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what to top butternut squash soup with ?

Butternut squash soup. It’s cozy, comforting, and incredibly versatile, which is also why it can become a blank palette for innovative and delicious additions. From spicing it up with different toppings to creating the perfect balance of flavors with complementary sides, this dish is endlessly customizable. To help you dress up your butternut squash soup and transform it into a memorable meal, here’s a quick guide to elevating it, based on the internet’s top recommendations.

## Topping It Up
To start, the soup’s crown or, as it is known in the culinary world, its ‘finisher’ can really make or break the dish. It’s the opportunity to add a final layer of taste, texture, and warmth. According to an interesting article on Cooking Light, some stellar toppers include:

– **Fontina and Basil Crostini** – Turning plain bread into a flavor-packed crostini, topped with fontina and fresh basil, adds a delightful texture and a contrasting richness to the simplicity of the soup.
– **Crunchy Tamari-Roasted Almonds** – A sprinkle of these crunchy nuts will delight the senses with their nutty flavor and slight salt.
– **Crumbled Feta Cheese and Fresh Herbs** – Adding a bit of tang with feta and a herbaceous note with fresh herbs ensures there’s a burst of fresh flavor.
– **Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Toasted Seeds** – The subtle sweetness and tang from the apple cider, complemented by the crunch of toasted seeds, adds another layer of depth.
– **Caramelized Shallots and Walnuts** – The sweetness of caramelized shallots could perfectly complement the squash base, and Walnuts will provide a satisfying bite.
– **Garlic Croutons and Sage Pesto** – Crispy garlic-infused croutons topped with a sage pesto are a great way to add an Italian twist.

## Sides to Complement Your Soup
But a soup meal is incomplete without a side dish. The right side not only matches the soup harmoniously but can also make an ordinary soup experience extraordinary. As suggested on various websites, consider these sides that pair well with butternut squash soup:

– **Roasted Vegetables** or **Kale Chips** – Not only do these provide a lovely crunch, but they align with the seasonal nature of butternut squash.
– **Honey glazed carrots** – The sweetness of carrots with a touch of honey can be a stunning companion.
– **Rosemary Parmesan Breadsticks** – An easy-to-make biscuit that’s perfect for a cold night, adding richness that contrasts well with the soup.
– **Roasted Cauliflower or Sweet Potato Salad** – These will add even more nutrient-dense options and complement the natural sweetness in the squash.

## Roast and Rest – The Secret to a Perfect Soup
What sets the best butternut squash soups apart from the rest? Roasting the butternut squash is the secret! According to The Spruce Eats, roasting the squash before blending it offers a deeper caramelized flavor, making the final soup more flavorful and satisfying.

Then, the soup can be further dressed up in a myriad of ways: blending spices like thyme or curry for a kick, garnishing with fresh herbs, or adding meats like chicken to offer a protein boost.

Butternut squash soup is truly a versatile dish, and with the addition of these toppings and sides, you can ensure that it becomes a star of your meal. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the comfort this soup offers, transforming a basic bowl of pureed squash into a full-flavored culinary experience. So grab a spoon, and let’s immerse ourselves in the warmth of the season through this delicious soup and one of the suggested sides mentioned. 🫖🍲