Harvest Squash and Apple Cream Bisque
Delight in the comforting flavors of fall with this creamy Harvest Squash and Apple Cream Bisque. Perfect for cozy nights or as a refreshing chilled treat, this soup brings together roasted butternut squash and crisp apples, harmoniously blended with aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, it requires minimal effort and delivers rich, savory flavors. This versatile dish can be garnished in various ways to elevate its visual appeal and taste. Enjoy it warm or chilled—either way, it's sure to impress family and friends. Ideal for meal prep, this bisque is a fantastic addition to your seasonal recipe repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
2 pounds (peeled and cubed)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (finely chopped)
chicken broth
14.5 ounces (canned)
applesauce
2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
sour cream
1 cup (for mixing and garnish)
Instructions
1
Peel and cube the butternut squash, and chop the onion and garlic.
2
In a 3 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the butternut squash, onion, garlic, chicken broth, applesauce, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
3
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 3 to 5 hours, until the squash is tender.
4
Once the squash is cooked, carefully transfer one-third to one-half of the soup mixture into a blender or food processor.
5
Blend until smooth, then return the blended soup back to the slow cooker.
6
Stir in the sour cream and cover. Let it cook on low for an additional 15 minutes, or until heated through.
7
For serving, garnish each portion with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and use a knife to swirl it into the soup.
8
For added texture and color, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped pecans on top.
9
If serving chilled, garnish with thin slices of Granny Smith apples and a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Squash and Apple Cream Bisque?
It is a creamy fall soup made with roasted butternut squash, applesauce, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include butternut squash, onion, garlic, chicken broth, applesauce, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and sour cream.
How is this bisque cooked?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a 3.5 to 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
When using the low setting on your slow cooker, the bisque should cook for 8 to 10 hours.
Can I cook this recipe faster on high heat?
Yes, you can cook the bisque on the high setting for 3 to 5 hours until the squash is tender.
What kind of squash is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of butternut squash, peeled and cubed.
Do I need fresh apples or applesauce?
This recipe uses 2 cups of applesauce, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
Is this Harvest Squash and Apple Cream Bisque vegetarian?
As written with chicken broth, it is not vegetarian, but you can easily swap it for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Is the bisque gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed like squash, applesauce, and spices, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Once the squash is tender, transfer one-third to one-half of the mixture to a blender or food processor, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
When should I add the sour cream?
Stir in the sour cream after blending a portion of the soup, then cook for an additional 15 minutes on low to heat through.
Can I serve this soup chilled?
Yes, this versatile bisque can be served either warm or as a refreshing chilled treat.
What are some recommended garnishes for the warm soup?
You can garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sesame seeds, or chopped pecans.
How should I garnish the chilled version?
For the chilled version, garnish with thin slices of Granny Smith apples and a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
What spices give this bisque its fall flavor?
The warm fall flavors come from 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 3 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this bisque is an excellent addition to a seasonal meal prep repertoire as it stores well.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative for garnishing and swirling into the soup.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The butternut squash should be peeled and cut into cubes before being added to the slow cooker.
What is the texture of this soup?
It is a creamy bisque that combines smooth blended elements with savory slow-cooked flavors.
Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, sprinkling chopped pecans on top is recommended for adding extra texture and color.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Do I need to cook the onions before adding them to the crockpot?
No, the chopped onion and garlic are added raw and cook directly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Is there a lot of salt in this recipe?
The recipe uses only 1/4 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
What gives the soup its 'bisque' designation?
The combination of the blended squash and the addition of sour cream creates the rich, creamy texture characteristic of a bisque.
Can I use crystallized ginger?
Crystallized ginger is recommended as a garnish for the chilled version to add a refreshing touch.
How do I create the visual swirl on top?
Place a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the surface and use a knife to gently swirl it into the soup.
Can I use homemade broth?
Yes, while the recipe mentions canned broth, homemade chicken or vegetable broth works perfectly.