Panera Squash Soup

If you go crazy for the butternut squash soup at Panera Bread every autumn, then make this copycat Panera Squash Soup at home! It’s slightly sweetened with apples, coconut milk, and has a savory, caramelized flavor from roasted squash.

copycat panera butternut squash soup made easy!

I consider myself a professional butternut squash soup taster. If it’s on a menu, I’m ordering it, and Panera’s Autumn Squash Soup is the true winner.

It has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, ultra creamy, with a hint of curry and spice. This soup nails all the essential flavors!

A caramelized, concentrated taste comes from roasting the squash rather than boiling it. It’s all blended together with apple cider, sautéed apples, spices, and coconut milk.

Roasting butternut squash gives the soup a deeper flavor. As the squash roasts in the oven, moisture evaporates and the flavor concentrates. The apple cider and hint of sweet apple adds to the autumn flavor, while coconut milk gives an ultra velvety finish.

I guarantee this will be your new go-to squash soup recipe!

ingredient notes

The most essential part of nailing a copycat recipe is getting all the ingredient components right. Panera squash soup uses a combination of butternut squash, pumpkin puree, carrots, apple juice concentrate, honey, and brown sugar for the sweetness.

Since autumn is also the optimal time for apples (Hello, fall favorites’ apple cake and pork apple meatloaf!), I replaced the carrots with sauteed apples. Cooking with cider is a technique I also use in Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe, which always gets rave reviews!

• Butternut Squash – You will need 4 pounds, which is approximately two small. A combination of butternut, pumpkin, or acorn squash may also be used.
• Apples – One is peeled, chopped, and sauteed to blend in the soup, and if desired, saute another for a topping.
• Spices – Curry powder, cinnamon, ginger, sage, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper
• Broth – For vegetarian soup use vegetable broth or chicken broth also works.
• Butter / Oil – To make a vegan recipe, use olive oil or coconut oil. However, I prefer the taste of butter in the recipe.
• Coconut Milk – Also a great option for vegan squash soup, which I prefer over heavy cream or cream cheese. Be sure to use canned coconut milk found in the international foods section of the grocery store, not refrigerated coconut milk.

How to Make panera squash soup

1. Cut squash in half and lay on foil-lined baking sheet. Season cut side of butternut squash with melted butter (or olive oil), salt, and black pepper. Roast for about 1 hour or until fork-tender.
2. While the squash is roasting, sauté the apples and onions over medium heat. Add the spices and cook for 1 minute longer.
3. Scoop out roasted butternut squash and add to a blender with apples, onions, apple cider, and water. Blend until smooth and thick.
4. Transfer the contents from the blender to large saucepan. Add an additional cup of vegetable stock and coconut milk. If desired, add additional salt and pepper to taste. Heat over low heat until hot and ready to serve.

How Long to Roast Squash for Soup

Roasted butternut squash needs to cook for 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes in a 425ºF oven to be soft enough for the soup. Use a fork to check if it’s tender, then set aside to cool.

To prepare the squash for roasting, halve and scoop out seeds. Lay on a foil-lined baking sheet and season with melted butter, salt, and pepper. 

If you want to save time on roasting, the squash can also be peeled and cubed first. This is a great tutorial on preparing butternut squash. 

Suggested Toppings

• Sautéed Apples – chop up an apple and sauté in butter
• Sprinkle on Cinnamon
• Dollop with yogurt or sour cream
• Crispy bacon or prosciutto
• Nuts such as candied pecans, walnuts, or pepitas
• Cheese – try sharp cheddar, feta, or goat cheese

What to Serve with Butternut squash soup

Even though autumn squash soup recipe is healthy and good for you, it is a filling, comforting dish. These recipes would be make a great accompaniment with your soup. 

• Gluten Free Biscuits
• Grain salad
• Apple Pecan Salad 
• Socca Flatbread
• Sandwich or Quesadillas
• Quick Cheese Bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Frittata

frequently asked questions

More fall Favorite Recipes

• Sweet Potato Spoon Bread
• Pumpkin Pie Cake
• Pumpkin Lush
• Baked Brie With Cranberries
• Pumpkin Sausage Soup
• Gluten-Free Pie Crust
• Sparkling Cranberry Orange Cocktail

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