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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (Panera Copycat)

Close-up overhead view of vibrant orange squash soup served hot in a white ceramic mug.

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Make this creamy, velvety butternut squash soup at home. Roasting the squash brings out natural sweetness, creating a comforting dish perfect for fall and winter dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add the roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is completely smooth and velvety. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth, returning it to the pot.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil after adding the cream.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For a Panera copycat flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder during the simmering step.
  • Serve this comforting soup topped with toasted pumpkin seeds or homemade croutons for texture.
  • If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired texture.

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