Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe
Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup inspired by the restaurant's beloved version. Made with simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a touch of heavy cream, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any time of the year. This recipe is quick and easy, taking only 40 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans 28 ounces each crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for added richness
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Croutons or fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring frequently.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and vegetable broth.
- Stir to combine.
Season the Soup:
- Stir in the sugar, dried basil, salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low
- Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup in the pot until smooth.
- Or, ladle the soup into a blender in batches, then transfer it back to the pot.
Add the Cream:
- Add the heavy cream and simmer the soup for five more minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serve and Garnish:
- If using, serve the soup in bowls and top it with croutons or fresh basil if you are using them.
- Serve hot with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or a salad.
Notes
Tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano enhance the flavor.
Thicker Soup: Reduce the broth slightly for a thicker consistency.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
Thicker Soup: Reduce the broth slightly for a thicker consistency.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.