Roasted Feta Soup

This Roasted Feta Soup is a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, aromatic sage, and a hint of sweetness from honey. Perfect for cozy nights or elegant gatherings, this soup showcases simple ingredients that yield rich flavors. The unique combination of roasted garlic and feta adds depth, making it an instant favorite. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this soup will warm your heart and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this flavorful soup in about an hour.
• Rich Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of butternut squash and garlic, creating a creamy texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and wholesome herbs, this soup is as good for you as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and reheat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Braising pan or Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Braising pan or Dutch oven: Ideal for roasting vegetables evenly while retaining moisture.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and safe when chopping butternut squash.
• Blender or immersion blender: Ensures a smooth consistency in your soup for that creamy texture you desire.

Ingredients

This creamy roasted feta soup recipe is made with butternut squash, sage, and honey. It’s probably the easiest soup recipe I’ve ever made while also using a ton of pantry staples.

For the Soup Base

• 5 cups Butternut Squash (cubed)
• 1/2 bulb Garlic (bottom half only)
• 1/3 cup Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
• 4 leaves Sage (or 1 teaspoon of herb of choice)

For the Creamy Element

• 1 8 oz Feta Chunk (Athenos is the brand I recommend)

For Flavoring

• 1 32 oz quart Vegetable Broth (4 cups)
• 2 tbsp Honey

How to Make Roasted Feta Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it hot enough for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In your braising pan or Dutch oven:
1. Add extra virgin olive oil, cubed butternut squash, kosher salt, and dried herbs if you’re using them.
2. Toss everything to coat well.

Step 3: Roast Everything Together

Place the feta chunk in the center of the pot:
1. Nestle the bulb of garlic (cut side down) into the veggies.
2. Cover the pot and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until everything is tender.

Step 4: Combine Flavors

Once baked:
1. Remove from the oven and take out the roasted garlic bulb.
2. Squeeze out the soft garlic into the pot alongside honey and vegetable broth.
3. Add fresh herbs if using them.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Using:
– A blender,
– Food processor,
– Or handheld immersion blender,
puree all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Give your soup a taste:
– Adjust seasoning with more salt if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle honey over each bowl before serving:
– Pair with crispy feta toast for added flavor!

Enjoy this comforting Roasted Feta Soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

How to Serve Roasted Feta Soup

Roasted Feta Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh herbs like sage or parsley can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your soup. Simply sprinkle them on top before serving for an inviting presentation.

Pair with Crispy Bread

• A slice of crispy bread or toast is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. Consider using a rustic baguette or sourdough for added texture.

Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the soup enhances its richness and adds depth to the flavors. It’s an easy touch that makes a big difference.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A fresh side salad can balance the richness of the soup. Opt for a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Offer Grated Cheese

• Provide grated cheese such as Parmesan or more feta to sprinkle on top. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

Include Croutons

• Homemade croutons provide crunch and texture contrast. Toast some bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning for an easy topping.

How to Perfect Roasted Feta Soup

To achieve the best results with your Roasted Feta Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly compared to their dried counterparts.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; you might want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
• Blend thoroughly: For a truly creamy texture, ensure you blend the soup until completely smooth. An immersion blender works great for this.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for additional depth and warmth in flavor.
• Serve warm: Roasted Feta Soup is best enjoyed warm, so make sure to serve it immediately after blending for optimal taste.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Feta Soup

Complement your Roasted Feta Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal without overshadowing its flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread pairs beautifully, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds freshness and nutrition to your meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled vegetables provide a smoky complement to the creamy soup, making it more satisfying.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a sweet contrast that goes well with the savory notes of the soup.
5. Cheese Platter: An assorted cheese platter featuring different textures and flavors can be an elegant addition alongside the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies make for heartier fare that pairs well with the lightness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Feta Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of feta: Not all feta is created equal. Choose a block of feta for better texture and flavor. Crumbled versions may not hold up during roasting.
• Skipping the garlic: Roasting garlic adds depth to the soup. Don’t leave it out; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Overcooking the squash: Ensure the butternut squash is tender but not mushy. Check for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
• Not blending well enough: A smooth soup is key to its creaminess. Blend thoroughly until silky, or you may end up with an uneven texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste before serving. Adding a pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey can elevate your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Roasted Feta Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Feta Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Roasted Feta Soup.

Can I use other vegetables in Roasted Feta Soup?

Yes, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this Roasted Feta Soup dairy-free?

Consider using plant-based cheese alternatives instead of feta for a dairy-free version while keeping the same creamy texture.

What can I serve with Roasted Feta Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salads, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying meal.

How do I enhance the flavor of Roasted Feta Soup?

Adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika can give your soup an extra kick. Fresh herbs as garnishes also elevate its taste.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Feta Soup is not just creamy and delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you add different vegetables or adjust the seasonings, this recipe invites creativity. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors any time of year.