Roasted Feta Soup

This Roasted Feta Soup is a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, aromatic sage, and a touch of honey. It’s not just incredibly easy to prepare but also makes for a comforting dish perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. This soup highlights the unique combination of flavors that complement each other beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 70 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Creamy Texture: The roasted feta adds a luscious creaminess without the need for heavy creams.
• Versatile Ingredients: Utilize pantry staples like butternut squash and garlic, ensuring you can whip this up anytime.
• Flavorful Profile: The sweetness from the honey balances the savory notes of sage and roasted vegetables.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an appetizer or a main course, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or braising pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or braising pan: Ideal for roasting ingredients evenly while providing enough space for all components.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts on vegetables, making prep quicker and safer.
• Blender or immersion blender: Vital for achieving that creamy texture without lumps in your soup.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Roasted Feta Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 5 cups Butternut Squash (cubed (about 1 medium butternut squash or 2 12 oz bags of frozen butternut squash))
• 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)
• 1 8 oz Feta Chunk (Athenos is the brand I recommend)
• 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. This ensures that your ingredients roast perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

In a Dutch oven or braising pan:
1. Add olive oil, butternut squash, and kosher salt. Toss to coat.
2. If using dried herbs, add them now; reserve fresh herbs for later.

Step 3: Roast Everything Together

1. Place the feta chunk in the center of the pot.
2. Nestle the bulb of garlic, cut side down, wherever it fits.
3. Cover the pot and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until everything is tender.

Step 4: Combine Flavors

Once done:
1. Remove from the oven and take out the roasted garlic bulb.
2. Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the pot.
3. Stir in honey, vegetable broth, and any fresh herbs if you’re using them.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Using a blender, food processor, or handheld immersion blender:
– Purée everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup:
– Add more salt if needed to enhance flavors.

Step 7: Serve with Style

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

With these simple steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Roasted Feta Soup ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Roasted Feta Soup

Roasted Feta Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. From garnishes to complementary sides, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Sage Leaves – Use crispy sage leaves as a delicious garnish that complements the soup’s flavors.

Drizzled with Honey

• Honey Swirl – Add a drizzle of honey on top before serving for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Accompanied by Toast

• Crispy Feta Toast – Serve alongside crunchy toast topped with feta for an added texture contrast.
• Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for a classic side that enhances the soup’s richness.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can provide freshness and balance to the creamy soup.
• Caesar Salad – Opt for a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons for a hearty accompaniment.

How to Perfect Roasted Feta Soup

To ensure your Roasted Feta Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh butternut squash and herbs will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Carefully – Taste during cooking to adjust salt and seasoning as needed for balanced flavors.
• Blend Thoroughly – Ensure all ingredients are well-blended for a creamy texture; an immersion blender works wonders!
• Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add spices or different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Serve Warm – This soup is best enjoyed warm, so make sure to serve it immediately after blending.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Feta Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Roasted Feta Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy bread coated in garlic butter, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad made with quinoa, veggies, and lemon dressing adds protein and texture.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Classic grilled cheese pairs beautifully, offering rich flavors alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and veggies create a filling side that’s healthy and satisfying.
5. Bruschetta – Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta brings a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes roasted until tender provide a sweet complement that balances the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making roasted feta soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and herbs enhance the flavor. Always choose fresh over stale ingredients for the best taste.
• Overcooking the garlic: Roasted garlic should be sweet and soft. Monitor it closely to avoid burning, which can create a bitter flavor.
• Skipping the blending step: For a creamy texture, blending is crucial. If you skip this, you’ll end up with a chunky soup instead of a smooth one.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Adding more salt or honey can bring out the flavors beautifully.
• Not storing properly: To maintain freshness, store leftovers in airtight containers. This prevents spoilage and keeps your soup delicious for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover roasted feta soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Roasted Feta Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months frozen.

Reheating Roasted Feta Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about roasted feta soup that may help you out.

What is Roasted Feta Soup?

Roasted feta soup is a creamy blend of roasted butternut squash, garlic, sage, and feta cheese that creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute feta cheese with plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly.

How can I customize Roasted Feta Soup?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or mix in other vegetables such as carrots or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.

What can I serve with Roasted Feta Soup?

Pair it with crispy toast or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

Final Thoughts

This roasted feta soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—it’s sure to become a comforting favorite!