Roasted Feta Soup

This Roasted Feta Soup is a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, aromatic sage, and the rich flavor of roasted feta. Perfect for cozy dinners or as an impressive appetizer at gatherings, this soup stands out for its simplicity and taste. With easy-to-follow steps and pantry staples, you can whip up this dish in no time, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses common ingredients, making it accessible for all home cooks.
• Flavorful & Comforting: The combination of roasted garlic and feta creates a rich, satisfying flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or pair it with your favorite bread for a fulfilling main dish.
• Health-Conscious Option: Packed with nutritious butternut squash and fresh herbs, it’s a wholesome choice without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s chilly outside or you’re simply in need of comfort food, this soup is always a hit.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most delicious Roasted Feta Soup, having the right tools can make a world of difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or braising pan
• Oven mitts
• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or braising pan: Ideal for even cooking and roasting, ensuring that your ingredients meld beautifully.
• Blender or food processor: Crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup so delightful.

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)
• 1 32 oz quart Vegetable Broth (4 cups)

For Garnishing

• 1 8 oz Feta Chunk (Athenos is recommended)
• 2 tbsp Honey

How to Make Roasted Feta Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your ingredients roast evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a Dutch oven or braising pan:
* Add extra virgin olive oil and cubed butternut squash.
* Sprinkle with kosher salt and add dried herbs if using; toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Roast the Feta and Garlic

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once done:
* Remove from the oven and take out the roasted garlic bulb.
* Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the pot.
* Add honey and vegetable broth along with fresh herbs if using.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Using a blender, food processor, or handheld immersion blender:
* Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Taste & Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle honey into each bowl before serving. Enjoy your warm soup with crispy feta toast!

How to Serve Roasted Feta Soup

Roasted Feta Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate its flavors and make for a delightful meal.

With Crispy Feta Toast

• This crunchy toast topped with crumbled feta adds texture and enhances the soup’s savory notes.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil provides a burst of freshness that complements the roasted flavors.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top before serving adds richness and enhances the overall taste.

Accompanied by a Green Salad

• A light mixed green salad can balance the creaminess of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.

Served with Crusty Bread

• Warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Paired with Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled veggies bring additional smoky flavors that pair beautifully with the soup’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Roasted Feta Soup

To ensure your Roasted Feta Soup is delightful every time, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and herbs will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that you blend until smooth for a creamy texture; consider using an immersion blender for ease.
• Taste Test Before Serving: Adjust salt and honey to suit your palate before serving.
• Serve Hot: The soup tastes best when served warm, so keep it heated until ready to serve.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cayenne or paprika for an extra kick!

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Feta Soup

Complementing your Roasted Feta Soup with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   This classic side adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping in the creamy soup.

2. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables provides protein and texture contrast.

3. Roasted Chickpeas
   Crunchy roasted chickpeas serve as a nutritious snack alongside the rich soup.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   These can be filled with grains or lentils, making them hearty and flavorful companions.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   A gooey grilled cheese pairs perfectly, offering warmth and comfort next to the soup.

6. Vegetable Samosas
   These crispy pastries filled with spiced vegetables add an exciting twist to your meal.

7. Cucumber Raita
   This cool yogurt-based dip provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Their natural sweetness complements the savory notes of the soup while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Feta Soup, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Overcooking the Garlic: Roasting garlic too long can make it bitter. Ensure you check it after 45 minutes and remove it when soft and caramelized.
• Skipping the Blending Step: Not blending the soup properly will leave it chunky instead of creamy. Use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality feta or broth can ruin the soup’s taste. Invest in good-quality feta and vegetable broth for the best results.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. You may need to add more salt or honey to balance flavors.
• Not Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the flavor significantly. If possible, opt for fresh sage instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Follow the storage instructions closely to keep your soup fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Roasted Feta Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand.

Reheating Roasted Feta Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roasted Feta Soup?

Roasted Feta Soup is a creamy blend made with roasted butternut squash, feta cheese, garlic, and herbs, creating a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.

Can I use different cheeses in Roasted Feta Soup?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or cream cheese for different flavors, but this may alter the overall taste profile of the soup.

Is Roasted Feta Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for batch cooking and enjoying later.

How do I customize my Roasted Feta Soup?

You can add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, adjust sweetness with more honey, or spice it up with chili flakes or pepper.

Can I make this Roasted Feta Soup vegan?

For a vegan version, omit the feta and honey. Instead, consider using plant-based creams and sweeteners like maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Feta Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt according to your taste preferences. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors that come together effortlessly. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!