There’s something about a homemade bowl of soup that makes chilly Pennsylvania evenings a little better. And while classic butternut squash soup is already a fall favorite, we’re giving this seasonal staple a delicious upgrade with one unexpected ingredient: Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna!

This roasted butternut squash soup recipe brings together the natural sweetness of oven-roasted squash, savory herbs, roasted garlic, and a touch of cream for a rich, velvety finish. But the real star? Crispy, pan-fried sweet bologna bites with a hint of maple syrup that add the perfect smoky, sweet, and salty crunch.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, looking for a new fall soup recipe, or simply craving something homemade, this one deserves a spot in your cold-weather rotation.

And the best part? You can pick up your ingredients, including Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna, at Locals’ Market in Dillsburg, PA!

 

 

Why This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Is Anything But Ordinary

Butternut squash soup has earned its place as a fall classic, but a few thoughtful additions make this version especially memorable.

Roasted for richer flavor: Roasting the squash and garlic brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more savory base.

Creamy without being too heavy: A few splashes of cream give the soup a smooth, comforting texture without overpowering the fresh vegetables and herbs.

A sweet and smoky surprise: Instead of traditional croutons, crispy fried sweet bologna adds a savory crunch that complements the sweetness of the squash.

Made with simple, wholesome ingredients: Fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and quality Pennsylvania-made bologna come together in a recipe that’s easy to make at home.

What You’ll Need for This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

For the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

• 2 large butternut squash, halved, seeded, and scored

• 2 large or 4 small heads of garlic

• 4-5 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 tablespoons butter

• Olive oil, for roasting

• 1 generous wooden spoonful of Herbes de Provence (approximately 1-2 tablespoons, to taste)

• A handful of fresh sage leaves

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme

• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt or salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups water

• 1 heaping tablespoon chicken Better Than Bouillon

• A few splashes of heavy cream, to taste

For the Crispy Sweet Bologna Topping

• Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna, diced into bite-sized cubes (approximately ½ lb, or to preference)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• A drizzle of maple syrup (approximately 1-2 teaspoons, to taste)

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sweet Bologna

Step 1: Roast the Squash and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice your butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and lightly score the flesh. Drizzle each half with olive oil and sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt or your preferred combination of salt and pepper.

Trim the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and nestle them into the hollowed-out centers of the squash along with a few fresh sage leaves.

Roast for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and the garlic is soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

While the squash roasts, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Halfway through cooking, season with salt, pepper, Herbes de Provence, and fresh thyme.

This combination of vegetables and herbs creates the savory foundation that balances the sweetness of the roasted squash.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together

Once the vegetables are tender, pour 4 cups of water into the pot and stir in the chicken Better Than Bouillon.

Carefully scoop the roasted squash flesh from its skin and add it to the soup. Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves from their skins and stir them into the mixture.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for approximately 20 minutes, giving the vegetables and herbs time to develop their flavors.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and velvety.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in a few splashes of heavy cream until you’ve reached your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Locals’ Tip: Prefer a thicker soup? Start with less cream. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or broth until it’s just right.

Step 5: Make the Crispy Sweet Bologna Bites

Now for the part that takes this butternut squash soup recipe to another level!

Dice Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna into small cubes.

In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced bologna and pan-fry, stirring occasionally, until the edges become browned and crispy.

Just before removing the skillet from the heat, drizzle in a little maple syrup and toss the bologna to coat. Allow it to cook briefly until lightly glazed, watching closely so the syrup doesn’t burn.

The result? Sweet, smoky, crispy bites that make an irresistible topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your warm, creamy butternut squash soup into bowls and generously sprinkle the crispy sweet bologna over the top.

For a little extra presentation, garnish with fresh thyme, cracked black pepper, or a swirl of cream.

Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a fall dinner worth looking forward to!

The Secret Ingredient: Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna

If you’ve never thought about adding sweet bologna to your favorite soup recipe, consider this your sign to give it a try.

Weaver’s of Wellsville is known for its Pennsylvania smokehouse traditions, and its Sweet Bologna brings a distinctive combination of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors to the table.

When diced and pan-fried in butter, the bologna develops beautifully crisp edges while maintaining its rich flavor. A little maple syrup enhances its sweetness, creating a delicious contrast against the creamy roasted squash.

It’s an unexpected twist on traditional soup toppings, but one that makes perfect sense after the first bite.

And while sweet bologna is a Pennsylvania favorite for sandwiches and snack boards, this recipe proves there’s plenty more you can do with it!

Make This Fall Soup Recipe Your Own

One of our favorite things about homemade soup is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences.

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup for a subtle kick.

Want even more fall flavor? Sprinkle a little ground nutmeg into the soup before blending to complement the roasted squash.

Making it ahead? Prepare the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then fry the sweet bologna fresh before serving to keep those delicious crispy edges.

Hosting a fall gathering? Serve smaller portions in mugs or appetizer bowls, finished with a spoonful of crispy bologna for an easy seasonal starter.

 

Bring a Little More Local Flavor to Your Fall Table

The best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is fresh seasonal produce, a handful of pantry staples, and one ingredient that brings something unexpected to the table.

This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sweet Bologna is the perfect example. It’s warm, creamy, packed with fall flavor, and finished with a Pennsylvania-made favorite that makes every spoonful a little more interesting.

Ready to give it a try?

Stop by Locals’ Market in Dillsburg, PA, to pick up your butternut squash, fresh vegetables, herbs, and Weaver’s of Wellsville Sweet Bologna.

And when you make it, don’t forget to share your creation and tag @locals_market and @weaversofwellsville. We love seeing how you’re bringing local flavors into your kitchen!

Happy cooking, and we’ll see you at the market!