Panera Autumn Squash Soup

Panera’s Autumn Squash Soup is one of the most beloved seasonal comfort soups in America — creamy, lightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and irresistibly silky. This homemade version captures all the flavors you love: roasted butternut squash, carrots, apple sweetness, warm spices, and a velvety finish that tastes like fall in a bowl. It’s nourishing, wholesome, and incredibly cozy, making it the perfect recipe for chilly days, holiday gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect homemade copycat of Panera’s iconic fall soup

Naturally creamy from squash, no heavy cream needed

Sweet, savory, and warmly spiced

Comforting, kid-friendly, and nutritious

Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

Smooth, velvety texture with restaurant-quality flavor

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash, peeled & cubed

3 large carrots, chopped

1 apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled & chopped

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups vegetable broth

½ cup pumpkin purée

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon curry powder

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Salt & pepper to taste

½–1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for extra creaminess)

Roasted pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Squash & Carrots
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss squash and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
2. Cook the Aromatics
   In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Apple & Spices
   Stir in the chopped apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. Combine Everything
   Add roasted squash, carrots, pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, and maple syrup. Stir well.
5. Simmer & Blend
   Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Using an immersion blender (or a countertop blender), puree until silky smooth.
6. Finish with Cream
   Add cream or coconut milk for extra richness. Adjust seasoning and serve warm with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Conclusion

Panera Autumn Squash Soup is the ultimate fall comfort dish — warm, creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether served as a cozy dinner, a holiday starter, or a meal-prep staple, this recipe brings restaurant-level flavor right to your kitchen. One spoonful and you’ll taste the essence of autumn.