Panera Pumpkin Soup Recipe: A Cozy Fall Delight
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of pumpkin soup. Panera Bread’s Pumpkin Soup is a beloved seasonal favorite, known for its creamy texture and subtly spiced flavor that captures the essence of fall. If you’ve ever enjoyed this velvety soup at one of Panera’s locations and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll show you how to make a homemade version of Panera’s pumpkin soup that’s just as rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, looking for a hearty lunch, or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is the perfect choice.
What Makes Panera’s Pumpkin Soup So Special?
Panera’s Pumpkin Soup is a beloved dish, especially during the fall and winter months. The soup has a creamy, smooth texture, with a combination of sweet pumpkin, aromatic spices, and a slightly savory base. It’s the perfect balance of warmth and comfort, featuring flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger. While Panera’s version is known for being rich and indulgent, the homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it just as delicious but possibly even healthier!
Here’s the recipe card for Panera Pumpkin Soup in a simple, easy-to-follow table format:
Panera Pumpkin Soup Recipe Card
| Recipe | Panera Pumpkin Soup |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter (or olive oil) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) | 15 oz (1 can) or 2 cups fresh pumpkin puree |
| Vegetable broth (or chicken broth) | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream (or half-and-half) | 1 cup |
| Milk (whole or plant-based) | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Maple syrup (optional) | 1-2 tablespoons |
For Garnishing (optional):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crumbled bacon | 2-3 slices (optional) |
| Fresh parsley or chives, chopped | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | A dollop (optional) |
| Toasted pumpkin seeds | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Sauté the Aromatics | Heat butter (or olive oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft. |
| 2. Add Pumpkin and Spices | Add pumpkin puree (or roasted fresh pumpkin), cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the pot. Stir for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices. |
| 3. Add Broth and Simmer | Pour in vegetable broth and milk, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
| 4. Add Cream and Sweeten | Stir in the heavy cream and maple syrup (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 5. Blend for Smoothness | Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth. If needed, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. |
| 6. Serve and Garnish | Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, sour cream, or toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve hot. |
Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | 3-4 grams |
| Fiber | 4-5 grams |
| Fat | 18-20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 grams |
| Sodium | 600-800 mg (depending on broth and added salt) |
| Vitamin A | High (from pumpkin) |
| Vitamin C | Moderate (from vegetables) |
| Iron | 2-3 mg |
Notes:
- Fresh Pumpkin: For extra flavor, roast fresh pumpkin instead of using canned puree.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based milk.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Garnishes: Customize with bacon, herbs, sour cream, or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Enjoy making this delicious Panera-style Pumpkin Soup and bring the cozy, fall flavors right into your kitchen!
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Panera Pumpkin Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Panera-style pumpkin soup at home:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or fresh roasted pumpkin if preferred)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best for richness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
For Garnishing (optional):
- Crumbled bacon (for a savory crunch)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch
How to Make Panera’s Pumpkin Soup at Home
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This will form the flavorful base of the soup.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin and Spices
Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the pumpkin puree (or roasted fresh pumpkin) to the pot. Stir well to combine. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the pumpkin, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to toast slightly, bringing out their depth of flavor.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and milk to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Sweeten (Optional)
Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the heavy cream and stir until the soup becomes rich and velvety. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an added touch of sweetness, you can stir in maple syrup to taste, which will enhance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional for Extra Smoothness)
If you prefer an ultra-smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s silky and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and return to the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. For a savory twist, add crumbled bacon or a dollop of sour cream. For added crunch and a festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped parsley on top.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Soup
- Use Fresh Pumpkin for Extra Flavor: While canned pumpkin works well, roasting fresh pumpkin can add even more depth and natural sweetness to your soup. Simply peel, cube, and roast the pumpkin with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until tender, then puree it in a blender.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter pumpkin soup, add a little more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the amount of sweetener or skip it entirely.
- Customize the Creaminess: If you’re looking for a lighter soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Blend for Smoothness: For a smooth, velvety texture, blending the soup is key. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Soup
This homemade Panera-inspired pumpkin soup is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Pumpkin is a fantastic source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health, immune function, and skin health.
- High in Fiber: Pumpkin is naturally high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps you feel fuller longer.
- Antioxidants: The spices used in the soup, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
- Low in Calories: If you make the soup with lighter ingredients like low-fat milk and skip the cream, it can be a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Salad: Pair the pumpkin soup with a light green salad for a complete meal. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and goat cheese, dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- With a Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich pairs beautifully with this soup for a comforting lunch.
- As an Appetizer: Serve small portions of pumpkin soup as an appetizer at your next fall dinner party or Thanksgiving gathering.
jamaican chicken pumpkin soup
Look no further than Jamaican Chicken Pumpkin Soup if you’re in the mood for a hearty, savory soup that will satisfy your hunger and provide you with sustenance.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, spiced pumpkin soup to evoke the flavors of fall. Panera’s version is known for its deliciously smooth texture and balanced sweetness, and with this homemade recipe, you can enjoy the same comforting dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy evening at home or serving it to friends and family, this pumpkin soup is sure to become a fall favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and flavors of the season in every spoonful!
