled and cubed for a smooth, naturally sweet base.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they bring extra sweetness and a creamy texture you’ll adore.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Keeps everything light and fresh, letting all the flavors shine.
- Canned coconut milk: Just half a cup creates a luxurious, dairy-free richness (and those dreamy swirls on top!).
- Salt and black pepper: The finishing touches, added to taste, that make all the flavors pop.
- Optional toppings (coconut milk, pumpkin seeds, chopped cilantro): These take your Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup from homemade favorite to dinner party star.
How to Make Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This simple step is the key to unlocking a rich, savory base that will support all the bright, spicy flavors to come.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Allow them to sizzle in the pot for just a minute—enough to release their incredible fragrance. This is when your kitchen really starts to smell amazing, hinting at all the deliciousness that’s on the way.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika, then cook for another minute. Toasting the spices in the oil draws out their essential oils, giving your Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup a complexity and warmth you just can’t mimic with pre-mixed blends.
Step 4: Simmer With Vegetables and Broth
Add the cubed butternut squash and sweet potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Once your veggies are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully blend the soup until completely smooth—use an immersion blender for simplicity, or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. This extra step transforms the textures into pure, silky luxury.
Step 6: Add Coconut Milk and Season
Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed, then stir in the coconut milk. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, warming the soup as needed so it’s piping hot and creamy. You’ve just pulled together a bowlful of comfort—get ready to customize with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Garnishes
Dress up your bowl with a generous swirl of coconut milk for extra creaminess, toss on a handful of crunchy pumpkin seeds for contrast, and scatter over some vibrant chopped cilantro. These simple touches turn each serving of Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup into a feast for the eyes and add irresistible layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to shine solo, it pairs perfectly with thick, crusty bread—ideal for dunking and soaking up every drop. For a lighter accompaniment, serve with a simple green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette or roasted veggies for an extra-nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: ladle Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup into shot glasses for festive appetizer shooters at your next gathering, or serve it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an autumn dinner party showstopper. It’s as stunning as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers and pop it in the refrigerator. Your Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and easy lunches.
Freezing
This soup is a freezer superstar! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need a quick, comforting bowl on hand.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s a bit too thick after chilling, just add an extra splash of broth or coconut milk to bring back that luscious, pourable texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash or sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen cubed butternut squash and sweet potatoes will work just fine—just keep in mind that you may need to add a few minutes to the simmering time, and check the texture before blending.
How spicy does this soup get with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne gives a gentle warmth rather than intense heat—perfect for most palates. If you love extra spice, feel free to add a pinch more, or pull back if serving to those sensitive to heat.
Is this Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup good for meal prep?
Yes! This soup is a dream for make-ahead meals. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it reheats beautifully for several days, making it perfect for busy weeks.
Can I make it nut-free?
This recipe doesn’t use any nuts and relies on coconut milk for creaminess. If you need to avoid coconut, you can swap in a nut-free, unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.
What can I do if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a conventional blender and blend until smooth. Always vent the lid and blend in small batches to avoid steam buildup for safety.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the cozy, spicy-sweet comfort of Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup—every spoonful feels like a hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to warm both your kitchen and your soul. Give it a try, and let this soup brighten up your mealtime routine!
Print
Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup. This vegan soup is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it an ideal dish for chilly days.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Swirl of coconut milk
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion: Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Spice it up: Add cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, and smoked paprika, cook for another minute.
- Cook the veggies: Add butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and broth. Simmer until tender.
- Blend: Remove from heat, blend the soup until smooth.
- Finish: Stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne to control heat level.
- This soup freezes well and tastes better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg