Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Panera Autumn Squash Soup

6 servings
Panera Autumn Squash Soup from Delish.com is full of creamy butternut squash and sweet apple juice, with a key secret ingredient: cream cheese!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 butternut squash

    peeled, and seeded, and cut into 1" cubes, 2-lb.

  • 2 medium carrots

    peeled and chopped

  • 2 large shallots

    chopped

  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 4 c. low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 c. apple juice
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbsp. cream cheese

    softened

  • Heavy cream

    optional

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 c. pepitas
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • Kosher salt

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add squash, carrots, and shallots and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, sugar, ginger, and curry powder, and cook until vegetables are beginning to caramelize, about 2 minutes more. 

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 350°. On a medium baking sheet, toss pepitas with oil and chili powder and season with salt. 

Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Panera Autumn Squash Soup

60 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of that comforting Panera Autumn Squash Soup but want to skip the drive-thru? This recipe brings the beloved creamy, sweet, and savory flavors right to your kitchen, creating an authentic experience that’s surprisingly simple to make.

What makes this homemade version truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients, including a crucial secret: cream cheese. This unexpected addition lends an unparalleled richness and silky texture, elevating the sweet butternut squash and apple notes beyond what you might expect from a simple squash soup. You'll love how the aromatic spices, like ginger and curry powder, create a deeply warming and inviting flavor profile.

Get ready for a velvety smooth soup bursting with the cozy essence of autumn. Sweet apple juice harmonizes beautifully with the earthy butternut squash and pumpkin puree, while fragrant ginger and curry powder add a subtle, warming complexity. The addition of cream cheese creates a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel that's utterly satisfying. The final touch of crunchy pepitas, seasoned with a hint of chili powder, provides a delightful textural contrast and a gentle warmth, making each spoonful an inviting experience.

While fantastic as is, you can easily make this recipe your own. For an extra layer of richness, a drizzle of heavy cream can be stirred in just before serving. If you prefer a bolder spice profile, feel free to slightly increase the ground ginger or curry powder to taste. You can also experiment with different varieties of toasted nuts or seeds if pepitas aren't on hand for that crunchy topping.

This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as an elegant starter for a fall gathering. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

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