The Ultimate Roasted Pear & Butternut Squash Bisque: A Perfect Autumn Comfort Soup

As the crisp air of autumn rolls in and the leaves begin to turn vibrant hues, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy. While countless butternut squash soup recipes abound, we believe we’ve crafted one that truly stands out from the crowd. This isn’t just another seasonal soup; it’s a culinary experience that will redefine your expectations. Prepare to discover a symphony of flavors that is utterly unforgettable.

Our unique Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Bisque harmonizes the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the delicate, succulent notes of ripe pears, beautifully balanced by the subtle tang of fresh tomatoes. These core ingredients are transformed through the magic of roasting, alongside aromatic sliced leeks, pungent crushed garlic, and fragrant fresh sage. Each element contributes to a depth of flavor that can only be achieved by caramelizing them in the oven, creating a foundation for a bisque that is truly extraordinary.

But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Imagine all that roasted goodness, blended into a silky-smooth texture, then enriched with a touch of luxurious cream. To elevate this bisque further, we suggest a sophisticated topping of fresh chives and crumbled blue cheese, adding a delightful savory counterpoint and a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness beautifully. This bisque isn’t merely a dish; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty, designed to warm you from the inside out and leave a lasting impression.

One of the most appealing aspects of this roasted butternut squash bisque recipe is its sheer simplicity in preparation. Forget complicated steps or multiple pots and pans! Almost all the core ingredients – the butternut squash, sweet pears, ripe tomatoes, sliced leeks, crushed garlic, and fresh sage – come together in a single bowl. Here, they are generously coated with high-quality olive oil and seasoned perfectly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial communal step ensures that every piece is infused with flavor before it even hits the oven.

The real magic happens next, as this vibrant medley is spread out evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Your hot oven then takes over, working its wonders to bring out the deepest, most delicious roasted flavors. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash and pears, intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes, and mellows the sharpness of the leeks and garlic, creating a complex and incredibly savory base for your bisque. This hands-off cooking method is not only convenient but crucial for developing the rich, nuanced taste that sets this soup apart. The aroma filling your kitchen as these ingredients roast will be nothing short of intoxicating, a true preview of the deliciousness to come.

Once your kitchen is filled with the enticing aroma of perfectly roasted vegetables – tender, slightly browned, and bursting with concentrated flavor – it’s time for the next step. The beautifully caramelized mixture is then transferred to your blender, where it will be pureed to a velvety smooth consistency with the addition of vegetable broth or stock. We recommend blending in two batches to ensure a consistent, lump-free bisque. This step is crucial for achieving that luxurious, restaurant-quality texture that truly defines a bisque.

Pour the blended goodness into a dutch oven or very large saucepan. This ensures enough space for simmering and incorporating the final touches.
Simmer for about 10 minutes. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld further and the bisque to thicken slightly, creating a more cohesive and delicious final product. Don’t rush this step, as it’s vital for achieving peak flavor.
Add the heavy cream, stir until well combined, and then remove from the heat. The cream adds an undeniable richness and silkiness, transforming the soup into a true bisque. The secret is to add it at the very end to prevent it from curdling and maintain its luxurious texture.

Now comes the fun part: making this delectable bisque truly your own with creative garnishes! While our recipe suggests fresh chives and crumbled blue cheese, the possibilities are endless and allow for fantastic customization.

Classic Choice: Top off each serving with a generous sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh chives and crumbled blue cheese. The sharpness of the blue cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet and creamy bisque, while the chives add a fresh, oniony note and a pop of vibrant color.
Creamy & Tangy: If blue cheese isn’t your preference, crumbled goat cheese is an excellent alternative. Its milder tang and creamy texture melt beautifully into the warm soup, offering a sophisticated flavor profile.
Salty & Briny: For a saltier, more robust flavor, consider crumbling feta cheese over your bisque. Its briny notes can add an exciting dimension.
Crunch & Nutty: For added texture and a nutty flavor, a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or toasted walnuts would be an outstanding addition. They provide a delightful crunch against the smooth bisque.

This is where you can make it your own! Feel free to mix and match or experiment with other toppings that excite your palate. Consider a swirl of crème fraîche, a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.

Vegetarian Friendly: This version of the Roasted Pear & Butternut Squash Bisque is inherently vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer plant-based meals. The rich flavors come entirely from the roasted vegetables and spices.
For Meat Lovers: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, you can easily adapt the recipe. The vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for a deeper, more savory base.
A Savory Crunch: To truly enhance the savory profile, consider adding some crispy crumbled bacon to each serving. The smoky, salty crunch of bacon would provide a fantastic contrast to the creamy bisque and take it to an even more indulgent level. That wouldn’t be a bad thing at all!

This bisque isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Pears add more fiber and antioxidants, while tomatoes contribute lycopene. The simple, fresh ingredients mean you’re enjoying a wholesome and satisfying meal that nourishes your body as it delights your taste buds. It’s the perfect soup to enjoy on a chilly evening, paired with a simple side salad and a piece of warm, crusty bread for a complete and comforting autumn meal.

Roasted Pear & Butternut Squash Bisque

Inspired by Marie Simmons on EatingWell

Serve with a side salad & crusty bread for a light Autumn meal.

Servings 6 servings

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

2
ripe pears, peeled, cored & quartered
(about 18 ounces)
1
medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded & cut into 2″ chunks
(about 2 pounds)
2
medium tomatoes, cored & quartered
(about 18 ounces)
1
large leek, pale green & white parts only, halved lengthwise & sliced
(about 7.5 ounces)
2
garlic cloves, peeled & crushed
3
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2
teaspoons
kosher salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8
fresh sage leaves
4
cups
vegetable broth or stock, divided
1
cup
heavy cream
1/4
cup
crumbled blue cheese, for garnish
1
tablespoon
thinly sliced fresh chives, for garnish
(or scallion greens)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and quartered pears; the peeled, seeded, and 2-inch chunked butternut squash; the cored and quartered tomatoes; the halved and sliced leek (pale green and white parts only); and the crushed garlic cloves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Spread the coated vegetables and fruits in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Tuck the 8 fresh sage leaves evenly throughout the mixture. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the vegetables and pears are tender and lightly caramelized and browned. Make sure to stir them occasionally (every 20-25 minutes) to promote even roasting. Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the contents to cool slightly.
Carefully transfer half of the roasted vegetable and fruit mixture and 2 cups of vegetable broth (or stock) to a blender. Secure the lid and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Pour this pureed bisque into a large Dutch oven or a very large saucepan. Repeat the process with the remaining roasted vegetables and 2 cups of broth, blending until smooth, then add this second batch to the Dutch oven. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, adjusting to taste if necessary.
Place the Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Gently simmer the soup, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly heated through, which should take about 10 minutes. This simmering period allows the complex flavors to fully meld together. Once hot, remove the soup from the heat and stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream until it is thoroughly combined and the bisque takes on a rich, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings one last time if needed.

To serve, ladle the warm bisque into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese (or your preferred cheese like goat cheese or feta) and 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced fresh chives or scallion greens. Enjoy this comforting and elegant Roasted Pear & Butternut Squash Bisque!

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