Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe with Rich, Creamy Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Panera Autumn Squash Soup

This Panera Autumn Squash Soup is a cozy favorite that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen. It’s simple to whip up, making it ideal for busy days when you want a comforting meal without much fuss. You’ll appreciate how the rich, creamy texture and warm spices create a welcoming bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

One of the best parts is its ease of preparation just a few steps and it’s ready to go, fitting seamlessly into your routine. It offers great health benefits too, packed with vitamins A and C from ingredients like squash and carrots, which help support your immune system. Plus, this soup is versatile enough to adapt to different diets, making it a go-to choice for everyone from home cooks to busy parents.

Beyond that, the distinctive flavor combines sweet and savory notes that make each spoonful memorable. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or someone watching calories, this recipe delivers a balanced taste that highlights seasonal produce. You’ll find it’s not only delicious but also a smart way to enjoy nutritious, hearty meals all season long.

Essential Ingredients for Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Creating a delicious Panera Autumn Squash Soup starts with gathering the right ingredients, all measured precisely for the best results. Below is a structured list of everything you need, ensuring you can follow along easily and get the exact quantities right.

• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium-large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (unsweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• Pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a velvety smooth soup that’s both sweet and savory. For special dietary options, you can keep it vegan by sticking with vegetable broth and coconut milk, or make it gluten-free by checking that all your broth and seasonings meet those standards.

How to Prepare the Perfect Panera Autumn Squash Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting this Panera Autumn Squash Soup just right is easier than you think, especially with a slow cooker doing most of the work. Start by preparing your vegetables to set the stage for a flavorful base. You’ll love how straightforward these steps are, leaving you more time to enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen.

1. Prepare vegetables: Peel and cube the butternut squash, chop the carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces, and peel and chop the onion.
2. Add all ingredients except the coconut milk to a slow cooker: vegetable broth, onion, garlic, squash, carrots, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
3. Cook: Cover and cook for 5 hours on LOW setting or 3 hours on HIGH setting until the flavors blend perfectly.
4. Blend: Once cooked, use a hand-immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer batches to a high-powered blender, to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. Finish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, then stir in the coconut milk for that extra creamy touch.
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with pumpkin seeds, additional cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of coconut sugar if desired.

This method keeps things simple and minimizes effort, which is great for busy parents or working professionals. If you’re looking for more slow cooker ideas, check out our crock pot potato soup recipe for another easy favorite.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Panera Autumn Squash Soup

One of the joys of this Panera Autumn Squash Soup is how flexible it is, letting you tweak it to fit your needs. For instance, you can swap butternut squash with other options to change things up while keeping that creamy texture. It’s a fun way to experiment without losing the soup’s sweet and savory charm.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives include swapping butternut squash with acorn or kabocha squash for varied flavors, or adding cooked chickpeas for a protein boost that’s perfect for plant-based diets. Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications might involve substituting garlic with shallots for a milder taste, or using coconut milk instead of cream to keep it dairy-free.

This adaptability makes the recipe suitable for diet-conscious individuals, like those following vegan or gluten-free plans. You can even incorporate seasonal vegetables like extra carrots for more nutrition, ensuring the soup stays wholesome and delicious.

Mastering Panera Autumn Squash Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Panera Autumn Squash Soup to the next level involves some pro techniques that enhance its rich, creamy flavor. For example, roasting the squash before adding it can deepen its natural sweetness and make the soup even more irresistible. You’ll find these tweaks turn a simple recipe into something truly special.

• Pro cooking techniques: Roast the squash before adding it to deepen its natural sweetness.
• Flavor variations: Try fresh herbs like sage or a splash of maple syrup for added depth.
• Presentation tips: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of oil to make it look as good as it tastes.
• Make-ahead options: Prep the base ahead and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge for quick meals.

These ideas are perfect for food enthusiasts who love customizing recipes. If you’re into more creative dishes, our street corn chicken rice bowl offers similar fun twists.

How to Store Panera Autumn Squash Soup: Best Practices

Keeping your Panera Autumn Squash Soup fresh is key to enjoying it over multiple days. Store it properly in the fridge to lock in that velvety smooth goodness you worked hard to create. This way, you can have a quick, comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

• Refrigeration: Keep the soup in an airtight container and chill for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Divide into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm on the stove over low heat, stirring as you go.
• Meal prep considerations: Label your containers with dates to make planning easier during busy weeks.

These tips help maintain the soup’s rich flavor, making it ideal for seniors or newlyweds looking to simplify meal times.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Panera Autumn Squash Soup

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

🎃 This autumn squash soup offers a rich, creamy flavor perfect for warming up on chilly days.
🍂 Filled with nutritious squash and warming spices, it makes an excellent comforting meal or starter.

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Ingredients

– 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth

– 1 small yellow onion, chopped

– 2-3 garlic cloves

– 1 medium-large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

– 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)

– 1/2 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree

– 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

– 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (unsweetened)

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– Pinch of nutmeg

– Pinch of cayenne (optional)

– Pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1-Prepare vegetables: Peel and cube the butternut squash, chop the carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces, and peel and chop the onion.

2-Add all ingredients except the coconut milk to a slow cooker: vegetable broth, onion, garlic, squash, carrots, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.

3-Cook: Cover and cook for 5 hours on LOW setting or 3 hours on HIGH setting until the flavors blend perfectly.

4-Blend: Once cooked, use a hand-immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer batches to a high-powered blender, to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.

5-Finish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, then stir in the coconut milk for that extra creamy touch.

6-Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with pumpkin seeds, additional cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of coconut sugar if desired.

Notes

🥣 Use homemade vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
🔄 A hand-immersion blender makes pureeing easy and avoids transferring hot soup.
🌿 Customize with additional spices like curry powder, sage, rosemary, thyme, or ground ginger.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-5 hours
• Category: Soup, Vegetarian, Comfort Food
• Method: Slow Cooking, Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 102 kcal
• Sugar: 8.6 g
• Sodium: 746 mg
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2.6 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: autumn squash soup, creamy squash soup, copycat Panera soup, pumpkin soup