Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (2024)

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3030 Minutes or LessGFGluten-FreeVGVegetarian

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 10/21/2015

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Copycat Panera Squash Soup tastes just like the original, but I made it a bit healthier!

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (1)

Remember last week when I was talking about my homemade mild curry powder and I said I really truly made it for this soup? Well, here it is!

We were at a church event not too long ago and my pastor’s wife asked me if I had a squash soup recipe on my site. I said yes I havea creamy butternut squash soup with smoked paprika, and a really old post about squash soup with sage. But she was looking specifically for a copycat Panera squash soup.

I don’t blame her – it is delicious! It’s also not the greatest for you, calorie-wise, considering it’s squash soup
which most people may automatically assume is healthy.

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (2)

I made efforts to reduce the calorie content a bit while still keeping the flavors rich and slightly indulgent. I think I found a good balance, but if you’re looking for an exact replica, feel free to add more butter, cream, and sugar. I won’t judge. Your skinny jeans might but we’re coming up to winter so it’s nothing a big comfy sweater can’t fix, right? RIGHT?

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (3)

If you read the recipe closely, you’ll see this squash soup also contains carrots and pumpkin. They give it extra sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin or don’t want to add pumpkin, just use a little less vegetable broth. Remember you can always add more at the end to make it thinner but it’s more difficult to make it thicker.

I’d recommend using carrots with the squash because they really do add great natural sweetness, and they help achieve the beautiful color of the soup. Plus, Panera squash soup also has carrots in it.

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (4)

I garnished my Copycat Panera Squash Soup recipe with roasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds). Their crunch and color add a nice contrast, don’t you think? You could also garnish it with chopped, fresh herbs like sage or parsley, or homemade croutons.

Important note: This soup calls for two cups of apple cider, NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. If you can’t find apple cider (sometimes it’s hard to find if it’s not fall), use a natural (100% juice) apple juice. If you use vinegar by accident, your soup will NOT turn out and will definitely NOT taste like Panera’s.

PS: This isn’t my first rodeo with making a Panera copycat – make sure to check out my Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese! People LOVE it!

PS: Love butternut squash? Check out my full how to cook butternut squash guide!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (6)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe

4.44 from 1240 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

8 servings

Print Rate Recipe

This Copycat Panera Squash Soup tastes just like the original, but I made it a bit healthier!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 pounds chopped butternut squash (about 6 heaping cups)
  • 3 small carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3-4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups apple cider or apple juice (do NOT use apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • dash of nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ounces low-fat (neufchatel) cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, more to taste
  • salt to taste
  • heavy cream, optional

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until translucent, stirring frequently.

  • Add squash, carrots, vegetable broth, apple cider, and spices.

  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until squash and carrots are soft. Remove from heat and add pumpkin puree, butter, cream cheese and brown sugar. Puree with a hand (stick) blender or in batches in a normal blender. Blend until very smooth.

  • Taste soup and add salt as desired. You may also add extra brown sugar or honey to achieve a taste closer that of Panera’s. You can also add a little heavy cream if you want a more decadent soup. If desired, add more vegetable broth to thin soup.

  • Return to burner over medium-low heat, if needed to heat the soup back up, and then serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you want it to be just like Panera squash soup – add more brown sugar and/or honey to taste. Adding more cream will also give it a richer flavor.
  • This soup calls for two cups of apple cider, NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. If you can’t find apple cider (sometimes it’s hard to find if it’s not fall), use a natural (100% juice) apple juice. If you use vinegar by accident, your soup will NOT turn out and will definitely NOT taste like Panera’s.
  • To reduce sodium, use low sodium or no salt added vegetable broth.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 1162mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 16g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

Verdict: I’m totally obsessed with this copycat Panera squash soup. I love that I can have it all year round now and not just on Panera’s schedule.
Husband’s take: He never tried this. Squash soup isn’t really his thing.
Changes I would make: None are necessary.
Difficulty: Easy.

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Karyn says

    Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (14)
    We’ve relocated abroad and my teenager misses Panera. I made this last night and everyone agreed it tastes just like the real thing! Thank you!
    We’re vegan and I subbed vegan cream cheese (Philadelphia here).

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      That makes me so happy! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  2. Diana Sturcz says

    How much cream?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      It’s up to you and your preference. Start with ÂŒ cup and try the soup, and then add more if you’d like.

      Reply

  3. Jenny says

    Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (15)
    I love Panera’s soup but it’s expensive to buy the take home version. I made this recipe and it’s so good! You did a great job duplicating my favorite soup. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  4. VegGirl says

    Hello this looks promising! What do you think a vegetarian should substitute for the neufchĂątel cheese?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      I believe a vegetarian could eat the Neufchatel or cream cheese, but if you’re looking for a vegan substitute, you could use a coconut cream or coconut milk.

      Reply

  5. LALaw10 says

    Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (16)
    This soup is amazing! I was addicted to Paneras until I made this last night. OMG! Bye, bye Panera, Hello Rachel! My guests loved it too! Perfect fall/winter soup. Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a revie!

      Reply

  6. Sandy says

    Can I freeze this soup to eat later too?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Absolutely! This soup freezes very well.

      Reply

  7. LeAnne says

    Hi! Getting ready to make this I have high hopes because I have a serious addiction to Panera and it’s killing my lunch budget, LOL! I do have a question though, I’m probably just not seeing it, but what size are you considering a serving? A cup?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Yes, about a cup!

      Reply

Older Comments

Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe - Vegetarian [with VIDEO] (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Panera squash soup? â€ș

Pumpkin, Vegetable Stock (Water, Vegetable Base [Carrots, Celery, Onions, Tomato Paste, Corn Oil, Yeast Extract, Potato Flour, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavor]), Milk, Cream Cheese (Pasteurized Milk and Cream, Cheese Culture, Salt, Carob Bean Gum), Brown Sugar, Butternut Squash, Heavy Cream, Contains ...

What kind of squash is in Panera in autumn? â€ș

Our Autumn Squash Soup is a blend of butternut squash, pumpkin, honey, apple juice, cinnamon, curry, and sweet cream, then topped with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds.

Does Panera have veggie soup? â€ș

Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup. A rich blend of butternut squash and pumpkin simmered in vegetable broth with select ingredients, including honey, apple juice, cinnamon and a hint of curry, and finished with sweet cream and topped with roasted and salted pumpkin seeds.

Is squash soup good for you? â€ș

One cup is loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Potassium! Butternut Squash is filled with antioxidants which include vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It's shown that antioxidants can help to prevent and slow down inflammation which may lead to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases.

What is the active ingredient in squash? â€ș

The vitamin C and beta-carotene found in squash may help to slow the progression of macular degeneration and reduce the chances of related vision loss. Foods rich in vitamin C can also help prevent cataracts.

What does butternut squash soup contain? â€ș

Simple Ingredients

I kept the ingredients list simple so the squash flavor can shine through, but the end result offers exceptionally rich flavor. You'll only need eight basic ingredients to make this luscious soup: butternut squash, olive oil, butter, shallot, garlic, vegetable broth, maple syrup and nutmeg.

Is GREY zucchini the same as Mexican squash? â€ș

Also known as Mexican Grey squash, Middle Eastern or Lebanese, Grey zucchini is a summer squash like the dark green zucchini but its more stocky, with a rounded blossom end. The shade of green will usually vary from darkish to light with light spots.

What is the difference between Mexican squash and zucchini? â€ș

About calabacitas

Calabacita is a type of summer squash, frequently called Mexican squash. Technically, calabacita and zucchini are not the same. Calabacita is slightly smaller than zucchini, lighter in color, and with fewer seeds. However, zucchini is a descendant of Mexican squash.

Is GREY squash the same as Mexican squash? â€ș

Middle Eastern or Lebanese. Any of these names. should work in the supermarket😉

Does Panera make their own soup? â€ș

That Soup Isn't Made In-House

It may taste homemade, but that Panera soup wasn't actually prepared by the workers at your local shop. "The soups are made at a factory/plant/etc., flash-frozen, shipped to us, and we thaw it out in what's called a thermalizer, essentially a soup-thawer," says one former employee.

Does Panera have homemade soup? â€ș

We know that nothing beats a warm bowl of delicious soup, so don't let your busy day stop your cravings. Our soup delivery menu features all our classic soups, like our delicious Homestyle Chicken Noodle soup, Creamy Tomato, as well as our fan-favorite French Onion Soup.

Is Panera 10 vegetable soup healthy? â€ș

Panera's 10 vegetable soup is one of the healthiest soups you could eat. It's packed with veggies, hearty grains, and plant-based protein. We have found it filling and delicious, perfect for a cold day or any time you need some comfort food.

What is the number one soup in the world? â€ș

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

Is it OK to eat vegetable soup everyday? â€ș

For those wanting a more intense regime, a vegetable soup can replace two meals a day for five to seven days without any negative side effects. Although much of the weight loss will be fluid, sometimes all we need to feel leaner and healthier is a flatter stomach and a kilo or two less on the scales.

Can you eat too much squash? â€ș

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Is Panera autumn squash healthy? â€ș

Sadly, it also happens to be full of a lot of unnecessary amount of fat, sodium and sugar. I'm talking 8 grams of saturated fat, 820 mg of sodium, and 16 grams of added sugar.. per cup!

Is butternut squash soup healthy? â€ș

It's good for your immunity. Like other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, butternut squash is full of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Your body converts them to vitamin A, which is important for your immune system.

What is inside a butternut squash? â€ș

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata), known in Australia and New Zealand as butternut pumpkin or gramma, is a type of winter squash that grows on a vine. It has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin. It has tan-yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp with a compartment of seeds in the blossom end.

Is Panera butternut squash gluten free? â€ș

This soup is made with pumpkin and butternut squash blended with ginger, warm spices and a hint of apple. Made with no artificial preservatives, sweeteners or flavors, this Panera Autumn Squash Soup is gluten free and vegetarian.

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