When fall rolls around, few things are as comforting as a warm bowl of Panera’s famous autumn squash soup. Filled with the rich flavors of butternut squash, warming spices, and a creamy texture that can’t be beaten, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. However, you don’t have to venture out to enjoy this delicious dish – with our Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe, you can recreate the magic in your own cozy kitchen. Plus, we’ve made it vegetarian-friendly to suit all preferences. Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and even watch a helpful video to guide you through the process!
**Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe Vegetarian With Video**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Next, add the cubed butternut squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
4. Once the squash is cooked through, use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
7. Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
8. Serve your Copycat Panera Squash Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a cozy and satisfying meal.
There you have it – a homemade version of Panera’s beloved squash soup that’s both vegetarian-friendly and bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for crisp autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re in need of a hearty and delicious meal. So, grab your ingredients, follow along with our instructions, and get ready to impress your taste buds and guests with this comforting dish.