Imagine a comforting bowl of Panera’s tomato soup, its rich aroma filling the air with warmth and nostalgia.
There’s something about this simple yet indulgent soup that soothes the soul, making it a beloved favorite.
Easy to prepare, it combines the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with the creamy richness of heavy cream, creating a velvety texture that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 blender or immersion blender
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 ladle
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Panera Tomato Soup, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Initial Reading & Setup (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Chop the large onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Open the cans of whole tomatoes and measure out the vegetable broth, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and fresh basil.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- 5-10 minutes: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- 10-11 minutes: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 11-12 minutes: Pour in the canned tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth.
- 12-13 minutes: Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- 13-33 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cooling & Blending (10 minutes)
- 33-35 minutes: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- 35-40 minutes: Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Final Cooking & Resting (10 minutes)
- 40-41 minutes: Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- 41-45 minutes: Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- 45-50 minutes: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Serving (2 minutes)
- 50-52 minutes: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in the canned tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth.
Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing for tomato soup, offering a crispy and cheesy contrast to the smooth, tangy soup.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a warm piece of crusty bread complements the creamy texture of the soup.
- Fresh Salad: A light side salad can add a revitalizing crunch and balance to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garlic Croutons: Add some crunch and a hint of garlic flavor to each spoonful by topping the soup with homemade croutons.
- Cheese Quesadilla: A melty quesadilla can serve as a deliciously cheesy side, enhancing the comforting nature of the meal.
Storage
To store Panera Tomato Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Freezing
To freeze Panera Tomato Soup, cool it completely.
Transfer it to airtight containers and leave space for expansion.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating Panera Tomato Soup, use low heat on the stovetop.
Stir occasionally to maintain texture and prevent scorching.
Alternatively, use a microwave.
Stir halfway through for even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Panera Tomato Soup recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that captures the heart of a classic American soup.
It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season. With its creamy texture and rich tomato flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, this soup is versatile and satisfying.
Feel free to pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Panera Tomato Soup at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream With a Dairy-Free Alternative?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative. Use coconut cream for a creamy texture or almond milk for a lighter option. Adjust the quantity based on desired thickness and flavor preference. Always taste before serving.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving for extra heat.
What Pairs Well With Tomato Soup for a Complete Meal?
Pair your tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination. Opt for a crusty artisan bread and sharp cheddar. Include a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance flavors and add nutritional variety.
Is It Possible to Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Blanch, peel, and core them first. Increase cooking time to guarantee they break down completely. Adjust seasoning, as fresh tomatoes may differ in sweetness and acidity compared to canned.
How Can I Reduce the Acidity of the Soup?
To reduce the soup’s acidity, add a pinch of baking soda while simmering; it neutralizes acidity. Incorporate sugar for balance. Taste and adjust gradually. Avoid overuse as it can alter the soup’s flavor profile.
Panera Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Blender or immersion blender
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
- Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
