This creamy tomato soup tastes just like the one from Panera Bread! With fresh tomatoes, basil, and a bit of cream, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
It’s super easy to make, and trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat! I love pairing it with a grilled cheese for a perfect cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a fruity flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or butter, which will change the taste slightly but still work well.
Onion: A medium onion gives sweetness and depth. If you’re onion-free, shallots or leeks are great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, though fresh is always the best for this soup.
Crushed Tomatoes: A must for the base; it’s convenient and flavorful. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to substitute with about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth works great. For a lighter version, use water, but the flavor will be milder.
Cream: Heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. You can swap in half-and-half or even coconut milk for dairy-free options, though it will alter the taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that perfect, smooth texture can be tricky! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve it:
- **Cook Thoroughly**: After simmering, ensure you have cooked the soup long enough for flavors to meld.
- **Blend Carefully**: If using a blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches. For an immersion blender, blend until no chunks remain.
- **Add Cream Slowly**: When adding cream, do it slowly and stir gently to mix it without boiling.
These steps will ensure a creamy and delicious tomato soup that’s sure to satisfy!
Easy Panera Bread Style Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy tomato soup recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. So, you can enjoy a delicious homemade soup in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This helps to bring out the flavors!
2. Add the Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute. Stir it frequently to prevent it from burning and to release that lovely garlic aroma.
3. Combine the Base Ingredients
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the broth. Stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and basil. This is where all the delicious flavors begin to come together!
4. Simmer for Flavor
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Blend Until Smooth
If you want a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, if you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, puree until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
6. Add Cream and Heat
Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup gently over low heat until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to let it boil after adding the cream, as this can change the texture.
7. Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a taste! Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, and if you’d like, garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for a lovely presentation. Grab a grilled cheese or some crusty bread on the side for the perfect meal!
Enjoy your comforting Panera-inspired tomato soup!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Just peel and chop them before adding to the pot. Simmer a bit longer to allow them to cook down nicely.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a great substitute, but keep in mind it will add a slight coconut flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What Should I Serve with Tomato Soup?
This tomato soup pairs perfectly with a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a warm, crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
