As the leaves start to fall and the air gets cooler, a warm bowl of autumn squash soup is perfect. I remember my grandmother’s squash bisque, a family recipe that filled our home with delicious smells. Now, I’m excited to share this easy Panera Bread Fall Squash Soup recipe with you.
Table of Contents
Why This Homemade Autumn Squash Soup is Better Than Panera’s
Nothing beats a warm and creamy butternut squash soup in the fall. Panera Bread’s version is popular, but our homemade soup is healthier and tastier. It’s a better choice for cozy fall meals.
Health Benefits of Making it at Home
This recipe uses honey and coconut sugar for sweetness, unlike Panera’s added sugar. It combines coconut milk and cream cheese for creaminess, not heavy cream. This makes it lighter and more nutritious.
Each serving has 263 calories, 10g of fat, and 14g of sugar. Panera’s soup has 330 calories, with 150 calories from fat. Our soup is a better choice for a healthy meal.
Cost Savings and Convenience
Making the soup at home saves money compared to Panera. This recipe makes 6 servings, so you can enjoy it whenever you want. It’s also convenient to make in your kitchen, on your schedule.
Customizable Flavors and Ingredients
One great thing about making it at home is you can change the flavors and ingredients. You can adjust the apple juice and vegetable broth to your taste. Try different spices, herbs, and garnishes, like pumpkin seeds, to make it your own.
Choosing our homemade soup over Panera’s means you get a healthier, more affordable, and customizable autumn squash soup. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Fall Soup
As the air gets crisp and leaves change, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup. The perfect fall soup has a special mix of ingredients that blend together beautifully. Whether it’s roasted squash puree or a savory seasonal soup, these key parts make your dish stand out.
The base of a great autumn soup is butternut squash. It’s full of nutrients and adds a smooth, sweet taste. Adding pumpkin puree makes the soup even creamier. Carrots and apple juice or cider bring sweetness and earthy flavors. And vegetable broth gives it a savory taste.
To make the soup luxurious, you can add coconut milk or cream cheese. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and curry powder add warmth and aroma. A bit of honey or brown sugar balances the flavors. And onions, garlic, and ginger add depth. A sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and a dollop of cream make it look and feel special.
By picking and mixing these ingredients, you can make a delicious roasted squash puree or a cozy seasonal soup recipe. Enjoy the cozy tastes of autumn and show off your cooking skills.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Panera Bread-inspired Fall Squash Soup at home, you’ll need some key tools. These soup making equipment and kitchen essentials for soup will help your homemade soup taste great and be smooth.
Must-Have Appliances
- A large pot or Dutch oven – This will be your main vessel for simmering the soup.
- An immersion blender – This handheld blender is ideal for pureeing the soup directly in the pot, creating a silky smooth consistency.
Optional but Helpful Tools
- A sharp chef’s knife – For efficiently cutting and dicing the vegetables.
- A sturdy cutting board – To provide a stable surface for chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- A vegetable peeler – For easily removing the squash’s skin.
- A baking sheet – If you plan to roast the squash separately before adding it to the soup.
Proper Blending Equipment
An immersion blender is the best tool for blending the soup smoothly. But, a regular countertop blender works too. If using a standard blender, blend in batches to avoid spills.
With the right soup making equipment and kitchen essentials for soup, you can make a delicious homemade Panera Bread-style Fall Squash Soup in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Panera Bread Fall Squash Soup Recipe
Do you love the cozy taste of Panera Bread’s autumn squash soup? You can make it at home with just a few steps. This homemade squash soup recipe brings the taste of Panera’s soup right to your table. Enjoy its warmth and creaminess whenever you want.
- Begin by roasting the butternut squash. Heat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out and roast for 20-25 minutes, until it’s tender and caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, cook the onions and carrots in a large pot with olive oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until they’re soft.
- After the squash is done, add it to the pot with vegetable broth, apple juice, lemon juice, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes, letting the flavors mix.
- Blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender. Be careful with hot liquids.
- Add pumpkin puree, cream cheese, brown sugar, and honey to get the Panera Bread panera copycat recipes taste.
- Season the soup to your liking, adding salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Your homemade panera copycat recipes of Panera Bread Fall Squash Soup is ready! Top it with toasted pepitas for a nice crunch. Enjoy this cozy soup all year round.
Tips for Roasting and Preparing Squash
Choosing the right squash is key to making a delicious roasted squash puree. A large, firm butternut squash is perfect for this autumn soup. Peel the squash, cut it in half, and remove the seeds.
Cube the flesh into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and cinnamon. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
Selecting the Right Squash
The type of squash you pick can greatly affect your roasted squash puree. Choose a large, firm butternut squash for its sweet flavor and creamy texture. Stay away from soft or blemished squash to avoid a watery or off-flavor puree.
Proper Cutting Techniques
Getting the squash cut right is crucial for the perfect butternut squash preparation. Start by peeling the squash with a sharp peeler. Then, cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Cube the flesh into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. This ensures your squash cooks perfectly.
Roasting Methods for Maximum Flavor
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and cinnamon.
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
You can also use pre-cubed frozen butternut squash. It can be roasted directly from the freezer for great results.
“Roasting the squash is the secret to unlocking its natural sweetness and creating a rich, velvety texture in this homemade autumn soup.”
Dietary Modifications and Substitutions
This vegan squash soup or vegetarian fall soup is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for those with dietary needs or just looking to try new tastes. You can easily make it your own.
To make it vegan-friendly, just swap the butter for avocado or olive oil. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, skip the cream cheese.
Want to try something new? Use kabocha or acorn squash instead of butternut squash. These squashes offer different sweetness and textures, letting you adjust the flavor.
For a sweeter soup, add more honey or brown sugar. For a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. The choices are endless, so have fun and find your favorite.
“The beauty of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and flavor preferences.”
No matter what changes you make, this vegan squash soup or vegetarian fall soup will warm your heart. It’s a delicious and healthy choice for your fall meals.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying your homemade Panera Bread-style fall squash soup, it’s key to know how to store and reheat leftovers. These tips and techniques will help you enjoy this comforting dish for days.
Proper Cooling Methods
Let the soup cool down completely before storing. This step prevents harmful bacteria from growing. Once it’s room temperature, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Freezing Instructions
- The soup can be frozen for up to 6 months for longer storage.
- Cool the soup completely, then put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion.
- Mark the containers with the date and what’s inside before freezing.
Best Reheating Practices
To enjoy your frozen squash soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes. Or, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 2 minutes, until hot.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator Shelf Life | 5-7 days |
| Freezer Shelf Life | Up to 6 months |
| Stovetop Reheating Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Microwave Reheating Time | 2-3 minutes |
By following these tips and guidelines, your homemade squash soup will stay fresh and flavorful. It’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you want.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enhance your homemade fall soup pairings with these tasty serving ideas. Start by warming the soup and topping it with cinnamon, black pepper, and roasted pepitas. These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a French baguette for dipping.
This hearty soup is great as a starter or main course. For a full meal, try it with a Fuji apple salad. This salad has crisp greens, tangy apple slices, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese. The soup also pairs well with savory dishes like maple turmeric chicken or air fryer date-glazed salmon.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, black pepper, and roasted pepitas
- Serve with crusty bread or a French baguette for dipping
- Enjoy as a starter or main course
- Pair with a Fuji apple salad for a complete meal
- Complement savory mains like maple turmeric chicken or air fryer date-glazed salmon
Looking for a comforting starter or a filling main dish? This homemade fall soup will warm your heart and soul. Try different squash soup garnishes and pairings to make it your own. This will enhance your autumn dining experience.
Conclusion
This homemade version of Panera’s autumn squash soup is a healthier, customizable choice. It captures the essence of fall flavors. With its rich, creamy texture and comforting taste, it’s a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from butternut squash. This makes it a nourishing and delicious fall comfort food that you can enjoy without guilt.
Customizing the recipe to your liking makes it a versatile addition to your autumn meals. Whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or creamier, you can make it your own. Plus, making it at home saves money and is convenient for busy days or cozy weekends.
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, treat yourself to a bowl of this homemade soup. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season and nourish your body with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!