If you’ve ever had a bowl of Panera’s creamy tomato soup, you understand that it deserves a tasty sidekick. The delightful taste of this soup blends well with a variety of items that enhance its flavor profile. Such as: Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Salad, Crusty Bread, Pasta Salad, Chips etc.
Many memories float around food, don’t they? I remember the first time I enjoyed a bowl of creamy tomato soup at Panera Bread.
It was a chilly day, and the warmth of that soup felt like a comforting hug. Its flavor was unforgettable—a perfect blend of tomatoes and cream with a hint of herbs that lingered on my palate. Ever since, I’ve been on a quest to recreate it at home.
This quest not only brought back wonderful memories but also turned into a discovery of the art of cooking. I invited friends over, made giant batches, and learned all about the ingredients that create this velvety soup.
Here’s the fantastic part: you can make this soup from scratch, and I’ll guide you every step of the way!
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What is Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup?
Panera Bread’s creamy tomato soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that combines the rich essence of tomatoes with a smooth, soothing texture.
Crafted primarily with ripe San Marzano tomatoes, this dish elevates the classic tomato soup by introducing cream that adds richness.
The careful balance of garlic, onion, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors. This soup remains comforting even as the seasons change, making it a beloved favorite across many seasons.
Why You’ll Love Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup
Let’s dive right into why this soup is fantastic.
Velvety Smoothness: The addition of cream transforms the humble tomato soup into an indulgent delight. Each spoonful slides over your tongue, warming you from the inside.
Herbaceous Aromas: The use of fresh basil and a sprinkle of dried oregano deepens the flavors in a way that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made predominantly from whole tomatoes, this soup contains vitamins and minerals from nature’s bounty. Tomatoes are known to be high in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is linked to numerous health benefits.
Versatility: This creamy tomato soup is a canvas. You can dress it up with additional herbs, spices, or toppings like crispy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Satisfying: This soup can be a meal on its own or a delightful starter. It’s filling yet light, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You Will Need to Make Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Croutons (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth and richness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for a fragrant herbal note)
Directions to Make Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Blend in the Tomatoes
Add the San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir well, and then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble gently for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients
Stir in the chopped basil, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. These additions enhance the flavor profile and create complexity in taste. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. You can also carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Just be cautious, as the soup is hot!
Step 5: Cream It Up
Return the smooth mixture to the pot over low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning if necessary and allow the soup to warm through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Notes
- Quality of tomatoes matters: Opting for San Marzano tomatoes makes a significant difference. Their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the dish beautifully.
- Fresh herbs are key: While dried herbs can be substituted, fresh basil will elevate your soup to another level.
- Sugar balances acidity: The tablespoon of sugar is important. It counteracts the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother flavor.
- Experiment with creaminess: If you’re watching calories, half-and-half works just fine. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Texture preferences: If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending step or blend only half of the soup and mix it back in.
Storage Tips
This creamy tomato soup stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Pack it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Grilled Cheese: There’s nothing quite like dipping a cheesy grilled sandwich into tomato soup. The combination is classic.
- Top with Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil not only looks good but also brightens up the flavors.
- Add Croutons: Crunchy croutons deliver texture and can be flavored to complement the soup.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad adds lightness and freshness, making the meal balanced.
- Garnish with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and depth.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup?
- Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, consider coconut milk. It offers a different but delightful sweetness and creaminess.
- Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk can replace cream. It offers a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For a smoky flavor twist, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of plain tomatoes.
- Vegetable Broth: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan option while still maintaining a rich flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like your soup spicy, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a hint of cayenne pepper to adjust heat levels.
Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- large pot
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 28 oz cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 large fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half and half for a lighter option
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
- Croutons for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional, for added depth and richness
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves optional, for a fragrant herbaceous note
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Blend in the Tomatoes
- Add the San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir well, and then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble gently for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients
- Stir in the chopped basil, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. These additions enhance the flavor profile and create complexity in taste. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. You can also carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Just be cautious, as the soup is hot!
Step 5: Cream It Up
- Return the smooth mixture to the pot over low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning if necessary and allow the soup to warm through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Notes
- Quality of tomatoes matters: Opting for San Marzano tomatoes makes a significant difference. Their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the dish beautifully.
- Fresh herbs are key: While dried herbs can be substituted, fresh basil will elevate your soup to another level.
- Sugar balances acidity: The tablespoon of sugar is important. It counteracts the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother flavor.
- Experiment with creaminess: If you’re watching calories, half-and-half works just fine. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Texture preferences: If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending step or blend only half of the soup and mix it back in.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Panera’s creamy tomato soup vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will keep your soup vegan without sacrificing taste.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. The general rule is to use about 2-3 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes for this recipe. You’ll want to blanche, peel, and seed them first.
3. How do I make the soup thinner?
If your soup is too thick for your liking, simply stir in additional broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Can this soup be prepared ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the soup a day or two ahead. The flavors actually get better as they sit together. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
5. What’s the best way to serve leftover soup?
Reheat it gently on the stove. Avoid boiling, as it could change the texture. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much upon heating.
6. Could I add meat to this soup?
Certainly! Chopped grilled chicken or turkey can be added for an extra protein kick. Just incorporate them near the end of the cooking process.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Panera’s creamy tomato soup is easier to make than you think and incredibly delightful. From selecting quality ingredients to mastering the blend of flavors, this soup reflects comfort in every bowl. It’s perfect any day of the week, especially served alongside a warm sandwich or a refreshing salad.
The journey of recreating this flavorful bowl is gratifying. You’ll impress friends and family and perhaps create memories with them, just as I did that chilly day.
So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Enjoy a bowl of your homemade soup and feel the comfort stem from your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!
