Unlocking Panera's Autumn Squash Soup: Secrets, Tips, and Full Recipe Revealed!

Simple Recipe Box

Welcome back to Simple Recipe Box with Ben Harper! Today, we're diving into the cozy world of fall flavors with a soup that's a seasonal favorite at Panera Bread—the Autumn Squash Soup. Rich, creamy, and bursting with the essence of autumn, this soup is a delight to make at home, and I'm here to walk you through every step.

Let’s start with what you’ll need. The base of our soup involves a mix of butternut and acorn squash, known for their sweet and earthy flavors, respectively. You'll also need some basic vegetables and aromatics—onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. For the creamy texture that we all love, we'll use heavy cream and a touch of Parmesan cheese. And of course, you can't forget the broth—vegetable or chicken, depending on your preference.

Here’s a quick rundown of your ingredient list:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups each of peeled and cubed butternut and acorn squash
• 1 cup of broth and 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Now, onto the cooking process! Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your onions first, cooking until translucent, then throw in the garlic for a fragrant touch. Next, add your carrots, celery, and the cubed squash. Let these veggies sweat and soften—a crucial step for flavor development.

After your vegetables are tender, pour in the broth and water. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Once your squash is fork-tender, it's time for the magic touch—blending.

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup right in the pot until it's perfectly smooth. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works just fine, just be careful with the hot liquid. After blending, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for that irresistible creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy soup wonderfully.

And there you have it, your very own Panera-style Autumn Squash Soup! Perfect for a chilly evening, this soup brings the warmth and comfort of fall straight to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, it’s bound to satisfy.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today. Be sure to tune in next time for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips. Until then, happy cooking!

For the full recipe, visit Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe.