Panera Butternut Squash Soup

Picture a bowl of warm, velvety butternut squash soup, its aroma filling the kitchen with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

There’s something about this comforting dish that makes it a cold-weather favorite.

It’s surprisingly simple to create, delivering cozy indulgence with every spoonful.

As the ingredients simmer together, the squash and apple transform into a creamy, flavorful blend.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor every moment.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 blender
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 set of measuring cups
• 1 set of measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Panera Butternut Squash Soup, follow this timeline:

Preparation and Reading (15 minutes total):

1. Reading the Recipe (5 minutes): Begin by thoroughly reading the recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Preparation (10 minutes):

• Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
• Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
• Peel, core, and chop the apple.

Cooking (45 minutes total):

1. Sautéing (6 minutes):
   • 0:00 – Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 0:01 – Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • 0:06 – Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cooking the Main Ingredients (25 minutes):
   • 0:07 – Add cubed butternut squash and chopped apple to the pot.
   • 0:08 – Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 0:12 – Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
3. Blending and Final Cooking (14 minutes):
   • 0:32 – Add salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot.
   • 0:33 – Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth (about 5 minutes).
   • 0:38 – Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
   • 0:39 – Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat until heated through.

Resting (5 minutes):

1. Resting Time (5 minutes): Allow the soup to rest before serving to guarantee flavors meld together.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add cubed butternut squash and chopped apple to the pot.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender.

Add salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot.

Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat until heated through.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Complement the soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables for an extra serving of healthy goodness.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Top with roasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Storage

Store the Panera Butternut Squash Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Panera Butternut Squash Soup, let it cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Freeze up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating Panera Butternut Squash Soup, gently warm on low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Avoid boiling to maintain the soup’s creamy texture and balanced flavors.

Final Thoughts

For a comforting and flavorful meal, this Panera Butternut Squash Soup is a perfect choice.

The combination of sweet butternut squash and apple, along with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a delightful harmony of flavors.

The creamy texture achieved by pureeing and adding heavy cream makes it a satisfying dish.

For those looking to enhance the presentation and taste, consider garnishing the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of additional cream.

This soup isn’t only easy to make with basic kitchen tools but also adaptable to personal preferences by adjusting the spice levels.

Enjoy this cozy soup as a starter or a main course for a delightful dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?

You can definitely use a different type of squash, like acorn or kabocha. Just guarantee it’s sweet and creamy. Adjust the cooking time as needed since different squash varieties may cook at varying speeds.

Is There a Vegan Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a vegan option. Both alternatives provide a creamy texture and rich flavor without dairy, ensuring your dish remains deliciously satisfying and entirely plant-based.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

To spice up the soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. You can also sauté some fresh ginger with the onion for an extra kick. Taste and adjust the heat to your preference.

Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?

You can definitely substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’ll add a richer flavor, complementing the sweetness of the squash and apple. Just make certain your broth choice aligns with dietary preferences or restrictions you may have.

What Wine Pairs Well With This Soup?

You’ll want a wine that complements the soup’s flavors. A chilled Chardonnay or Viognier works beautifully, enhancing the squash’s sweetness with their fruity notes. Alternatively, a light Pinot Noir offers a lovely contrast with its subtle earthiness.