Panera Bread tomato soup recipe is a Velvety-finished Panera tomato soup imitation, If you’ve ever tried, you can appreciate how rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting Panera Bread’s tomato soup is. It’s smooth, somewhat acidic, and has just the proper amount of warmth from the spices and richness from the cream. It’s the perfect comfort food with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich!
The finest aspect? Enjoying it doesn’t require you to leave your home! All the great tastes of Panera’s well-known tomato soup are captured in this simple homemade version, which is even better because it’s created from scratch!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Will Make You Loveable
✔ Rich & Velvety Texture: The soup becomes incredibly smooth and creamy after blending.
Better Than Store-Bought: Made with premium, fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
✔ Tailor it to your preferences by adding spiciness, tang, or dairy-free ingredients.
✔ Perfect Match with Grilled Cheese: The best comfort food available!
Ingredients
To prepare this Panera-style tomato soup at home, you’ll need the following:
- Butter (two tablespoons) gives the soup depth and richness.
- One little sliced onion adds sweetness and flavor to the soup.
- Garlic (two chopped cloves): Garlic improves everything!
- San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes (28-ounce can) is the secret to a deep, rich tomato flavor.
- Two cups of vegetable broth help to build a tasty foundation without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Provides thickness and flavor.
- One teaspoon of sugar helps to balance the tomatoes’ acidity.
- Add salt and black pepper (½ tsp each, to taste) to bring out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon of dried basil and oregano adds a traditional Italian touch of warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional; ¼ tsp): For a subtle kick.
- The soup is wonderfully smooth from half a cup of heavy cream for the creamy finish.
- Add a savory, umami dimension with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
To Serve:
- Fresh basil leaves are a brilliant herby garnish.
- Grilled cheese or croutons what would tomato soup be without a dip?
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Looking for another delicious tomato-based recipe? Check out this Marks Sweet Pizza Sauce Recipe to elevate your homemade pizza game! 🍕🍅
Making Panera’s Tomato Soup: Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Add the Fragrances
- Melt the butter in a big pot over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened four to five minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Construct the Tomato Foundation
- Add the tomato paste and heat for one minute to improve the flavor.
- Break up the San Marzano tomatoes using a spoon and add their juices.
- Add black pepper, salt, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the vegetable broth.
Step 3: Blend and Simmer
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes to enable the flavors to meld.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender until it’s smooth.
- Not using an immersion blender? In batches, carefully pour the soup into a blender and process until smooth.
Step 4: Create Creamyness
- Add the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, swirling until well combined.
- Simmer for another five minutes; then, taste and modify the seasonings as necessary.
Step 5: Present and Savour!
- Ladle onto bowls; top with fresh basil and present hot.
- For the best taste, team up with grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons.
Best Tomato Soup Pro Advice
✔ Use San Marzano tomatoes, which are inherently richer, sweeter, and less acidic than ordinary tinned tomatoes.
✔ Blend until silky smooth : This step is crucial for the best restaurant-style texture!
✔ Adjust the Acidity: Add a dash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of sugar if the soup is excessively acidic.
✔ Want a Dairy-Free Version? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and leave out the Parmesan.
✔ Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of spicy sauce to make it hotter!
Serving and Pairing Tips for Tomato Soup
This tomato soup in the Panera style tastes even better with:
- A traditional grilled cheese sandwich is the ideal combination of melty and crunchy.
- Crostini or Garlic Bread: To absorb all that deliciously creamy goodness.
- A Simple Side Salad: Fresh greens help counter the soup’s richness.
Bonus: Would you like it to be particularly memorable? Before serving, drizzle some balsamic glaze or basil pesto over the top!
Want to explore more bread pairings? Try this Focaccia – Best Way to Eat for a soft, flavorful side that soaks up every drop of soup. 🥖
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Leftover Storage
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing
Let the soup cool, then freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to three months.
Reheat
Heat over medium-low on a stovetop, stirring periodically.
Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating between each in a microwave.
Frequencies of Ask Questions
Could I make this without heavy cream?
Absolutely! Substitute half-and-half, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt for a thinner version.
Could I substitute fresh tomatoes with canned ones?
Totally! Roast six to seven fresh Roma tomatoes, then mix them into the soup for a strong, rich taste.
How thick should my soup be?
Add one tablespoon of tomato paste or let it simmer uncovered for a few longer minutes.
What happens if my immersion blender isn’t with me?
Though you should blend in tiny amounts to let steam escape, use a standard blender.
Conclusion
This Panera-style Creamy Tomato Soup is creamy, smooth, and brimming with soothing flavors, perfect for rainy days, comfortable evenings, or when you need a bowl of warmth and memories.
One sip will make you never crave store-bought tomato soup once more! 😊
😊 Enjoy and happy cooking!
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes (or fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar balances acidity
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes
- Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add canned tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) and blend until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cream & Serve
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with grilled cheese, croutons, or fresh basil garnish.
Notes
For extra richness, add Parmesan cheese before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.