Panera Autumn Squash Soup

This Panera Autumn Squash Soup is a warm embrace on chilly fall days. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a perfect dish for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread for lunch or as a comforting dinner, this soup will surely become a seasonal favorite in your household. The blend of sweet butternut squash, carrots, and warming spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common ingredients, making it easy to prepare without any hassle.
• Versatile Flavor: With its rich blend of spices, this soup can be enjoyed as a starter, main course, or even as a light snack.
• Comforting Meal: Ideal for fall and winter, the soup provides warmth and comfort on chilly days.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from vegetables and natural sweetness from apple juice and maple syrup, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large stock pot: Essential for simmering the soup ingredients evenly without overflow.
• High-speed blender: Ensures a smooth and creamy texture by efficiently blending all the ingredients together.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Panera Autumn Squash Soup:

For the 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 Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH: cinnamon, curry powder, and onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

For Creaminess

• 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 Sweetness

• 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, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Stir in the squash, carrots, vegetable broth, and apple juice. Bring everything to a boil over high heat then turn down to low. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until the squash and vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 3: Add Spices and Creaminess

Stir in the garlic powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, curry powder, onion powder, nutmeg, pumpkin puree, butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and maple syrup until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Carefully transfer the soup to a large high-speed blender. Spoon out the veggies first if you prefer. Pour in the broth next. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy with no chunks remaining.

Step 5: Serve

Pour the blended soup back into the stock pot. Serve immediately with a drizzle of cream on top along with roasted pumpkin seeds and an extra dash of cinnamon for garnish. Enjoy your cozy meal!

How to Serve Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Serving Panera Autumn Squash Soup is all about enhancing its warm, cozy flavors. This soup pairs beautifully with various toppings and accompaniments that elevate your dining experience.

Toppings

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your soup.
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: A sprinkle of pepper enhances the spice profile of the soup.
• Extra Cinnamon: Dusting some cinnamon on top adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping in this creamy soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These savory sticks complement the sweet notes of the squash.

Salad Options

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Apple Walnut Salad: This salad brings in fruity and nutty flavors that pair well with autumn squash.

How to Perfect Panera Autumn Squash Soup

To make your Panera Autumn Squash Soup even more delicious, consider these simple tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices instead of older ones to ensure maximum flavor impact.
• High-Quality Broth: Choose a good vegetable broth for a richer taste; homemade is ideal if you have time.
• Creamy Consistency: Blend thoroughly until completely smooth for the best creamy texture.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings during cooking to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and vegetables will yield the best flavor compared to canned ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Panera Autumn Squash Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to enjoy alongside this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a tangy dressing that balances the sweetness of the soup.
3. Stuffed Baked Potatoes: These hearty potatoes filled with cheese and herbs make for a filling side.
4. Quinoa Salad: This nutritious salad with veggies can add protein and freshness to your meal.
5. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit and perfect for dipping!
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned Brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor that pairs well with autumn spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panera Autumn Squash Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the onion before adding other ingredients can lead to a less flavorful base. Sautéing enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the squash and carrots for too long can cause them to become mushy. Aim for fork-tender consistency after about 15 minutes of simmering.
• Not blending enough: Failing to blend the soup thoroughly can leave chunks, which affects texture. Use a high-speed blender until completely smooth.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting the soup before serving is key. You may need to add more spices or salt according to your preference for a well-balanced flavor.
• Using poor-quality broth: Low-quality vegetable broth can impact the taste of your soup. Choose a flavorful broth or stock for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Panera Autumn Squash Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup will maintain quality for about 3 months.

Reheating Panera Autumn Squash Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

You can add extra vegetables like sweet potatoes or spinach for added nutrition. Adjust spices based on your taste preferences as well.

What can I serve with Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal experience.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! By using plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, this recipe is easily made vegan while still being creamy and delicious.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and flavors often deepen after resting overnight.

Conclusion

This better-than-Panera Autumn Squash Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or lunch alongside your favorite bread. Don’t hesitate to customize it with seasonal veggies or additional spices—make it truly your own!

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