Cozy Pear and Squash Soup

Autumn is the season for comforting flavors and creative twists, and this Pear and Squash Soup is just that—a sweet-and-savory harmony that’s both elegant and approachable. Featuring roasted squash and ripe pears, this velvety soup offers unexpected depth, perfect for warming dinners, elegant entertaining, or festive holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s wholly free of pork, bacon, and alcohol, yet richly satisfying.

Why You’ll Fall for This Soup

• 🍐 Unexpected flavor pairing: sweetness of pears meets earthy richness of squash

• 🎃 Roasted base creates mellow, caramelized depth

• Elegant presentation—ideal for dinner parties or holiday menus

• Free from alcohol, pork, bacon—yet rich and indulgent

• ⏱️ Make-ahead friendly—great for entertaining

• Vegan optional—adaptable with plant-based cream

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Roasting Base:

• 1 medium butternut or sugar pumpkin (about 2–3 lbs), halved, seeded

• 2 ripe Bosc or Bartlett pears, halved and cored

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium shallot or small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)

• 4 cups vegetable broth, plus more if needed

• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (coconut or oat) or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Optional garnish: fresh sage, swirl of cream or coconut milk, toasted pecans or pepitas

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How to Make Cozy Pear & Squash Soup

Step 1 – Roasting Brings Depth

• Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

• Brush the squash halves with half of the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place cut-side down.

• Do the same with the pear halves using the remaining oil.

• Roast both for 35–45 minutes, until tender and caramelized. Scoop out the squash flesh into a bowl, and scoop or peel the softened pears—reserve their juices.

Tip: The roasting juices from both squash and pear can infuse extra flavor when added to the soup or broth!

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Step 2 – Build Your Flavor Base

• In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the remaining olive oil.

• Sauté shallot (or onion) until softened, about 4 minutes.

• Add garlic, ground nutmeg, ginger, thyme; cook briefly just until fragrant.

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Step 3 – Stir in Roasted Ingredients

• Add the roasted squash and pears to the pot.

• Pour in the vegetable broth—start with 4 cups of liquid, adding more later if needed for thinner consistency.

• Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld for 10 minutes.

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Step 4 – Purée to Silky Smooth

• Remove the pot from heat. Blend the soup using an immersion blender, or carefully transfer to a countertop blender in batches.

• Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

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Step 5 – Finish & Season

• Return the soup to low heat, stir in plant-based milk or cream for extra richness if desired.

• Adjust seasoning: add salt, black pepper, or a hint more nutmeg or ginger to taste.

• Reheat gently—do not boil once cream is added.

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Step 6 – Garnish & Serve

• Ladle into warmed bowls.

• Garnish with a drizzle of cream (or coconut milk), fresh sage leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or pepitas.

Visual Tip: Use a spoon to create a swirl design with the cream—adds elegance.

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Serving Suggestions

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Holds well for 2–3 months.

• Reheating: Gently warm in a saucepan, stirring and adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Pumpkin Substitutes: Butternut, kabocha, or even sweet potato all work well.

• Add Warmth: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or ground cloves for warmth.

• Herb Variation: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a bay leaf during simmering (remove before blending).

• Nut-Free Option: Skip nutty garnishes like pecans—use simple seed toppings like pepitas instead.

• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut milk lends a tropical hint; oat milk stays mellow. Nutritional yeast adds subtle umami if needed.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Estimates per Serving)

• Calories: ~200 (without cream)

• Fat: ~7 g

• Carbs: ~32 g

• Sugar: ~10 g (from pears and squash)

• Fiber: ~5 g

• Vitamins A & C: High, from squash and pear

This soup is both nourishing and relatively light—full of vitamin-rich produce and cozy flavor without heaviness.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?

Yes! Make the soup a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving. Re-garnish just before serving for that fresh flare.

Are pears really a good match with squash?

Absolutely! Pears lend subtle sweetness and fragrant notes that complement the squash’s earthy flavor—creating a beautifully balanced, seasonal flavor.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead?

Fresh-roasted squash gives maximum flavor, but yes—use 2 cups of unsweetened canned pumpkin and reduce cooking time accordingly.

Vegetarian or vegan-friendly?

Yes—this soup can easily be vegan by omitting any dairy cream and using non-dairy milk or simply broth.

Will it be too sweet?

Not at all. The savory broth and spices keep it balanced. Adjust sweetness by choosing less-sugary pear varieties (like Bosc) or reducing the pear quantity if needed.

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Reader Notes & Common Tips

• “Used coconut milk instead of cream—so silky and added a lovely nuance.” – from Autumn in Maine.

• “Loved serving this at Thanksgiving! Didn’t overpower the table, yet stood out with its elegance.” – from Emily, Portland.

• “Added a swirl of sage-infused oil—it looked gorgeous and everyone was impressed!” — from Karim, London.

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Final Thoughts

This Cozy Pear & Squash Soup is a standout fall recipe—unusual yet approachable, elegant yet simple. It brings a fresh twist to the seasonal soup lineup, with sophisticated flavor and gentle richness. Whether you’re hosting a seasonal dinner party or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this soup invites everyone to savor the warmth and abundant beauty of autumn.