Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe (Easy)- is a delicious blend of butternut squash, and pumpkin simmered in a savory broth with coconut cream and warm spices. A cozy roasted butternut squash soup for the fall season.
13-4 poundmedium butternut squashpeeled and cut into cubes, or use 7-8 cups pre-cut butternut squash
2carrotspeeled and roughly chopped
1cupcanned pumpkin pureenot pumpkin pie filling
2tablespoonsolive oil
½cupchopped onion
2clovesgarlicminced
4cupsvegetable broth
1cupapple cider
½cupcoconut milk or coconut creamor heavy cream
1tablespoonhoney or maple syrup
½teaspooncurry powder
¼teaspooncinnamon
¼teaspoonnutmeg
⅛teaspoonchili powderoptional for heat
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
Roasted pumpkin seedspepitas
A drizzle of coconut milk or cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Add the butternut squash and chopped carrots to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the squash and carrots are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Once the squash and carrots are roasted, allow them to cool slightly.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant for about 3-4 minutes.
Add the roasted butternut squash and carrots, canned pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, apple cider, coconut milk or cream, honey, curry powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Use a hand-held immersion or regular blender (in batches, if necessary) to puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy. If you use a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending and reheat it afterward. Be careful when dealing with the hot soup.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk or cream and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.
Enjoy your homemade copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup with a delightful twist!
Notes
Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality butternut squash, carrots, and other ingredients. Fresh produce will enhance the flavor of your soup.
Roast the Vegetables: Roasting the butternut squash and carrots before adding them to the soup deepens their flavor. This step is essential for achieving that signature caramelized taste.
Use a Good Blender: Invest in a good-quality or immersion blender to achieve a silky-smooth texture. This ensures there are no lumps in your soup.
Balanced Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings, including salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey, to your taste. Balance is key; the sweetness should complement the savory elements.
Apple Cider Sweetness: Opt for apple cider instead of apple juice for a richer, more intense apple flavor. Adjust the amount to control the level of sweetness in the soup.
Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or coconut milk if it’s too thick or simmering it longer to thicken if it’s too thin.
Garnish: Garnish your soup with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a satisfying crunch and a drizzle of coconut milk or cream for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also be a nice touch.
Allow Flavors to Meld: Let the soup simmer for a reasonable time after blending. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more complex taste.