Tomato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that never seems to go out of style. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly day, looking for something to pair with a grilled cheese sandwich, or simply craving something hearty yet soothing, a bowl of creamy tomato soup is the answer. Now, if you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s creamy tomato soup, you’re not alone. Their velvety, smooth, and perfectly tangy version has earned a special place in the hearts of many. But here’s the good news: You don’t need to make a trip to the cafe to enjoy it! With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can recreate this delicious soup right in your own kitchen.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this copycat Panera Bread creamy tomato soup, and maybe even improve on it a bit, while we’re at it!
Creamy Tomato Soup From Panera Bread Recipe
This recipe will help you craft a rich, velvety soup that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the creaminess of heavy cream and a dash of seasonings. While the Panera Bread version might be a secret family recipe, we’ve got a pretty close replica for you here that’s simple, easy, and guarantees a satisfying bowl.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own version of Panera’s creamy tomato soup:
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing the onions and garlic, providing a flavorful base for the soup.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic is a must for that robust flavor in every spoonful.
- Canned Whole Tomatoes (2 cans, 28 oz each) – The star of the show! Using whole tomatoes preserves the natural tomato flavor.
- Vegetable Broth (2 cups) – A great alternative to chicken broth, keeping the soup light and allowing the tomato flavor to shine.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – This adds the luxurious creaminess that makes the soup so indulgent.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon) – Helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) – A classic herb that complements the tomato and gives the soup an earthy, savory edge.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential for enhancing the flavors and bringing everything together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon) – If you like a little heat, this is a perfect addition.
Cooking Instructions
Making this soup from start to finish is quick, easy, and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
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Simmer The Tomatoes
- Pour in the canned whole tomatoes (with juice) and break them up using a wooden spoon.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together. Stir occasionally.
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Puree The Soup
- Once the soup has simmered, remove it from the heat. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), puree the soup until it’s completely smooth.
- If using a regular blender, blend in batches to avoid splattering.
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Add Cream And Season
- Return the soup to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. If you want a little heat, now’s the time to add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Taste the soup, adjust the seasoning if needed, and then ladle it into bowls. Serve hot with your favorite side or some crusty bread for dipping!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a moment to look closer at some of the key ingredients that really elevate this soup to restaurant-worthy status.
- Tomatoes: Whole canned tomatoes are typically preferred in this recipe because they retain more of the tomato’s natural flavor compared to crushed or diced tomatoes. The texture is also smoother when pureed, creating that rich, velvety finish. Look for high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor!
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup that rich, silky texture. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Sugar: While tomatoes are naturally acidic, adding just a touch of sugar helps balance the acidity. It doesn’t make the soup sweet but rather smooths out the tangy notes, allowing the tomato flavor to shine through.
- Basil: This herb pairs beautifully with tomatoes, offering both fragrance and flavor that make the soup feel like a comforting hug in a bowl.
Expert Tips
To elevate your creamy tomato soup, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil on hand, feel free to use it instead of dried. Just chop up a few tablespoons and stir it in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Roast the Tomatoes: For an extra layer of flavor, roast your tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply toss whole tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes. This caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, adding complexity to the soup.
- Blend Smoothly: For the smoothest texture, let the soup cool for a few minutes before blending. This will also help avoid any splattering if you’re using a regular blender.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick after blending, simply add more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this creamy tomato soup is how easily it can be adjusted to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegan Version: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or any plant-based cream substitute, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add extra heat by blending in a diced jalapeño or stirring in a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika. For an extra kick, top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Herb-Infused Soup: Try infusing the soup with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. You can add them to the pot while the soup simmers, then remove the stems before blending.
- Tomato Basil Bisque: Make a more decadent bisque by adding more cream and a little butter. This will give the soup a silky, richer texture and a more luxurious mouthfeel.
Final Words
Making your own creamy tomato soup at home is surprisingly simple, and with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a dish that’s just as good (if not better) than what you’d find at Panera Bread. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility-you can easily make it your own by adjusting the flavors, adding extra toppings, or even trying out different variations.