Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the halved butternut squash, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Bayou City GP and salt. Place sage, thyme, and garlic in the pitted part of each squash, where the seeds were. Flip Skin side up.
Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Once cooled, scoop out the roasted butternut squash flesh and set aside.
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the grapeseed oil, followed by the carrots, onion, roasted garlic (from roasting the butternut squash), celery, and leeks. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the roasted butternut squash puree to the pot, along with the smoked paprika, Bayou City, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Pour enough vegetable broth or water into the pot to cover the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If needed, add more vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
To achieve a silky-smooth texture, pass the blended soup through a fine mesh strainer, discarding any remaining solids. This step ensures a creamy and luxurious final result.
Return the strained soup to the pot and gently reheat over low heat, if necessary.
Serve the Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of Lemon Basil oil. Enjoy!