Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Before diving into the delicious details of Panera's Autumn Squash Soup, let’s talk about what makes this dish shine when served alongside other foods. Picture a chilly day, leaves changing colors, and you’re craving comfort. 

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm piece of crusty bread or a buttery croissant. You could also team it up with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for that cozy, nostalgic feel.

For those looking for lighter fare, a fresh autumn salad topped with walnuts, cranberries, and a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the soup. 

If you're entertaining, consider serving it in small cups as an appetizer at your next gathering. This will not only wow your guests but also give them a taste of the season.

What is Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

Panera Autumn Squash Soup is a creamy, hearty dish that combines butternut squash with aromatic spices. The texture is velvety, and the flavor profile dances between sweet and savory. 

Made with a blend of butternut squash, apple cider, and an array of spices, this soup encapsulates the essence of fall. It’s not just soup; it’s an experience.

When you take the first spoonful, you are greeted with a beautiful balance of warmth from the spices and the natural sweetness of the squash. 

This comforting dish is perfect for a quick lunch at Panera or a cozy night in, made from the comfort of your kitchen.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the first bite melting in your mouth—smooth and rich. The sweetness of the butternut squash combined with the warm notes of cinnamon and ginger creates a symphony in your mouth. 

The apple cider adds a unique twist, balancing out the spices with a hint of tartness.

There's a little zing from the ginger, mellowed by the creaminess of pumpkin puree and cream cheese. Overall, it’s a comforting soup that not only warms your belly but your spirit as well. 

After all, nothing says "fall" quite like a cozy blanket and a steaming bowl of autumn squash soup.

Why You’ll Love This?

You don't need to be a chef to appreciate this soup. It's simple, delicious, and evokes feelings of nostalgia for many. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Seasonal Ingredients: The recipe highlights the best of autumn's harvest, making it fresh and flavorful.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins A and C from the squash, nutrients from the carrots, and healthy fats from olive oil, it's a wholesome choice.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need culinary skills to whip this up. Even novice cooks can master this recipe.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even in small cups for entertaining.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There's something inherently cozy about pumpkin and squash soups that makes them a favorite for fall.

Ingredients

To craft this delightful soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of peeled and chopped butternut squash
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups fresh apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
• 1 small apple, peeled and diced
• ½ teaspoon ground curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• ½ cup smooth pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces low-fat cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• A splash of heavy cream, optional, for added richness

Step-by-Step Directions

Making Panera Autumn Squash Soup at home requires a few simple steps. Let’s break them down clearly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before cooking, take a moment to prepare your ingredients. Chop the butternut squash, carrots, onion, and apple. This will make the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Then, toss in the chopped carrots and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Squash and Seasonings

Once the onions and carrots are softened, add the butternut squash. Stir in the ground curry powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let these spices bloom for a couple of minutes to enhance their flavors.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids

Now, add the vegetable stock and the apple cider (or juice) into the pot, ensuring the squash and vegetables are submerged.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You want the squash to be soft enough to blend easily.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the squash is tender, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a regular blender and puree until smooth.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Put the pot back on low heat and stir in pumpkin puree, butter, low-fat cream cheese, dark brown sugar, and freshly grated ginger. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.

Step 7: Final Touches

If you want an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream at this point. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Tips on Making Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of soup can be a cinch. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Mix it Up: Experiment with your spices. Try adding a touch of cayenne for heat or using nutmeg for a brighter flavor.
• Roasting Squash: Before putting it in the soup, try roasting the butternut squash. This brings out deeper flavors.
• Avoid Overcooking: Make sure you don’t over-boil the veggies. They need to be tender but not mushy before blending.
• Texture Preference: If you like a chunkier soup, reserve some cubed squash, cook them separately, and add them back after blending.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup and adjust the seasonings. Every batch can be slightly different, and this ensures a perfect balance.

How Do You Store This Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

If you've made a big batch (which I totally recommend!), storing leftovers is easy.

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Panera Autumn Squash Soup?

Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some alternatives to keep the flavor intact:

• Sweet Potato: Swap in sweet potatoes for butternut squash. It offers a similar sweetness and texture.
• Vegetable Stock: Use chicken stock if you prefer a non-vegetarian option; just be aware of the added flavor.
• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with coconut milk for richness.
• Honey: Instead of brown sugar, natural honey provides sweetness while carrying its own unique flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use more butternut squash or even cooked carrots.

Conclusion

Panera’s Autumn Squash Soup is more than just a seasonal dish—it's a celebration of flavors that evoke warmth and comfort. 

Whether you're enjoying it for lunch or as part of a family dinner, the simplicity and nutrition packed into each bowl are undeniable. With the right ingredients and steps, you can bring this delightful experience right into your kitchen.

So, the next chilly day when that craving for something warm and heartening strikes, whip up your version of this soup. It’s bound to become a staple in your home—just like it is in my kitchen, particularly as fall starts to paint the scenery with rich hues.

Enjoy each spoonful and embrace the season in every bite!

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