This creamy tomato soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With its rich tomatoes and a hint of basil, it’s perfect for dipping your favorite bread.
Honestly, there’s nothing like pairing this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. Trust me, you’ll want to have a second bowl—it’s that cozy! 😊
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up at home. Just blend, simmer, and enjoy—a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil for sautéing instead. Both work beautifully!
Onion: Yellow onions are perfect for this soup, bringing sweetness as they cook. If you don’t have yellow onions, white onions or shallots are good choices too.
Carrot: The carrot adds natural sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it or use a teaspoon of brown sugar instead to enhance the broth’s flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes give this soup a nice depth. You can switch with whole tomatoes; just crush them up yourself or use tomato puree for a smoother texture.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth provides a savory base. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, stick with vegetable broth, or use water with a little seasoning for a lighter option.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the soup. For a lighter version, you can replace it with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
How Can I Get My Tomato Soup Extra Creamy?
Achieving a creamy texture is key for this soup. Here’s how to make it silky smooth:
- After cooking the veggies, use an immersion blender right in the pot for quick blending. This avoids transferring hot soup to a blender.
- If using a stand blender, allow the soup to cool a bit before blending to prevent mess and steam issues. Blend in small batches for safety.
- Always return the blended soup to the pot after blending and stir in the cream until just heated through—this helps keep everything creamy!
Enjoy making this comforting soup! The blending technique and using the right ingredients make all the difference.
Copycat Panera Bread Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- A drizzle of cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tomato soup will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 30-35 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and carrot. Sauté these together until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:
Next, add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until you can smell the fragrant aroma of the garlic and tomato.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir in the sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Turn the heat up to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly!
4. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, it’s time to make the soup smooth! If you have an immersion blender, use it right in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. If you’re using a blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches, blend until smooth, and then return to the pot.
5. Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning:
Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup through, but don’t let it boil. Now’s a great time to taste the soup and adjust any seasoning: feel free to add more salt, pepper, or basil if needed!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream if you like. Grab a slice of your favorite bread for dipping, and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness just like at Panera Bread!
Dig in and enjoy every cozy bite of this scrumptious tomato soup! 😊
FAQs About Copycat Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe
Can I Use Canned Whole Tomatoes Instead of Crushed Tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you have canned whole tomatoes, just crush them with your hands or a spoon before adding them to the pot. They’ll work perfectly in this recipe!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
What Foods Pair Well with This Tomato Soup?
This soup is delicious with a variety of sides! Classic pairings include grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy mixing and matching for a complete meal!
