Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup
A copycat version of Panera Bread’s Autumn Squash soup rich with flavor! Butternut squash, pumpkin puree and carrots make this squash soup recipe a healthy and flavorful soup of choice this fall!
I love rich, thick, creamy soup.
Soup that sticks to your bones and makes you feel warm inside!
Soup that sops up thick, crusty, homemade sourdough bread.
Soup that makes you go back for seconds!
What if you could enjoy the creamy, velvety goodness of seasonal flavors from the comfort of your own kitchen, whenever the craving strikes? Imagine the aroma of butternut squash and pumpkin wafting through your home, the rich, savory notes mingling with hints of sweetness and spice.
Today, I’ll share my own version of autumn squash soup that rivals the amazing Panera version! This recipe absolutely captures the essence of fall in every spoonful.
Get ready to experience the joy of homemade comfort with a soup that’ll make you forget all about the chill in the air. Let’s dive in!

About The Recipe
Some of my favorite soup recipes are Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup, Black Bean Soup, Broccoli Cheese Soup (kid approved!), and Homemade Potato Soup.
Entering into Fall, I start to get excited about the different types of Fall soups I can make in my trusty dutch oven … and the return of Panera’s Autumn Squash soup!! Ohhh my goodness, it is my most favorite soup to order! It’s a great blend of sweet, thick and creamy all together.
As much as I’d like to run out to Panera every day of the week to grab a bowl of Autumn Squash soup (aka butternut squash soup), it’s not on my route to school drop-off/pick-ups or the grocery store. HAHA! My little circle of areas I travel is so small! #smalltownliving 🙂
In an attempt to fill my daily cravings of the butternut squash soup, I knew I needed to find a copycat recipe so I could start making it at home!
I looked over handful of recipes for Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup and Butternut Squash Soup recipes that I found on Pinterest. I finally settled on a recipe from Rachel Cooks. Not only were there tons of comments testifying to how good the soup really was, but the recipe also had wiggle room. If you wanted it more creamy, add more heavy cream. If you wanted it sweeter, add more brown sugar…and so forth.
I got busy cooking and my entire family loved the recipe!
What is Autumn Squash Soup?
Autumn Squash soup is a seasonal soup that is sold at Panera Bread. The main ingredient in Autumn Squash soup is butternut squash. Butternut squash is relatively low in carbohydrates and is acceptable for some keto dieters.
Ingredients:
- Butternut Squash – The star ingredient, providing a rich, creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Pro Tip: use this store-bought fresh, peeled and cubed butternut squash to save time!
- Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup
- Pumpkin Puree – Enhances the autumnal essence and creaminess of the soup. Do not use canned pumpkin pie filling
- Onion – Provides a savory base and aroma to the soup. I like to use sweet onions
- Apple Juice – Adds a touch of natural sweetness and complements the fall flavors.
- Vegetable Broth – For a savory and well-balanced soup base
- Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy texture and adds a rich flavor. I prefer to use Philadelphia brand
- Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the soup. I prefer to use salted butter
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Curry: A blend of warm spices that infuse the soup with a delightful seasonal taste.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. I use light brown sugar
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Optional for a velvety, indulgent finish. I wouldn’t skip this step!
- Pepitas/ Pumpkin Seeds – For a crunchy and visually appealing garnish.

Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the soup.
- Cutting Board: For chopping and preparing vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for cutting butternut squash, carrots, and onions.
- Potato Peeler: To peel and prep the butternut squash.
- Food Processor: For blending the carrots into a fine texture.
- Stick Blender (Immersion Blender): To puree and achieve a smooth consistency for the soup.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and sautéing ingredients.
- Soup Bowls: To serve the delicious soup.
Having these essential kitchen tools and equipment on hand will make the cooking process for your autumn squash soup recipe much smoother and enjoyable.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Preparation: Begin by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into 1″ cubes using a potato peeler and sharp knife. Process the carrots in a food processor until finely chopped.

In a large dutch oven, heat extra virgin olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, creating a fragrant base for the soup.

Add the diced butternut squash, finely chopped carrots, apple juice, vegetable broth, the blend of warm spices; cinnamon, nutmeg, and curry, to the pot.

Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the butternut squash becomes soft and easily mashed with a wooden spoon.
Once the soup has simmered for 10-15 minutes, add the cream cheese, butter, pumpkin purée and brown sugar to enhance the sweetness.

Once the soup is fully cooked, use a stick blender to process the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Process the soup until it has reached a nice, smooth consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, sweetness, or creaminess to your preference.

Ladle the hot autumn squash soup into bowls. Drizzle each serving with a touch of heavy whipping cream and garnish with pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Serve the soup hot, accompanied by a slice of crusty bakery bread for a cozy, comforting autumn meal.
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Recipe Card
Don’t forget to save or print this recipe card for later, ensuring you have easy access to this delectable autumn squash soup whenever those cozy fall cravings strike.

Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 lbs chopped butternut squash (about 6 heaping cups)
- 3 small carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3-4 c vegetable broth
- 2 c apple cider or apple juice (do NOT use apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- dash nutmeg
- 1/2 c pumpkin puree
- 2 tbs butter
- 2 ounces low-fat (neufchatel) cream cheese
- 1 tbs 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.
Having A Dinner Party?
This Copycat Panera Autumn Squash soup is perfect for dinner parties! Serve the soup in smaller bowls on a serving tray and let your guests add the toppings of their choice.


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I have had Panera’s version twice this week! I can’t wait to try this recipe. I like you even more!