Craving that signature creamy, comforting flavor of Panera’s beloved tomato soup? Now you can easily make it right in your own kitchen! This incredible copycat Panera tomato soup recipe delivers authentic taste with minimal effort. Get ready for a quick and satisfying meal that captures all the comforting warmth you love, perfect for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy Panera tomato soup recipe for so many reasons. It brings that familiar, delicious taste straight to your home.
- Authentic Panera flavor at home. Experience the rich, creamy, and slightly sweet taste you adore without leaving your house.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients. You only need a few pantry staples to create this delicious soup.
- Ready in under 30 minutes. From start to finish, this quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for cozy meals. This warming soup is ideal for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch.
- Customizable to dietary needs. Easily adapt this recipe to fit various preferences, like making it dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your homemade Panera tomato soup recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes, do not drain
- 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, optional
- Croutons, optional garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Using high-quality ingredients truly elevates this creamy tomato soup. Understanding a few substitutions can also help you tailor this fantastic recipe.
For an authentic flavor profile in your soup, many chefs prefer San Marzano tomatoes due to their balanced sweetness and low acidity. San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes offer a naturally sweeter, less acidic flavor profile compared to regular canned tomatoes. They provide the best base for your delicious panera tomato soup recipe. Chicken vs. Vegetable Stock: Chicken stock adds a richer depth, but vegetable stock works perfectly for a vegetarian version. Always opt for low-sodium stock to control the salt. Heavy Cream Alternatives: For a lighter option, use half-and-half. Coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle creaminess. Fresh vs. Dried Basil: Fresh basil offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using dried basil, reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon as its flavor is more concentrated. Sugar Adjustment: The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. You can adjust the amount to your preference after tasting the soup.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy panera tomato soup recipe.
- Dutch oven or heavy pot: Essential for even heating and simmering the soup base.
- Immersion blender: Makes pureeing the soup directly in the pot quick and easy.
- Standard kitchen tools: Including a cutting board, knife, and measuring cups/spoons.
Instructions
Creating this delicious Panera tomato soup recipe at home is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result every time.
First, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent, which takes about 8 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your homemade tomato soup.
Pour in the San Marzano peeled tomatoes, including their juice, along with the chicken stock and sugar. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Allow it to cook, uncovered, for about 12 minutes, or until the soup has slightly thickened. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now, stir in the heavy cream, fresh basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season generously to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasonings as needed until the flavor perfectly suits your preference.
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no large chunks remaining. If you are using a regular blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches. To prevent splatters, leave the blender lid slightly ajar or drape a kitchen towel over the top; you can also let the soup cool slightly before blending.
Finally, stir in the optional shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy soup. Serve your delicious homemade Panera tomato soup recipe immediately, garnished with croutons if desired. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best possible flavor and consistency with these helpful tips for your tomato soup.
- For best flavor: Always choose quality ingredients, especially San Marzano tomatoes, for the most authentic taste in your Panera tomato soup recipe.
- Blending safety: When pureeing hot soup, remember to vent the blender or immersion blender carefully to avoid steam buildup and splatters.
- Adjusting consistency: If your soup is too thick, simply add a splash more stock or water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Flavor enhancements: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
- Common mistakes: Not simmering the soup long enough can result in a less developed flavor and a thinner consistency. Allow ample time for flavors to deepen.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Panera tomato soup recipe is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with other dishes and can be easily stored or adapted.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this creamy soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Serve it alongside a hearty, crusty bread like a baguette, perfect for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as extra basil, or a delicate swirl of heavy cream.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any cooled leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer preservation, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Spice it up: For an extra kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Creamier texture: Add an extra splash of heavy cream at the end for an even richer, more indulgent soup.
- Vegan option: Simply swap chicken stock for vegetable stock and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add veggies: Roast bell peppers or carrots and blend them into the soup for added depth and nutrients.
Nutrition Information
This Panera tomato soup recipe offers a delicious meal, and its nutritional profile can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. The following values are estimates.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 7g |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. This recipe makes 4-5 servings.
FAQ
Got questions about making this delightful Panera tomato soup recipe? Here are some quick answers to common queries.
- Can I make it vegan? Yes, absolutely! Use vegetable stock and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a delicious vegan version.
- Why San Marzano tomatoes? These Italian plum tomatoes are less acidic and naturally sweeter than other varieties, giving your soup a superior, authentic flavor.
- How to thicken soup? You can simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period to reduce it, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) at the end.
- Can I make it ahead? This soup is excellent for making ahead! Prepare it entirely, then store and reheat as needed; flavors often deepen overnight.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, this Panera tomato soup recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, using wholesome, unprocessed ingredients.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to recreate that beloved Panera experience right in your kitchen with this easy copycat Panera tomato soup recipe. It’s remarkably simple to prepare, bursting with comforting flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade warmth! Don’t wait, gather your ingredients and enjoy a cozy bowl of this creamy tomato soup today.
