Roasted Feta Soup

This Roasted Feta Soup is a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, aromatic sage, and sweet honey. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting appetizer at dinner parties, this soup showcases rich flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe makes it easy to whip up something special that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal prep time and is ready in about an hour.
• Creamy Texture: The roasted feta adds an incredible creaminess that elevates the soup.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen butternut squash based on what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutritious vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for cozy nights in or elegant gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. This will streamline your preparation and ensure everything goes smoothly.

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: Provides even heat distribution for roasting ingredients perfectly.
• Sharp knife: Makes cutting through the butternut squash easier and safer.
• Blender or immersion blender: Ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the soup with minimal effort.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Roasted Feta Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your ingredients roast evenly and develop great flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

In a braising pan or Dutch oven:
* Add extra virgin olive oil.
* Add cubed butternut squash and kosher salt.
* If using dried herbs, add them now; if using fresh herbs, reserve for later. Toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Feta and Garlic

Nestle the feta chunk in the center of the pot. Place the cut side down of the garlic bulb where there’s space. Cover and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour until everything is tender.

Step 4: Combine Additional Ingredients

Once done baking:
1. Remove the pot from the oven.
2. Take out the roasted garlic bulb; squeeze its soft contents into the pot.
3. Add honey and vegetable broth.
4. If using fresh herbs, toss them in now as well.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Blend all ingredients together using:
* A traditional blender,
* A food processor,
* Or an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed for flavor balance.

Step 7: Serve with Garnish

Drizzle some honey over each serving before presenting it with crispy feta toast for an extra touch!

How to Serve Roasted Feta Soup

Serving Roasted Feta Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it feel warm and inviting. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh sage or parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
• Croutons: Homemade croutons provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy soup.

Accompaniments

• Crispy Feta Toast: Serve with slices of toasted bread topped with feta for a perfect pairing.
• Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Serving Bowls

• Rustic Bowls: Use earthy, rustic bowls to create a homely vibe for your meal.
• Chilled Bowls: For a refreshing twist, chill your serving bowls before adding the hot soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Feta Soup

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

• Bold flavors: Use high-quality feta cheese for the best taste. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Creamy consistency: Blend thoroughly until smooth. This ensures a creamy texture that is satisfying and velvety.
• Season well: Taste before serving. Adjust salt and other seasonings to suit your preference for maximum flavor.
• Optimal roasting: Roast the garlic until golden brown. This adds depth and sweetness to your soup.
• Serve warm: Ensure the soup is served hot. This brings out its rich flavors and comforting qualities.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or black pepper for an added kick.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Feta Soup

Pairing side dishes with Roasted Feta Soup can enhance its flavors and round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the soup perfectly.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds texture and nutrients, making it a great healthy option.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional warmth and flavor to the table.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide variety and indulgence alongside the soup.
5. Pita Chips: Crispy pita chips add crunch and are great for dipping into the creamy soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a hearty side, filled with grains and beans for extra protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Feta Soup, some common pitfalls can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the feta and garlic enhances their flavors. Skipping this step will result in a less rich soup.
• Overcooking the butternut squash: Make sure to monitor the cooking time. Overcooked squash can turn mushy, affecting the soup’s texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Always taste before serving. Insufficient salt or spices can lead to bland soup, so adjust according to your preference.
• Not using fresh herbs: While dried herbs are fine, using fresh sage or other herbs adds vibrant flavor. Reserve them for the end to maintain their potency.
• Using low-quality feta: The type of feta you choose matters. Opt for high-quality feta, like Athenos, for better taste and creaminess in your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Roasted Feta Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Roasted Feta Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Roasted Feta Soup?

You can easily customize this soup by adding different vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. Adjust seasonings based on what you prefer.

What can I serve with Roasted Feta Soup?

This creamy soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. Consider crispy feta toast for a complementary crunch!

How do I make it vegan?

To make a vegan version of Roasted Feta Soup, replace feta with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth without animal products.

Can I use other types of squash?

Yes! While butternut squash is ideal, feel free to experiment with acorn or pumpkin for different flavors in your Roasted Feta Soup.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Feta Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any meal occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs and vegetables. Try it out today!

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Roasted Feta Soup

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Roasted Feta Soup is a velvety, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the creaminess of roasted feta cheese. Enhanced by aromatic sage and a hint of honey, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as an elegant appetizer at gatherings. With minimal prep time and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that impresses everyone at the table. Ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions, Roasted Feta Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions. 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups butternut squash (cubed)
• 1/2 bulb garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 4 leaves sage (or 1 tsp dried herb)
• 8 oz feta cheese
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp honey
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a Dutch oven, combine olive oil, cubed butternut squash, and kosher salt; toss to coat.
3. Place feta in the center and cut side down of garlic around it. Cover and bake for 45 minutes to an hour until tender.
4. Remove from oven; squeeze roasted garlic into pot, add honey and vegetable broth.
5. Blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
6. Season to taste with salt before serving.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For extra creaminess, blend longer until velvety smooth. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or black pepper for added flavor variations. Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance visual appeal and taste.