Autumn Squash Soup is a favorite in the fall, filled with butternut squash and pumpkin. This recipe brings Panera’s Panera butternut squash soup recipe to your home. It’s great for those cozy autumn days. The fall soup recipe mixes sweet and savory tastes with spices, making it a top-notch creamy soup recipe to enjoy.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Butternut Squash Soup Is Perfect for Fall
As the days get shorter and the air gets crisp, nothing is as comforting as creamy butternut squash soup. It’s not just tasty; it’s also full of health benefits. Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a top source of beta-carotene, a strong antioxidant. It boosts the immune system and fights some cancers. It also has lots of vitamin C for skin health and wound healing. Plus, its fiber helps with digestion and blood sugar.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This butternut squash soup recipe is special because of its perfect flavor mix. Apple juice and honey add a sweet touch that matches the squash’s natural sweetness. Spices like curry powder and cinnamon make it warm and comforting. The soup is creamy and healthy.
Restaurant Quality at Home
This recipe lets you make Panera Bread’s soup at home. It tastes and feels like a restaurant dish. Serve it as a starter or main course with a salad or warm bread for a full meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Autumn Squash Soup
Making the perfect Panera-style Autumn Squash Soup starts with the right ingredients. The key parts are butternut squash, pumpkin puree, and vegetable broth. Together, they create a warm, autumnal treat.
You’ll need about 2 pounds of peeled and cubed butternut squash. This squash is the base of the soup, giving it a rich, velvety texture. A can of pure pumpkin puree adds sweetness and a bright orange color.
A flavorful vegetable broth is also crucial. It thins out the thick puree, making the soup smooth and easy to drink. Adding a bit of apple juice or honey can balance the sweetness of the squash and pumpkin.
Warm spices like curry powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are added to enhance the autumn flavors. These spices make the soup cozy and perfect for fall.
For a creamy texture, add heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end. This makes the soup velvety, just like Panera’s.
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious Autumn Squash Soup at home. It brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your table.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Panera-style butternut squash soup at home, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and appliances. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven for simmering. Also, an immersion blender or regular blender is needed for pureeing the soup.
Must-Have Appliances
- A large soup pot or Dutch oven with a heavy bottom for simmering the soup
- An immersion blender for smooth and creamy soup texture
- A standard blender works great too if you don’t have an immersion blender
Optional but Helpful Tools
- A sharp chef’s knife for easily cutting and dicing the butternut squash
- A vegetable peeler to quickly remove the tough outer skin of the squash
- A ladle for portioning and serving the creamy soup
These essential tools and appliances ensure smooth preparation, blending, and serving of the delectable Panera-inspired butternut squash soup right in your own kitchen.
| Tool | Purpose | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Soup Pot | Large pot for simmering the soup | $30 – $80 |
| Immersion Blender | Blend the soup directly into the pot | $30 – $100 |
| Vegetable Peeler | Removes the tough outer skin of butternut squash | $5 – $15 |
Panera Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Craving a cozy, comforting fall meal? Try this Panera bread soup-inspired restaurant copycat recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. It’s creamy and full of warm, autumnal flavors from roasted butternut squash, pumpkin, and spices.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté diced onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the roasted butternut squash, canned pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, apple cider or juice, brown sugar, and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Use an immersion blender or a high-powered blender to purée the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy whipping cream or coconut milk for richness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 1 medium, peeled and cubed |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Vegetable Broth | 4 cups |
| Pumpkin Puree | 1 cup |
| Coconut Milk | 1 cup |
| Apple Cider or Juice | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Curry Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1/2 cup |
Ladle the hot Panera bread soup into bowls. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, cream, or parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying autumn meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soup Consistency
Getting the right creamy soup consistency is key for a great autumn squash soup. Follow these pro tips to make your Panera-inspired butternut squash soup taste like it came from a restaurant.
Temperature Control Guidelines
Keeping the temperature right is crucial for a smooth, velvety texture. Simmer the soup gently over medium-low heat to avoid scorching or curdling. This lets the flavors blend well together.
Don’t let the soup boil too fast. This can make the ingredients separate and give a grainy texture.
Blending Techniques
- For a creamy soup, use an immersion blender in the pot. This blends the ingredients right in the cooking liquid, making it smooth.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend the soup in batches in a high-powered blender. Blending in small amounts helps avoid spills.
Texture Adjustments
If your soup is too thick, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it gently to reduce the liquid. Or, blend in more pureed butternut squash to thicken it. Adjust the texture to your liking for the perfect fall comfort.
“The key to a velvety smooth butternut squash soup lies in the details. With a bit of attention to temperature and blending, you’ll be sipping on restaurant-quality soup from the comfort of your own home.”
Customization Options and Variations
This creamy winter soup recipe is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the sweetness or play with spices to make it your own. Let’s dive into some great ways to enhance your Panera-inspired butternut squash soup.
Sweetness Adjustments
To balance the squash’s natural sweetness, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your liking. This will get the flavor just right.
Spice it Up
For a warm touch, add cayenne pepper or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices can give your winter soup recipe a cozy autumn feel.
Toppings Galore
Make your soup special with different toppings. Try roasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta, toasted pecans, or crispy bacon. These add texture and flavor. Choose your favorite garnishes for a beautiful and tasty bowl.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
For a vegetarian soup recipe that’s also vegan, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream. This change makes the soup vegan-friendly, and great for sharing.
Squash Variations
Butternut squash is the usual choice, but you can try other winter squashes. Acorn, kabocha, or mixing different squashes can create a new flavor and texture each time.
With these options, you can make this Panera-inspired winter soup recipe truly special. Enjoy the flavors of the season and show off your creativity in every spoonful of this comforting vegetarian soup recipe.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your Panera-inspired butternut squash soup right is key. It keeps the soup’s flavor and creamy texture perfect. Follow these tips to enjoy your autumn soup to the fullest.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze the soup for up to 3 months for longer storage. Put it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices for Leftovers
Leftover soup? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often until it’s warm enough. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or cream.
| Soup Storage | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 4 days | Up to 3 months |
| Container | Airtight container | Freezer-safe container or bag |
| Reheating | Gently warm on the stovetop | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating |
By sticking to these soup storage and reheating soup tips, you can enjoy your Panera-inspired butternut squash soup for a long time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Panera’s butternut squash soup is a cozy fall treat. Enjoy it with various sides to make it a full meal. Try dipping crusty bread or adding roasted pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch.
For a heartier meal, pair the fall soup recipe with a crisp salad. A Fuji apple salad is a great choice. It offers a sweet contrast to the soup’s richness. You can also add maple turmeric chicken or air fryer date-glazed salmon for extra protein.
However you choose to serve it, Panera’s butternut squash soup will warm your heart. Try different pairings to find your favorite fall soup experience.
| Serving Suggestion | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Crusty Bread | Provides a classic pairing for dipping and sopping up the flavorful broth. |
| Roasted Pumpkin Seeds | Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to contrast the smooth, creamy soup. |
| Fuji Apple Salad | The sweetness and crunch of the apples and greens balance the richness of the soup. |
| Maple Turmeric Chicken | The savory, spiced chicken provides a protein-packed accompaniment to the soup. |
| Air Fryer Date-Glazed Salmon | The sweet and slightly smoky salmon pairs beautifully with the autumnal flavors of the soup. |
Conclusion
This Panera-inspired Autumn Squash Soup recipe brings fall flavors right to your kitchen. It has a creamy texture and a mix of seasonal ingredients. Plus, it’s filled with warming spices, making it perfect for cold days.
It’s great as a main dish or part of a bigger meal. This Panera butternut squash soup recipe will quickly become a fall comfort food favorite.
The recipe combines butternut squash, apples, and spices for a sweet and savory taste. You can also add your own touches or make it vegan. This makes the soup even more special. And, with the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it all autumn long.
Let the cozy feel of fall in with this homemade Panera butternut squash soup recipe. It’s a tasty way to enjoy the season and the comfort of cooking at home.