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Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

This Copycat Panera Bread Squash Soup replicates the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors of the original Panera recipe, but with a healthier twist. Made with roasted butternut squash, vegetables, aromatic spices, and a smooth blend of pumpkin puree and cream cheese, it’s a perfect fall soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 2 pounds chopped butternut squash (about 6 heaping cups)
  • 3 small carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3-4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups apple cider or apple juice (do NOT use apple cider vinegar)
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Dash of nutmeg
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ounces low-fat (neufchatel) cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, more to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Heavy cream, optional

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onions: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  2. Add vegetables and liquids: Add the chopped butternut squash, chopped carrots, vegetable broth, apple cider or juice, curry powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot.
  3. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the squash and carrots are tender and soft.
  4. Add creamy ingredients and blend: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Use a hand (stick) blender to puree the soup in the pot until very smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a normal blender.
  5. Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the soup and add salt as desired. Add more brown sugar or honey if you want it sweeter and closer to Panera’s version. For a richer soup, stir in some heavy cream. Add extra vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  6. Reheat and serve: Return the pot to medium-low heat if needed to warm the soup back up before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For an authentic Panera flavor, add additional brown sugar and/or honey to taste.
  • Use apple cider or 100% natural apple juice – do NOT substitute apple cider vinegar as it will ruin the flavor.
  • To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added vegetable broth.
  • Adding heavy cream will make the soup richer and more decadent if desired.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/copycat-panera-squash-soup-recipe/