As the air gets crisp and leaves turn, nothing warms the soul like autumn squash soup. Panera Bread’s Autumn Squash Soup is a fall favorite. But why not make it at home instead of buying it?
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Why This Homemade Version Beats the Original
Homemade butternut squash soup often outshines store-bought or restaurant versions. This Panera Bread Squash Soup recipe is a perfect example. It captures the original’s essence and offers several benefits.
Health Benefits of Homemade Version
At home, you control what goes into your soup. This version uses honey and coconut sugar for sweetness, avoiding processed sugars. It also combines coconut milk and cream cheese for creaminess without the heavy feel of Panera’s soup.
Cost Savings of Making it at Home
Making this soup at home saves money. With a few ingredients, you can make a big batch. This reduces the cost per serving a lot.
Customization Options
Homemade soup lets you tailor it to your liking. You can tweak spices, try new garnishes, or make it vegan. This flexibility ensures your soup meets your taste and dietary needs.
“This homemade butternut squash soup is a game-changer. It’s healthier, more cost-effective, and allows for endless customization options. Definitely beats the store-bought version!”
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Panera Squash Soup Recipe
Craving Panera’s butternut squash soup? You can make it at home with the right ingredients. The secret to a Panera-like squash soup is in the ingredients.
The main ingredient is butternut squash. It’s paired with pumpkin puree for a nutritious base. Carrots add sweetness, while apple juice and coconut milk make it creamy.
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give it the Panera flavor. A bit of honey or sugar balances the taste.
Cream cheese is the secret to its creamy texture. This recipe lets you enjoy Panera’s squash soup at home and customize it to your liking.
Looking for a comforting butternut squash soup or seasonal soup ideas? This Panera-inspired recipe is perfect for adding to your vegetarian soup recipes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 4 cups, peeled and cubed |
| Pumpkin Puree | 1 cup |
| Carrots | 2 medium, peeled and chopped |
| Apple Juice | 1 cup |
| Coconut Milk (full-fat) | 1 cup |
| Cream Cheese | 4 ounces |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
With these ingredients, you can make a butternut squash soup just like Panera’s. It’s a great addition to your seasonal soup ideas and vegetarian soup recipes.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make Panera-style butternut squash soup at home, you’ll need some basic tools. These items will help you make the soup smoothly and enjoyably.
Essential Tools
- A large pot or Dutch oven for simmering the soup
- A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the vegetables
- A Y-peeler for easily removing the butternut squash skin
- A sturdy spoon or spatula for stirring the soup as it cooks
Optional but Helpful Equipment
- An immersion blender for smooth and creamy blending right in the pot
- A regular blender or food processor if you don’t have an immersion blender
- A mesh strainer or sieve for creating a silky-smooth texture
- A ladle for portioning and serving the finished soup
Blending Options
For the perfect creamy texture in your squash soup, you have choices. An immersion blender is handy for blending right in the pot. Or, you can use a regular blender or food processor, blending in batches for smoothness. Choose the method that works best for you, aiming for the creamiest soup.
Preparing the Butternut Squash and Apple Base
Start making the base for your Panera autumn squash soup! Roasting the butternut squash and apple brings out their sweetness. This step is key to a delicious homemade soup.
First, peel and cube 2 pounds of butternut squash. Core and dice 1 large Honeycrisp apple. Mix the squash and apple with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and some fresh rosemary and thyme. Roasting them at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until tender is crucial.
After roasting, you’ll have a tasty base for your soup. This step is the first in making your Panera-inspired autumn soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 2 pounds, peeled and cubed |
| Honeycrisp Apple | 1 large, cored and diced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Rosemary | A sprinkle |
| Fresh Thyme | A sprinkle |
Preparing the squash and apple base unlocks autumn’s true flavors. It makes your butternut squash preparation and autumn soup recipes even better. Enjoy the comforting taste!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learning to make Panera Autumn Squash Soup at home is fun. Let’s go through the steps to make this cozy dish.
Roasting Process
First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut a big butternut squash into cubes, getting about 5-6 cups. Mix the cubes with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
Put the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes. It should be tender and caramelized.
Soup Assembly
In a big saucepan or Dutch oven, cook 1 medium onion and 4 cloves of garlic in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Cook them until they’re soft and smell good. Then, add the roasted squash, 2 cups of broth, 1 can of pumpkin puree, and optional diced apple and bacon.
Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
Blending Techniques
When the veggies are soft, blend the soup until it’s smooth. You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful with hot liquids.
Add 1 can of coconut milk or 1 cup of heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Panera Autumn Squash Soup is ready! Enjoy it hot, topped with pumpkin seeds or pepitas. It’s perfect with bread or rolls.
Secret Spice Blend for Perfect Fall Flavors
As the weather cools and leaves turn, nothing beats a warm fall soup. The Panera Autumn Squash Soup is a favorite, thanks to its special spice blend. This homemade version adds a new twist to the classic recipe, using cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Cinnamon brings a cozy, sweet taste. Nutmeg adds a deep, earthy flavor. Ginger adds a zesty kick that balances the squash and apple base. Some recipes also include curry powder for more warmth and depth.
To get the flavors just right, adjust the spices to your liking. The Panera version is sweeter, so start with small amounts and add more as needed. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme during roasting can also enhance the flavor.
“The secret to a delicious fall soup lies in the perfect blend of autumnal spices.”
Mastering the spice blend unlocks the full flavor of your homemade Panera Autumn Squash Soup. It becomes a dish that’s both comforting and full of fall flavors. Get ready to enjoy the taste of fall in every spoonful.
How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture
Making a rich, velvety creamy soup is key to cozy comfort food recipes. To make your homemade Panera-inspired butternut squash soup better, follow these steps:
- Use full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream for a luxurious feel.
- Blend the soup until it’s smooth and even.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if it’s too thick.
The secret to this soup’s silky, creamy texture is roasted squash, pumpkin puree, and dairy-free milk. With a few easy steps, you can get that Panera-like creaminess at home.
“The creamy texture of this soup is so satisfying – it’s practically a hug in a bowl!”
Getting the right consistency is crucial for a perfect creamy soup. Blend well and add broth carefully to get that smooth, velvety feel. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Once your homemade Panera Bread copycat soup garnishes is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This creamy butternut squash soup is best served piping hot. This lets the flavors shine. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or a few grinds of fresh black pepper on top for a warm, autumnal touch. Roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) also make a delightful crunchy garnish.
Bread Pairings
Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal. The bread helps soak up the rich, velvety texture of the soup. This makes every bite a delight.
Garnish Options
- Cinnamon
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Toasted almond slivers
Temperature Considerations
For the best flavor and texture, serve the soup garnishes piping hot. The soup should be steaming when ladled into bowls. If the soup has cooled, gently reheat it on the stovetop until it reaches the desired temperature.
To complement the warm, comforting soup, consider pairing it with a protein-rich dish, such as maple-turmeric chicken, or a refreshing salad. This well-balanced meal will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of homemade squash soup is a delight. But what happens when you have leftovers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with essential soup storage tips and reheating guidelines. These will help keep your soup fresh and flavorful.
To keep your Panera-inspired squash soup tasting great, store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 4-5 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating your soup, you have a few options. You can warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then. Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every few seconds to avoid hot spots.
The secret to reheating your squash soup right is to do it slowly and gently. This way, the soup stays creamy and velvety. With these easy meal prep ideas and storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Panera soup for days after you make it.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
This butternut squash soup recipe is very versatile. You can change it to fit your dietary needs or just to try something new. Let’s look at some tasty ways to make this soup your own.
Vegan Adaptation
For a vegan version, skip the cream cheese. Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead. This keeps the soup creamy and vegan-friendly, without losing its rich taste.
Gluten-Free Options
The recipe is naturally gluten-free. But, for those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free vegetable broth. You can also choose gluten-free bread or crackers to go with the soup.
Want to try a different squash? Use kabocha or acorn squash for a new flavor. Each squash adds its own sweetness and texture, letting you find your favorite.
This butternut squash soup recipe is a hit, with a 5-star rating from 39 votes. It’s ready in 1 hour and 35 minutes, serving 8 people. Each serving has 178 calories, 11g carbs, 3g protein, 14g fat, and 3g fiber. It’s a healthy and filling meal.
Whether you need to make dietary changes or just want to try something new, this recipe is perfect. You can enjoy a vegetarian soup that meets your dietary modifications for soups needs.
Tips for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking
To enjoy your homemade Panera-style autumn squash soup more, double the recipe. This makes meal prep and batch cooking easier. Once it cools, portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners. This saves time and ensures you have a healthy meal ready when you need it.
For more convenience, roast the squash and apple base ahead of time. Then, just reheat the base and mix in the other ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the soup’s fresh taste without the hassle of making it from scratch every time.
Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or bags for easy reheating. This way, you can thaw and reheat just the right amount. The soup stays good in the freezer for up to 6 months, so you can enjoy fall flavors all year.