Panera Autumn Squash Soup

The Panera Autumn Squash Soup is the perfect dish to embrace the cozy vibes of fall. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it an ideal choice for everything from a comforting weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. This soup stands out with its rich flavors and simple preparation, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without any hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The blend of spices and the natural sweetness of butternut squash create a rich, satisfying taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this soup is quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even a starter for special occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s not just tasty but also nutritious.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large stock pot
• High-speed blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stock pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
• High-speed blender: Ensures a smooth and creamy consistency by blending all ingredients thoroughly.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Provides safety and efficiency when preparing your vegetables.

Ingredients

This better-than-Panera Autumn Squash Soup is the ultimate cozy, comforting fall meal. It’s rich, creamy, packed with warm spices, and so easy to make! Try it once, and I guarantee you’ll be making it all season long.

For the Soup Base

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 small butternut squash (peeled and diced (6-7 cups))
• 3 carrots (peeled and sliced (1 – 1 1/2 cups))
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or vegetable stock)
• 1 cup unsweetened apple juice

For Seasoning and Creaminess

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH: cinnamon, curry powder, and onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (or plant-based cream cheese)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)

For Sweetening

• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup

Toppings

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Extra spices

How to Make Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Add the olive oil to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering:
1. Add the diced onion.
2. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Stir in the squash, carrots, vegetable broth, and apple juice:
1. Bring them all to a boil over high heat.
2. Turn the heat down to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 3: Add Spices and Creaminess

Stir in the spices along with pumpkin puree, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and maple syrup:
– Mix until cream cheese is melted into the soup.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Carefully transfer the soup to a large high-speed blender:
– Spoon out veggies first then pour in broth.
– Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy with no chunks remaining.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Pour the blended soup back into the stock pot:
– Serve immediately topped with a drizzle of cream, pumpkin seeds, and a dash of cinnamon.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Serving Panera Autumn Squash Soup is all about enhancing its cozy flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some delightful ways to elevate your soup experience.

With a Drizzle of Cream

• Add a swirl of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk on top for richness and visual appeal.

Topped with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds over the soup for a crunchy texture that complements the creamy base.

Paired with Fresh Bread

• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a burst of color and freshness.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light arugula or spinach salad can balance the richness of the soup while adding nutritional value.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible container!

How to Perfect Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Creating the perfect Panera Autumn Squash Soup involves attention to detail and some simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak seasonings like salt and spices to match your preference.
• Blend thoroughly: Make sure to blend until completely smooth for that creamy consistency everyone loves.
• Opt for quality broth: A good vegetable broth makes all the difference in achieving a rich, savory flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add more spices or herbs such as thyme or sage for additional depth.
• Serve warm: Enjoy the soup hot for the best comforting experience during those chilly autumn days.

Best Side Dishes for Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Panera Autumn Squash Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons create a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with veggies adds protein and a healthy touch alongside your soup.
4. Cheese Toasties
   Grilled cheese sandwiches cut into strips make excellent dippers for this flavorful soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned roasted vegetables offer additional nutrients and earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with squash.
6. Savory Scones
   Cheddar or herb scones provide a delightful texture contrast while complementing the soup’s warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panera Autumn Squash Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to watch for that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Ensure they are fork-tender but not falling apart for the best texture.
• Skipping the Spices: Neglecting the spices can lead to a bland soup. Use fresh spices and taste as you go to enhance the flavor profile.
• Not Blending Properly: If you don’t blend the soup well, it may have an uneven texture. Blend until smooth to achieve that creamy consistency.
• Using Sweetened Apple Juice: Sweetened apple juice can make your soup overly sweet. Opt for unsweetened apple juice to maintain a balanced flavor.
• Rushing the Recipe: Skipping steps or rushing through can lead to poor results. Take your time during preparation and cooking for the best outcome.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Panera Autumn Squash Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer; label with dates for tracking.

Reheating Panera Autumn Squash Soup

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

Panera Autumn Squash Soup is a creamy fall-inspired soup made with butternut squash, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness from apple juice.

How can I customize my Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

You can add extra vegetables like sweet potatoes or kale, adjust spices according to your preference, or add protein like shredded chicken or turkey for added nutrition.

Can I make Panera Autumn Squash Soup vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based cream cheese and coconut milk instead of dairy products to create a delicious vegan version of this comforting dish.

How do I thicken my Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, blend additional pumpkin puree or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent during cooking.

Can I use other squashes in this recipe?

Certainly! You can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or pumpkin for slight variations in flavor while keeping that lovely fall essence.

Conclusion

This better-than-Panera Autumn Squash Soup is perfect for cozy evenings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting choice any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional veggies!

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