There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup. This Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat recipe brings the beloved flavors of Panera right into your kitchen, allowing you to savor that rich, creamy goodness anytime you want. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can enjoy this classic dish that is perfect for chilly days or as a delightful pairing with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.
Why We Love This Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat Recipe
We love this Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat recipe for many reasons. First, it offers a deliciously creamy texture and a fresh tomato flavor that warms the soul. The balance of taste from the sautéed onions and garlic adds depth, while the fresh basil on top provides a fragrant touch to every spoonful. This recipe is quick and simple, making it an ideal choice whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making your version of a restaurant favorite that you can customize to your liking.
Ingredients about Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
To make your own version of Panera’s famous tomato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat Directions
Making this delicious tomato soup is straightforward, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to help sauté the onions without letting them burn.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes or until it becomes translucent. This step is crucial because the onion forms the flavor base of your soup.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can develop a bitter taste if overcooked.
- After the garlic has cooked slightly, it’s time to add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. These ingredients will give your soup the rich, tomatoey flavor that everyone craves. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar; this helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Increase the temperature and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After simmering, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it achieves a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer batches of soup to a standard blender, remembering to vent the lid to avoid any pressure build-up.
- Once blended, return the soup to the pot and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This will give your soup that silky, creamy texture that makes it so indulgent.
- Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil for that extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
Serving your homemade Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some great suggestions on how to present your dish:
- Perfect Pairing: This soup is a match made in heaven with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Whether it’s made with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese blend, the gooeyness pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the soup.
- Accompaniments: Add a side of crispy croutons to the soup for an added crunch. You can even make your own croutons by toasting bread in olive oil until golden brown.
- Garnishing: Dress up your bowl of soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream before serving. Freshly shaved parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish, adding a savory touch.
- Presentation: Consider serving the soup in rustic bowls or mugs for a cozy feel, and don’t forget that fresh basil works wonders not just for flavor but also for a vibrant, appealing presentation.
Expert Tips: Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
To make your experience even better and enhance the flavor of this amazing soup, keep these tips in mind:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always try to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use fresh tomatoes in place of canned ones; just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Texture Preferences: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the batch and mix it back in. This gives you a delightful contrast in texture.
- Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while the soup simmers. This will give your tomato soup an exciting kick without overwhelming it.
- Experiment with Herbs: Instead of just basil, try adding other herbs like thyme or oregano during the cooking process to introduce additional layers of flavor.
How to Store Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
Storing your leftovers is easy and can help maximize your tomato soup experience. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps to prevent condensation inside the container, which can dilute the soup’s flavor.
- Containers: Use airtight containers for storing the soup. Glass jars or plastic Tupperware are great options that help maintain the soup’s freshness.
- Refrigeration: The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you find you have more than you can finish, consider freezing some.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Just remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of your container or bag, as the soup will expand when frozen. This soup can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Variation of Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
While the classic Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat is delightful on its own, you can easily add your own twist. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Roasted Tomato Version: For a deeper flavor, roast your tomatoes before adding them to the pot. Simply toss them with olive oil and roast until caramelized before blending them into the soup.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: If you’re a fan of spicy foods, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. This will elevate the soup with a zesty kick.
- Herbed Tomato Soup: Incorporate different herbs like thyme or dill to introduce new flavors. These aromatic herbs can complement the tomatoes beautifully.
- Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. Ensure that the vegetable broth is also free from any animal products.
FAQ
What is in the Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat recipe?
The ingredients include olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper, with fresh basil for garnish.
How do you make Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat?
To make it, sauté onion and garlic, add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, simmer, blend until smooth, stir in heavy cream, and season to taste.
What are some serving suggestions for Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat?
You can serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or croutons, and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
How should I store Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat?
Let the soup cool, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to three months.
Can I customize the Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spices, herbs, or even roasted tomatoes for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Copycat
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, chopped Provides flavor base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth to the flavor
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes Canned for convenience
- 2 cups vegetable broth Base liquid for the soup
For creaminess and seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream For richness and creaminess
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to preference
For garnish
- Fresh basil For serving and garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute without browning.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot, followed by the sugar.
Cooking
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
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