What Main Dish Goes with Butternut Squash Soup? 15 Ideas

Soup is one of my favorite things to eat. It’s easy to make, it’s healthy, and it’s usually pretty cheap. Plus, there are so many different kinds of soup that you can make, from beef stew to tomato soup to chicken noodle soup. But, when the fall comes, butternut squash soup becomes everyone’s favorite since its colors perfectly match those orange and brown leaves that start to fall. But what’s the best main dish to serve with butternut squash soup? 

Butternut squash soup goes well with all kinds of roasted vegetables and different types of bread, as well as with salads, rice, roasted meat like chicken and turkey, and fish. There are so many options since butternut squash soup’s taste is perfect for pairing with another dish.

In this article, I’ll talk about some of the most popular main dishes to serve with butternut squash soup, as well as some of my own personal favorites.

Roasted Chicken

From my personal experience, one of everyone’s favorites is roasted chicken. The sweetness of the butternut squash soup pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the chicken, and the two together make a satisfying and complete meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare: all you need is a roast chicken from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. 

If you want something a bit more complicated, you can prepare some part of a chicken with honey and balsamic vinegar glaze and enjoy the richness of flavors. 

Sweet Chicken and Spinach Bowl

Speaking of chicken, if you are a fan of this nutritious and healthy meat, you know there are wide varieties to use it. [1] So, you can also prepare this delicious and versatile chicken and spinach bowl and combine two healthy meals together. 

Besides, this bowl is super easy to make, and it also contains butternut squash, as well as roasted almonds, cornsalad, rice, sesame seeds, and fantastic seasonings and sauces. Check the recipe out here. 

Sausage and Kale Skillet

I know I say this a lot, but sausage and kale skillet is also one of my favorite main dishes to serve with butternut squash soup. It’s hearty, and satisfying: perfect for a cold winter night.

The recipe is simple to make: just brown sausage in a skillet, then add kale and garlic and cook until the kale is wilted. The light and earthy taste of kale and savory sausage just make a perfect combo. I also like serving it with roasted butternut squash and brown rice on the side. 

Kale Chips or Potato Chips

Let’s use all of the benefits of kale. [2] I think kale chips are a great option to go with this soup because they are a healthier alternative to potato chips and have a similar crunch. Another plus is that they are easy to make. I like to make mine in the oven with just a little bit of olive oil and sea salt. 

Of course, sweet potato chips would also be a good option, especially if you are looking for something a little sweeter to go with the soup. 

One-Pot Pasta With Ground Beef or Turkey

I love these pasta dishes because they’re easy to make, and they’re a fantastic way to use any ground beef or turkey leftovers I might have.

To make it, I start by cooking the pasta in a large pot. While the pasta is cooking, I brown the ground beef or turkey in a separate pan. I then add the meat to the pot with pasta, some tomato sauce, and spices. Once everything is cooked through, I serve it hot with a side of my delicious butternut squash soup.

Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try serving butternut squash soup with salmon? The salmon’s fatty acids will help balance the soup’s richness, making a delicious meal together. 

To make this dish, start by roasting some vegetables of your choice. Season them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven. While the veggies are roasting, season your salmon filets with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. You can cook the salmon in the oven with the vegetables or in a pan. 

Salads

I’m a big fan of the soup and salad combo since it’s the perfect way to have a light meal that’s still satisfying. As I have already mentioned, Butternut squash soup is so versatile. It goes well with so many different veggies and meats, perfectly combined in a salad. 

So, you can serve it next to a salad with some grilled chicken or try it with a crab salad with yummy mayo dressing.

Grain Bowl with Roasted Squash

This colorful grain bowl is just a great vegetarian option. You can use any grain you prefer, but I think quinoa or farro would be especially good. 

Just cook the grain according to package instructions, then top with roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale, and a dollop of tahini. So simple and yet so delicious!

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are always a good option if you’re looking for something light to go with your butternut squash soup. 

Grilled cheese is the perfect comfort food to eat with a bowl of soup. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s always delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra bread you may have lying around.

So if you’re ever in need of the main course to serve with butternut squash soup, go ahead and make a grilled cheese sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.

Another exciting option is a roasted turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich on whole wheat bread. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory turkey, and the butternut squash soup ties everything together. Plus, it’s a pretty easy meal to throw together, which is always a plus.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a great main dish because it’s packed with nutrients and easy to make. [3] Plus, it’s versatile and goes with just about anything. So if you’re looking for a main dish to go with your butternut squash soup, quinoa is a great option.

To make quinoa, simply rinse the grains in a strainer and then cook them in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Once they’re cooked, fluff them with a fork and add whatever seasonings you like. I like adding a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Hummus Wraps

Hummus makes an excellent base for a healthy and filling wrap. Just add some chopped veggies, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and you’re good to go. If you want a little bit of protein, you can also add some chickpeas or beans. 

And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even drizzle on some tahini sauce or olive oil.

Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots are the perfect dish to combine with butternut squash soup. They are sweet, savory, and healthy and only take a few minutes to make.

To make them, you will need some carrots, a little honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly browned around the edges. And that’s it!

Salad with Pasta

If you feel like eating pasta, but just a little bit differently than usual, you can make a salad. What’s great about it is that there are numerous ways to do that. 

While cooked and chilled pasta is the main ingredient, you can add whatever you like, from cheese to veggies and even some meat. 

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a hearty, vegetarian option to accompany your butternut squash soup, look no further than quinoa stuffed peppers. This dish is packed with nutrients and flavor and will please even the pickiest of eaters.

To make quinoa stuffed peppers, start by cooking the quinoa according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked, stir in some diced onion, garlic, tomato, and spinach. Then stuff the mixture into red bell peppers and bake in an oven.

Serve the quinoa stuffed peppers alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup, and you’ve got a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Bread and Breadsticks with Rosemary

I’m a big fan of pairing any type of food with some type of bread. When it comes to bread, I like to keep it simple with some good old-fashioned white bread or whole-grain bread. If you want to add a bit of flavor to your bread, I suggest brushing it with a little olive oil and then sprinkling it on fresh rosemary. The earthy rosemary and the sweet, creamy butternut squash soup pair perfectly.

But if you’re not in the mood for bread, or if you’re looking for something a bit more filling, I also suggest pairing butternut squash soup with some delicious breadsticks. Again, I like to keep it simple and go with a classic Italian rosemary breadstick. The combination of the crispy breadstick and the creamy soup is irresistible.