Copycat Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Highlights Of The Tomato Soup

• One-pot recipe: this makes clean up a breeze since you only need to dirty the one pan! I even serve my soup directly out of the pot, family style at the table with croutons or bread.
• Made with simple ingredients: this soup is made with canned crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, stock, and heavy cream. No need for fresh tomatoes or other special ingredients.
• Panera Bread copycat: if you love the restaurant version soup you will love how simple it is to make it yourself at home! It is more budget friendly and can easily be customized.
• Done in 30 minutes: not only can this soup be made in one pot but it is done in less than 30 minutes, making this great for busy weeknights when you need a filling dinner on the table in no time. Serve with grilled cheese or a fresh salad.

Ingredient List & Ingredient Substitutions

This soup is made of simple ingredients and can easily be customized, making this an easy copycat recipe to make at home! Since the tomatoes are acidic, it’s helpful to add in cream, sugar, and seasonings to balance out the soup.

• Olive oil: extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil can all be substitutes. Butter will also work.
• Onion: red onion, white onion, or yellow onions can work in the recipe, omit onion if you prefer. A shallot will work as well.
• Garlic: add as much fresh garlic as desired, minced garlic will work in a pinch.
• Tomatoes: canned crushed tomatoes are the best for this recipe but you can use petite diced tomatoes and blend them smooth.
• Vegetable stock: chicken stock or bone broth will work as a substitute.
• Heavy cream: this makes the soup extra creamy. Use whole milk or 2% milk in substitute. A non-dairy milk is an option also, such as oat milk or almond milk.
• Seasoning: this soup is flavored with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and granulated sugar. Other spices like chili powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder can be added.
• Fresh basil and croutons: I like homemade croutons and fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes are also great!

How to make this Panera Tomato Soup

Let’s talk a little about how to make this copycat Panera soup recipe (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Quick overview:

• Diced onions and garlic, sauté in a little olive oil.
• Add in crushed tomatoes, cream, sugar, stock, and seasonings.
• Simmer until thickened and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Enjoy with fresh basil and croutons.

1. In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stir often so the garlic doesn’t burn.

2. Once the garlic and onion are tender add in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, stock, sugar, and seasoning.

3. Stir to combine, cover and let simmer over medium heat until thickened. Adjust seasonings as needed and if desired, for a smooth consistency, blend with an immersion blender or stand blender.

4. Serve immediately garnish with crispy bread or croutons and fresh basil, I like a drizzle of heavy cream with my soup and it creates a beautiful presentation.

Tools I used for this easy copycat soup

• Le Creuset 5 1/2-Qt. Dutch Oven – enamel cast iron is great for even heat and this pot is large enough so nothing boils over. My go to pot for soups, stews, chilis, roasts, and more! I have had my collection of Le Creuset for years and it is still in great condition!
• Wooden Spoons – perfect for sautéing and mixing, and great for not scratching your pans. Remember to deep clean your wooden utensils once a month!
• Pairing knife: I love these boxwood kitchen knives by Pallares Solsona, the carbon steel stays sharp for a while and I just love the look and design.
• Immersion Blender: this is such a helpful tool to have on hand, it can be used in several recipes. Not only can Immersion Blenders be affordable but they don’t take up much space, making them a great gadget to grab when you’re low on extra storage. This hand blender can blend the soup directly in the pot you cooked it in, which saves from having to dirty extra dishes.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you’re like me, you love a cozy soup during the chilly fall and winter months. These are some of my favorites that I go back to time and time again!

• Instant Pot Beer Cheese Soup with Cauliflower – a cheesy, veggie packed soup!
• Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup – similar to Olive Gardens chicken gnocchi soup.
• Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – a simple, filling slow cooker soup.
• Simple One-Pot Black Bean Soup – the perfect, protein-packed vegetarian soup!

What to serve with tomato soup

Sometimes I love a bowl of soup by itself, especially when the soup is loaded with other ingredients like this Greek Lemon Rice Soup with Chicken. But when it’s a creamy, smooth soup I like to serve it alongside a salad or warm bread to give it some substance and make a more hearty, filling meal. Try these ideas to turn your Panera Bread Copycat soup into a complete meal:

• BLT Salad – a fresh lettuce salad with a homemade garlic ranch.
• Crusty bread or bread bowls – can’t go wrong with a bread bowl!
• Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad – a delicious way to eat raw Brussel sprouts!
• Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots – an easy, shortcut side dish.
• Panini sandwiches or grilled cheese – a classic pairing!

Recipe FAQs

What is Panera tomato soup made of?

Panera’s tomato soup is made of canned crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, stock, onion, garlic, sugar, and spices. The restaurant version blends fresh basil and parmesan right into the soup. In this recipe cheese and basil are optional, I prefer to garnish with the two.

Can I substitute canned petite diced tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes?

Yes, you can. If you are planning to blend the soup in the end it technically doesn’t matter what type of canned tomato you use. Using petite diced tomatoes over regular diced tomatoes that will give you a head start on the blending. If you can only find whole tomatoes, I recommend using your hands or a blender to mash them down a bit before adding them into your pot.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but I do recommend using canned tomatoes for ease and texture. While this recipe is made simple by utilizing canned crushed tomatoes, you could use fresh tomatoes if needed. Fresh Roma or cherry tomatoes can be roasted and then added into the soup. Keep in mind this can change the texture of the final product as the tomato skins will not blend up as nicely and they can add extra liquid into the soup.

What if my soup is too thick?

If your tomato soup gets too thick, thin with a little extra stock or heavy cream. Water can be used as a last resort.

What if my soup is too thin?

If your tomato soup gets too thin, thicken be covering and simmer on medium heat until the soup has reduced down to the desired consistency.

How to store leftover tomato soup?

Leftover tomato soup can be cooled completely and transferred to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 1 month.