Panera Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Panera Butternut Squash Soup is a rich, velvety soup made from pureed roasted butternut squash, blended with onions, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular choice in Panera Bread locations. The soup also features a slight sweetness from maple syrup, adding a layer of complexity to its flavor profile.

The timing for making Panera-style Butternut Squash Soup can vary based on preparation method. Typically, roasting the squash takes around 25-30 minutes. After sautéing the onions and garlic, you’ll need another 10-15 minutes to simmer the soup. Blending the ingredients to achieve a smooth texture takes only a few minutes. Overall, from start to finish, expect the process to take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Using this recipe, the smooth texture and rich flavor of the soup consistently impresses. The combination of roasted squash with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a perfect balance of flavors. The maple syrup, though subtle, enhances the sweetness of the squash without overpowering the dish. With its simple yet hearty ingredients, this soup provides comfort on a cold day, making it a reliable and satisfying choice for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love It Panera Butternut Squash Soup

• Rich, Creamy Texture: Panera’s butternut squash soup offers a velvety, smooth texture that makes each spoonful comforting and satisfying. The rich blend of squash and spices creates a creamy base, perfect for chilly days.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The natural sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with savory spices, offering a deliciously balanced taste. This flavor profile makes the soup a crowd-pleaser for various palates.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with nutrients, this soup is full of vitamins and fiber. It’s a healthy choice that’s not only filling but also supports a balanced diet, making it a great option for any meal.

Ingredient Notes for Panera Butternut Squash Soup

• Butternut Squash: This is the main ingredient. It provides a smooth, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It’s also packed with vitamins, including Vitamin A and C, which boost your immune system.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Onions are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, which support heart health and digestion.
• Garlic: Garlic brings a rich, earthy flavor. It has natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it a great addition for flavor and health benefits.
• Vegetable Broth: Used to create a flavorful base for the soup. It’s a great way to add depth without the heaviness of cream. Vegetable broth is low in calories and provides a variety of essential nutrients.
• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness to the soup. Olive oil is a healthy fat and contains antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice gives the soup a warm, comforting flavor. It’s not only tasty but also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the soup. It’s also known for its antibacterial properties and can promote digestive health.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring balance and enhance all the other flavors in the soup. Just the right amount can make the soup more flavorful and satisfying.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a subtle sweetness and depth. Maple syrup is a great alternative to refined sugar and provides essential minerals like manganese and zinc.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

If you’re making Panera Butternut Squash Soup at home, using fresh butternut squash will give you the best flavor. Make sure to roast the squash to bring out its natural sweetness. This step adds depth to the soup, making it taste rich and comforting.

To enhance the texture of your Panera Butternut Squash Soup, blend the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. If you prefer a bit of chunkiness, leave some pieces unblended. This allows you to customize the soup to your desired consistency.

Spices can really elevate your Panera Butternut Squash Soup. Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices give the soup a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

Panera Butternut Squash Soup Variation

There are many ways to put a personal twist on the classic Panera Butternut Squash Soup. Here are a few popular variations:

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to bring a bit of heat to the sweetness of the squash.
• Roasted Vegetables: You can enhance the soup by roasting carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes alongside the squash for added depth of flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives the soup a warm, earthy aroma. You can also experiment with thyme or rosemary for a more herbal touch.
• Creamy Vegan Option: Swap the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative to make the soup vegan-friendly, without losing any of its creaminess.

These variations allow you to customize the soup to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

How to Serve Panera Butternut Squash Soup

Serving Panera Butternut Squash Soup is all about creating the right ambiance and pairing it with the perfect sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Bread Bowl: The classic Panera serving style, where the soup is served in a freshly baked bread bowl, is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the soup. The bread absorbs the soup’s flavors, making each bite even better.
• Crusty Bread: If a bread bowl isn’t your thing, a slice of crusty sourdough or a warm baguette will do the trick. It’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Toppings: You can top your soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Salad Pairing: A side salad, like Panera’s classic Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad, complements the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing balance to the meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftover Panera Butternut Squash Soup, it’s easy to store and enjoy later. Here are the best ways to keep your soup fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.
• Freezer: To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove.

FAQs About Panera Butternut Squash Soup

 Is Panera Butternut Squash Soup gluten-free?
Yes, Panera Butternut Squash Soup is gluten-free. People who avoid gluten can enjoy this soup with peace of mind.

Does Panera Butternut Squash Soup contain dairy?
Yes, Panera Butternut Squash Soup has cream, so it contains dairy. If you are sensitive to dairy, you may want to choose another option.

Is Panera Butternut Squash Soup available all year?
Panera Butternut Squash Soup is usually a fall seasonal item. Some stores may offer Panera Butternut Squash Soup longer based on demand.

Can I buy Panera Butternut Squash Soup in grocery stores?
Yes, some grocery stores sell Panera Butternut Squash Soup in the refrigerated soup section. You can heat it at home for the same warm flavor as the café.

Panera Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Panera Butternut Squash Soup is a rich, velvety soup madefrom pureed roasted butternut squash, blended with onions, garlic, and a touchof cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors,making it a popular choice in Panera Bread locations. The soup also features aslight sweetness from maple syrup, adding a layer of complexity to its flavorprofile.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium butternut squash about 3-4 cups cubed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional for added sweetness
• A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche
• A drizzle of olive oil
• A sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Blender or Immersion Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Method

 

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Cook the Butternut Squash: Add the chopped butternut squash to the pot and sauté for another 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The squash should start to soften, but it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point.
3. Add the Stock and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Blend the Soup: Once the squash is soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches, blending until smooth.
5. Add Sweetness: Stir in the maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is all it needs.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness!

Notes

If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup, leaving the rest with small pieces of squash. For an extra creamy texture, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after blending. To make the soup even heartier, consider serving it with warm, crusty bread on the side.