Introduction: The Comfort of Panera’s Butternut Squash Soup
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and if you’ve ever tasted Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe, you know just how comforting it can be. That velvety texture, the perfect balance of sweetness and spice—it’s a fall favorite that many crave year-round. But instead of heading to the restaurant every time you get a craving, why not make it yourself at home? With this homemade Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe, you can enjoy that same creamy, flavorful goodness anytime you want. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
In this guide Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe, you’ll learn how to recreate this iconic soup, tips for making it even better, and ways to store leftovers for meal prep. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe
- Healthier & More Affordable – No preservatives, no unnecessary additives—just pure homemade goodness.
- Rich, Creamy Texture – Achieve the perfect balance of velvety smoothness and subtle spice.
- Simple & Easy to Make – Minimal steps with maximum flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients for Panera Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butternut squash (peeled & cubed) | 4 cups |
| Carrots (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Apple (peeled & chopped) | 1 medium |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Curry powder | ½ tsp |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe
Step 1 – Roast the Butternut Squash
The secret to that deep, caramelized flavor is roasting the squash first.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash, carrots, and apples with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until they are tender and slightly golden.
Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics
A well-balanced soup needs a flavor base.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add a bit of olive oil, then sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in cinnamon, curry powder, and nutmeg to enhance the warm, spiced flavor.
Step 3 – Simmer the Soup
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth, ensuring everything is covered.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4 – Blend Until Smooth
To achieve that signature creamy texture:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.
- Alternatively, transfer it in batches to a high-powered blender for a smoother consistency.
Step 5 – Add Final Touches
- Stir in coconut milk and honey for richness and a hint of sweetness.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of coconut milk or toasted pumpkin seeds for an elegant finish.
Tips for the Best Homemade Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe
✔ Use fresh butternut squash for the best natural sweetness. ✔ Roasting enhances the depth of flavor—don’t skip this step! ✔ Coconut milk gives a creamy texture without dairy. ✔ Let the soup sit overnight for even better taste the next day. ✔ Garnish with nuts or croutons to add a bit of crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Topped with Roasted Seeds – Pumpkin or sunflower seeds add texture.
- Paired with a Salad – A light but satisfying meal.
- With a Drizzle of Cream – For an extra rich finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Panera’s Butternut Squash Soup unique?
Panera’s version is known for its silky texture and sweet, spiced flavors. It uses a combination of butternut squash, carrots, apples, and warming spices to create a soup that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Can I use canned butternut squash instead of fresh?
Fresh is always best for flavor and texture, but canned Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipecan work in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the consistency by using less broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace honey with maple syrup, and this recipe is fully plant-based.
Conclusion: Make This Cozy Soup Today!
Now that you know how to make Panera Butternut Squash Soup recipe at home, you’ll never have to miss out on this comforting dish again. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a batch for a family dinner, this creamy, flavorful soup is guaranteed to be a hit.
Try it today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends! 🥣✨