There’s a special kind of magic in a bowl of warm, comforting soup, isn’t there? As a mom of three, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple meal can turn a gloomy afternoon into a cozy memory. Our family absolutely adores the creamy, rich taste of Panera tomato soup, but let’s be honest, those cafe trips add up!
That’s why I perfected my own copycat Panera tomato soup recipe right in my kitchen. It’s more than just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, a nourishing treat that brings everyone together. This homemade Panera tomato soup captures all that familiar flavor you crave, but with the added warmth of knowing exactly what goes into it.
Forget those expensive takeout containers; you can recreate that beloved Panera tomato soup experience with simple ingredients and a lot of love. This recipe for Panera tomato soup is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Table of Contents
panera tomato soup
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This recipe is a copycat version of the beloved Panera tomato soup, offering a creamy, rich, and comforting meal perfect for family dinners. It's a budget-friendly, easy-to-make homemade version that captures the signature sweet and tangy flavor of the cafe favorite.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 (28-ounce) cans Canned Diced Tomatoes, undrained
4 cups Vegetable Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
1–2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat
- Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic
- Pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for your Panera tomato soup
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (working in batches if necessary) and blend until completely smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot
- Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar
- Season with salt and pepper. Heat through gently, but do not boil after adding the cream
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your homemade Panera tomato soup is now ready!
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired
Notes
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer; you can also use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan option.
You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick to your soup or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra fiery touch.
Roast your tomatoes beforehand for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Stir in a splash of dry sherry at the end for an extra layer of complexity.
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for another twist.
When blending, be sure to release steam by opening a small vent in the blender lid or using a towel over the top to prevent pressure buildup.
If your soup seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce. For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially sugar, as tomato acidity varies. If your soup tastes too acidic, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly, a teaspoon at a time, or carefully add a pinch of baking soda (note: baking soda can cause the soup to foam).
Fresh basil stirred in at the very end brightens the flavor.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This homemade soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Panera tomato soup, copycat recipe, creamy tomato soup, comfort food, homemade soup, easy soup, vegetarian soup, weeknight dinner, budget-friendly
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You are going to adore this homemade Panera tomato soup recipe! First, it truly delivers on that signature creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor you expect from Panera. My version of Panera tomato soup uses wholesome ingredients, meaning you control the quality and freshness.
It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor. This copycat Panera tomato soup is also budget-friendly, letting you enjoy your favorite soup without breaking the bank. Finally, it’s a wonderful way to bring comfort to your family table. This Panera tomato soup is pure comfort food, ready in under an hour.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gather these simple ingredients to create your very own delicious Panera tomato soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Canned Diced Tomatoes, undrained | 2 (28-ounce) cans |
| Vegetable Broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1-2 teaspoons (to taste) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Basil, chopped (optional, for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Making this Panera tomato soup your own is easy! For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer; the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick to your Panera tomato soup. Roast your tomatoes beforehand for a deeper, smoky flavor. Stir in a splash of dry sherry at the end for an extra layer of complexity, similar to some gourmet tomato soups. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for another twist on this Panera tomato soup.
While customizing your Panera tomato soup lets you tailor it to perfection, thinking about the main course it accompanies can elevate your entire meal. For a robust and wholesome dinner that complements the soup’s flavors, consider preparing a hearty One-Pan Roasted Chicken & Root Vegetables.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
- Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
- Pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for your Panera tomato soup.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (working in batches if necessary) and blend until completely smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar.
- Season with salt and pepper. Heat through gently, but do not boil after adding the cream.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your homemade Panera tomato soup is now ready!
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Achieving the perfect creamy texture for your Panera tomato soup is key. When blending, be sure to release steam by opening a small vent in the blender lid or using a towel over the top. This prevents pressure buildup.
If your soup seems too thin for your ideal Panera tomato soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce. For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially sugar, as tomato acidity varies. Fresh basil stirred in at the very end brightens the flavor of this amazing Panera tomato soup.
Achieving that ideal creamy texture for your soup ensures a satisfying culinary experience, much like perfecting a side dish. A versatile and delicious companion to any meal, including your creamy Panera soup, is a perfectly prepared Baked Potato in Air Fryer.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store leftover Panera tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This homemade Panera tomato soup also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen Panera tomato soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings of this creamy Panera tomato soup. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
The classic pairing for Panera tomato soup is, of course, a grilled cheese sandwich! It’s an unbeatable combination. We often make a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich Panera tomato soup.
Crusty bread or garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up every last drop of this delicious Panera tomato soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple chicken Caesar wrap or a turkey sandwich. Sometimes, we enjoy our Panera tomato soup with homemade croutons for extra crunch.
The classic pairings for Panera tomato soup are wonderful, but sometimes you crave a heartier, flavor-packed main dish to complete your meal. If you’re looking for another easy yet incredibly delicious option to serve alongside or for another family dinner, try this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
FAQS
Can I make this Panera tomato soup vegan?
Absolutely! To make this delicious Panera tomato soup vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based unsweetened creamer. The flavor profile of your vegan Panera tomato soup will still be fantastic.
Is this Panera tomato soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this homemade Panera tomato soup is very freezer-friendly! Cool the soup completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before gently reheating your frozen Panera tomato soup.
How can I make this Panera tomato soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic to your Panera tomato soup. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra fiery touch to your creamy Panera tomato soup.
What if my Panera tomato soup is too acidic?
If your Panera tomato soup tastes too acidic, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly, a teaspoon at a time, until the acidity balances out. A pinch of baking soda can also help neutralize acidity, but add it very carefully as it can cause the soup to foam.
Panera Bread’s creamy tomato soup has become a beloved comfort food, known for its rich flavor and perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. It exemplifies the popularity of tomato soup as a versatile and widely enjoyed dish across various cuisines.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Estimated values based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 4g |