Butternut Soup with Parmesan Croutons

Total Time

Prep: 50 min. Cook: 25 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Oct. 21, 2022
Roasting creates a rich, caramelized flavor, but you can cook the squash cubes directly in the broth if you're short on time. They should pierce easily with a fork when they're done. —Jen Lehner, Seattle, Washington

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
  • 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • CROUTONS:
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cubed French bread (1/2-inch cubes)
  • Cooking spray
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

  1. Place squash in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with pepper. Toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring every 15 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and sage in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the broth and squash. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Cool slightly.
  3. In a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth. Return to the pan; heat through.
  4. For croutons, in a small bowl, combine the cheese, oil, sage and garlic. Add bread cubes and spritz with cooking spray; toss to coat. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
  5. Bake at 425° for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle each serving of soup with croutons and additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 179 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.