10+ Best Herbs for Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is one of the most popular comfort foods out there. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly day. But what makes a great butternut squash soup? Herbs, of course!

I always enjoy a good bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods, and I especially love it when it’s flavored with herbs. It’s because herbs for butternut squash soup can add so much depth and flavor to the dish.

Of course, I didn’t know what herbs for butternut squash soup were when I first started making it. I just added whatever herbs I had on hand and hoped for the best. But after a lot of research and trial and error sessions, I’ve finally come up with a list of herbs that are perfect for butternut squash soup!

Herbs For Butternut Squash Soup

Thyme
Sage
Rosemary
Cardamom
Cloves
Nutmeg
Garlic
Chives
Parsley
Bay Leaf

Thyme

Thyme is a woody herb with a lemony flavor that goes well with roasted vegetables like butternut squash. It’s also very fragrant, so a little goes a long way.

When cooking with thyme, strip the leaves off the stem and chop them finely before adding them to your dish. You can also add the whole sprigs of thyme to your soup while it’s cooking and then remove them before serving.

If you’re looking for an extra bit of flavor, try roasting your butternut squash with thyme before adding it to the soup. Just be sure to taste your soup before serving, as too much thyme can be overpowering.

Sage

Sage is a common herb that has a slightly peppery, musty flavor. It is often used in Italian and French cuisine and goes especially well with Butternut Squash Soup.

Sage will enhance the taste of your soup without overwhelming it and can be used fresh or dry. If you are using fresh sage, strip the leaves from the stem and chop them finely. A general rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of chopped fresh sage per cup of soup.

If you are using dried sage, simply add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Whether you use fresh or dried sage, a little goes a long way. Too much sage can make your soup taste bitter. When in doubt, err on the side of less rather than more.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a delicious, fragrant herb that can add a lot of flavor to Butternut Squash Soup. It has a slightly minty, evergreen flavor that goes well with the sweetness of the squash. Rosemary is also a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

To use Rosemary in Butternut Squash Soup, add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help to preserve its flavor and prevent it from becoming too strong. You can also add Rosemary to the soup when you serve it, or use it as a garnish. If you are using dried Rosemary, be sure to rehydrate it before adding it to the soup.

When using this herb, it is important to remember that less is more. This herb can be very powerful so start with a small amount and then taste the soup before adding more. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away once it is in there.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice that has a warm, sweet flavor with hints of lemon and mint. It’s often used in Indian cooking, and it’s a key ingredient in Chai tea. When used sparingly, it can enhance the sweetness of butternut squash soup without overpowering it. Just a pinch or two of cardamom will do the trick.

Be careful not to add too much, as cardamom can be quite potent. If you’re unsure how much to use, start with less and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there. It is also a good way to add depth of flavor to other fall soups, such as pumpkin or sweet potato.

Cloves

Cloves are the unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree. They have a strong, pungent flavor and can be used to add depth and spice to savory dishes. When used in moderation, Cloves can enhance the flavor of Butternut Squash Soup by adding a touch of sweetness and warmth.

However, if you use too many Cloves, they can overwhelm the other flavors in the soup. So when cooking with Cloves, it is important to start with a small amount and add more to the taste. If you find that your soup is too spicy, you can try adding a bit of honey or citrus juice to balance out the flavors.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice that comes from the seed of the nutmeg tree. It has a warm, sweet flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. When added to Butternut Squash Soup, Nutmeg will enhance the soup’s natural sweetness and give it a rich, earthy flavor. Additionally, it adds a subtle warmth to the soup that is perfect for chilly fall days.

While Nutmeg can be a great addition to Butternut Squash Soup, it is important to use it sparingly. Too much Nutmeg can make the soup taste bitter or overwhelming so start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also grate fresh Nutmeg directly into the soup for the best flavor.

Garlic

Garlic is a strong herb with a distinct taste. It pairs well with Butternut Squash Soup because it enhances the natural sweetness of the squash. When choosing garlic for your soup, look for plump cloves that are firm to the touch.

Additionally, avoid cloves that are brown or mushy. You can also buy garlic that has already been peeled and minced. This will save you prep time, but keep in mind that the quality of pre-minced garlic is not as good as fresh garlic that you peel and chop yourself.

When adding garlic to your soup, be sure to add it near the end of cooking so that it doesn’t become overwhelming. A little goes a long way with this strong herb. If you find that your soup is too garlicky, try adding a bit more squash or some additional broth to balance out the flavor.

Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor and a delicate, crisp texture. They are a great addition to Butternut Squash Soup because they add a touch of sweetness and an extra layer of flavor. They can be used fresh or dried, and they are available year-round.

When using fresh chives, chop them just before adding them to the soup so that they retain their flavor. If using dried chives, rehydrate them in water for 10 minutes before adding them to the soup. Moreover, they can also be frozen for up to six months. To freeze chives, chop them into small pieces and place them in a freezer-safe container.

When adding chives to Butternut Squash Soup, start with a small amount and taste the soup before adding more. Chives can be overwhelming, so it is important to use them sparingly. Keep in mind that the flavor of chives will intensify as the soup cooks, so it is better to err on the side of caution when seasoning with this herb.

Parsley

When it comes to cooking Butternut Squash Soup, parsley is a great choice. This herb has a fresh, slightly peppery taste that can enhance the flavor of the soup.

Parsley is also known for its ability to help relieve gas and bloating, making it a great option if you’re looking to avoid any discomfort after eating. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this:

It’s important not to add too much, as the strong flavor can quickly become overwhelming.
Parsley should be added towards the end of cooking, as it can lose its flavor if it’s cooked for too long.

Bay Leaf

Bay leaf comes from the Laurel tree. It has a slightly bitter taste and a strong fragrance. Bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. They are also used to make tea. Bay leaves can be fresh or dried and when dried, they have a milder flavor than fresh bay leaves.

Bay leaves add depth of flavor to Butternut Squash Soup. They can also be used to reduce the sweetness of the soup. Bay leaf is a strongly flavored herb, so it should be used sparingly. I suggest using one bay leaf for every two cups of soup.

They can be added at the beginning of cooking or the end. If you add them at the beginning, they will release their flavor into the soup as it cooks. If you add them at the end, they will give a more subtle flavor to the soup.

Just note that bay leaf can be a tricky herb to use because it is so strongly flavored. Too much bay leaf can make your soup taste bitter. If you find that your soup is too bitter, try removing the bay leaf and adding more Butternut Squash Soup. You can also try adding a pinch of sugar or honey to offset the bitterness.

Conclusion

The herbs we’ve talked about in this article are all excellent choices for adding flavor to your Butternut Squash Soup. Each herb has its unique flavor and benefits, so it’s important to choose the herbs that will work best with your soup.

Next time you make Butternut Squash Soup, don’t forget to add in some fresh herbs for maximum flavor! And don’t be scared to try out other herbs that I didn’t mention in this article.

The world of herbs is vast and many different kinds may be excellent in Butternut Squash Soup. So get creative and experiment until you find the perfect combination for your soup!