This Copycat Panera Bread Tomato Soup is creamy and full of flavor, just like the beloved version from the café. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, it’s comforting!
Pair it with a warm grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy meal! I love making this soup on chilly days—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great oil for sautéing, olive oil adds flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or butter works well too!
Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness when cooked. You can use shallots or even leeks if onions aren’t available.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth. If you’re not a garlic lover, you can reduce the amount or use garlic powder instead.
Crushed Tomatoes: This forms the base of your soup. Canned whole tomatoes can be crushed by hand if that’s what you have. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, but might need extra cooking time.
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth. Homemade broth can add a lovely touch if you have it!
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you want to make it lighter, half-and-half or coconut milk is a great alternative.
How Do I Blend the Soup Smoothly?
Getting a smooth texture is key for tomato soup! If using an immersion blender, simply add it straight into the pot and blend until it’s creamy. If you prefer using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit first and fill the blender halfway at a time to avoid spills.
- Spoon the soup into the blender, being cautious not to fill it too high.
- Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Always remember to hold the lid down with a cloth to prevent hot soup from escaping during blending.
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings based on your taste!
How to Make Copycat Panera Bread Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious homemade soup in roughly 40 minutes! Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will create a nice base flavor for your soup!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for another minute. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn—it should smell lovely and fragrant!
3. Combine the Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where the soup starts to come together!
4. Season the Soup:
Add in the sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir these seasoning ingredients in well. Now bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help all those delicious flavors meld together.
5. Simmer and Cook:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This is a great time to let the aroma fill your kitchen!
6. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just remember to let it cool slightly to avoid splatters!
7. Add Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream, warming the soup for another 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, or it might curdle.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust any seasonings if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the flavors.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tomato soup hot! Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch if you like. Enjoy every bowlful!
Now you know how to make this comforting Panera-style tomato soup right at home. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Copycat Panera Bread Tomato Soup
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add them to the pot when you would add the canned tomatoes. You may need to simmer longer to reach the desired consistency.
How Do I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make the soup vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will be just as creamy and delicious!
Can I Freeze Leftover Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Should I Serve with This Soup?
This tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy goodness!
