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Copycat Panera Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Close-up of a white bowl filled with smooth, vibrant orange panera butternut squash soup.
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Make the sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced Panera Bread Butternut Squash Soup at home with this straightforward recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. Return the pureed soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, apple juice, and brown sugar. Heat through, but do not boil.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Serve this restaurant style squash soup hot.

Notes

  • For the best flavor replication, use fresh spices.
  • If you prefer a vegan butternut squash soup hack, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
  • This recipe makes a thick and sweet squash soup, similar to the Panera favorite.
  • You can make this in a slow cooker: combine all ingredients except cream/juice/sugar, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then blend and stir in remaining ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/panera-butternut-squash-soup-recipe/