Description
This Panera tomato soup recipe delivers the creamy, rich flavor you love from the restaurant, all made with fresh ingredients at home. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare and customize with simple substitutions for a vegan or lighter version. Pair it with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes (or fresh Roma tomatoes, roasted)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned tomatoes (or roasted fresh tomatoes) and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season: Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a countertop blender.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to achieve a creamy texture.
- Finish: Stir in fresh basil, and let the soup warm for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne during Step 2.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut cream or cashew milk.
- The soup can be refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 3-4g
Keywords: Panera tomato soup recipe, creamy tomato soup, homemade tomato soup recipe, copycat Panera tomato soup, easy tomato soup recipe