This Cheddar Apple Butternut Squash Soup blends the sweet warmth of caramelized apples and butternut squash with savory sharp cheddar and thyme. The addition of a cinnamon pecan crumble and sautéed honeyed apples makes this soup uniquely rich in texture and flavor—perfect for chilly evenings or as a cozy holiday starter. Creamy, comforting, and a little bit unexpected, this is autumn in a bowl.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 honeycrisp apples (1 chopped, 1 sliced)
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
4 cups cubed butternut squash
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
1 cup whole milk
1–2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon honey

For the Cinnamon Pecan Crumble:

1 1/2 cups raw pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature

Directions

Make the Soup Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and one chopped apple. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Add squash, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until squash is tender.
Blend:
Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth (using an immersion blender or regular blender).
Finish the Soup:
Return to stove on low heat. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until creamy. Add thyme and adjust seasoning.
Make the Honey Butter Apples:
In a skillet, melt butter. Add thinly sliced apple and sauté for 5 minutes until beginning to caramelize. Add honey and 2 tsp thyme, cook 1 more minute.
Make the Pecan Crumble:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix oats, pecans, flour, maple, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet. Crumble in the butter with your fingers.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp.
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls, top with sautéed apples and a generous sprinkle of pecan crumble. Serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 1672
Fat: ~115g
Carbohydrates: ~110g
Sugar: ~38g
Protein: ~40g
Fiber: ~12g
Sodium: ~950mg

The Richness of Butternut Squash and Apples

Butternut squash and apples are both iconic fall ingredients, and together, they form the backbone of this soup’s deeply satisfying flavor. Butternut squash brings a naturally creamy consistency and subtle sweetness, while apples—especially tart and crisp varieties like honeycrisp—add brightness and a fruity edge that keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.

As the chopped apple and onion are sautéed, their sugars begin to caramelize, creating a rich base that amplifies the earthy sweetness of the squash. The result is a soup that feels smooth and velvety, with hints of roasted caramel and subtle tang.

This pairing also delivers a strong nutritional punch. Both butternut squash and apples are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like A and C. Their inclusion not only enhances taste but brings added wellness to the bowl.

The Savory Power of Sharp Cheddar

While squash and apples lay the foundation, the addition of sharp cheddar cheese transforms this soup into a savory masterpiece. The cheddar’s bold, salty flavor provides a welcome contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and squash, creating an umami depth that adds warmth and character.

The cheese melts seamlessly into the pureed soup, bringing creaminess and body without the need for heavy cream. Its tang balances the natural sugars, and its richness rounds out the texture, making every spoonful smooth and satisfying.

This combination of cheese with sweet produce may seem unexpected, but it’s a classic culinary trick that enhances both sides of the flavor spectrum. It turns the soup into something complex, comforting, and completely craveable.

The Role of Fresh Herbs and Gentle Spice

Fresh thyme is a quiet star in this recipe. Added in two stages—once during the cooking process and again when finishing the soup—it offers an herbal lift that ties all the flavors together. Thyme’s slightly lemony, woodsy profile complements both the sweetness of the apple and the nuttiness of the cheddar.

An optional pinch of cayenne pepper adds just the right hint of heat to keep the soup from leaning too far into sweetness. It warms the back of the palate without overwhelming, making the dish feel multidimensional and dynamic.

When seasoned well, this soup becomes a harmony of sweet, spicy, cheesy, and herbal notes—each spoonful unfolding a little more of its layered complexity.

The Cinnamon Pecan Crumble: Crunch and Contrast

What truly elevates this soup from a great dish to an unforgettable one is the cinnamon pecan crumble. Instead of simple croutons or bread, this crisp topping adds texture, warmth, and a sweet-savory crunch that plays beautifully against the creamy soup.

Made with oats, chopped pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon, the crumble bakes into a golden, toasty mix that provides a satisfying bite and a delightful aroma. It brings in familiar dessert elements, offering a subtle nod to granola or streusel—only with a more savory twist. This crumble not only adds texture but deepens the fall essence of the dish with spice and nuttiness.

It’s an innovative finishing touch that turns a humble bowl of soup into a thoughtfully composed culinary experience.

Honeyed Apples: A Luxurious Garnish

In addition to the crumble, the soup is topped with thinly sliced sautéed apples, cooked in butter and honey until golden and slightly caramelized. These apples introduce both flavor and beauty to the dish.

Their tender texture contrasts with the crunchy crumble, and their floral sweetness pairs beautifully with the cheddar-infused soup. A sprinkle of thyme on the apples ensures continuity of flavor and adds a refined edge to the garnish.

Visually, the apples make the bowl come alive. Their glossy, golden edges resting atop the soup invite the first bite and reflect the thoughtful layering of flavors and textures throughout.

An Ideal Soup for Entertaining

Cheddar Apple Butternut Squash Soup is as visually impressive as it is flavorful, making it a showstopping first course for a fall dinner party or holiday meal. It can be served in wide, shallow bowls with a generous swirl of toppings or even ladled into small cups for a stylish appetizer.

It’s make-ahead friendly as well. The soup can be prepared in advance and gently reheated just before serving. The crumble and apples can also be made ahead, stored separately, and added when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for stress-free entertaining when you want to offer something warm, festive, and luxurious.

Nutritionally Rich and Comforting

Despite its indulgent flavor, this soup is packed with nourishing ingredients. Butternut squash, apples, and onions offer a wealth of fiber and antioxidants, while cheddar cheese contributes protein and calcium. The toppings, though rich in fat, provide satisfying texture and healthy fats from the pecans and oats.

Each serving comes in around 1672 calories with substantial macros due to the toppings, making it ideal as a filling main dish or as a hearty starter to a lighter meal. You can scale back the topping portions if desired to lighten the soup without losing its character.

Creative Variations and Add-Ins

This soup is highly adaptable. For a smoky note, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use aged gouda instead of cheddar. If you want a creamier finish, blend in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. To add extra protein, stir in cooked white beans before blending.

For a nut-free version, replace the pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds, and if you prefer a gluten-free dish, substitute the flour in the soup with cornstarch or simply omit it altogether. The recipe is flexible, forgiving, and ready to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Conclusion

Cheddar Apple Butternut Squash Soup is a brilliant celebration of fall. It’s warm, comforting, creamy, and full of bold, layered flavors. By combining sweet roasted squash and apples with sharp cheddar and fresh thyme, it creates a balanced and refined base. The addition of a cinnamon pecan crumble and honey-sautéed apples takes it over the top, adding texture, aroma, and a delightful crunch that sets it apart.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or serving it as a first course during a festive holiday meal, this soup will leave a lasting impression. It’s more than just soup—it’s an experience, a bowl of comfort, and a culinary ode to everything we love about autumn.