Panera Bread Tomato Soup

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There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Panera Bread Tomato Soup. It wraps you in warmth, hits the right balance of creamy and tangy, and pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich. This version brings all the richness of the original, but made right in your own kitchen using real pantry staples. Whether it’s a rainy day or a cozy night in, this tomato soup is the hug-in-a-bowl you didn’t know you needed.

What makes this soup truly stand out is its velvety smooth texture and mellow acidity from the tomatoes, with a gentle touch of cream and basil that rounds everything out. The homemade version captures all that magic, and then some. Plus, you can tweak it to your taste—spicy, garlicky, or extra creamy. Whatever your style, it’s a quick recipe that delivers comfort with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Panera Bread Tomato Soup

This soup is fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare but feels like it simmered all day. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just a few quality tomatoes and a good blender. It’s vegetarian-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and makes for excellent leftovers. From kids to grown-ups, it’s a hit every single time.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

While Panera Bread uses vine-ripened tomatoes, this copycat version works wonderfully with canned San Marzano tomatoes. They’re sweet, low-acid, and perfect for a smooth, rich soup. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist. Fresh tomatoes can be used in summer, but they’ll need to be roasted or blanched first for optimal flavor and texture.

Ingredients for the Panera Bread Tomato Soup

To get that signature creamy-tomato flavor, you don’t need much—just a handful of reliable ingredients that work magic together.

Butter brings richness and helps create a silky base for sautéing aromatics.

Olive oil adds a layer of flavor and prevents the butter from burning.

Yellow onion provides a natural sweetness that deepens as it cooks down.

Garlic gives the soup a savory backbone.

Canned San Marzano tomatoes are the star—mild, naturally sweet, and smooth when blended.

Vegetable broth thins the soup just enough and enhances its umami depth.

Heavy cream is what makes the soup lush and comforting.

Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

Salt and pepper bring it all together with simple seasoning.

Fresh basil lifts the flavor and gives that classic tomato-basil note Panera is known for.

How To Make the Panera Bread Tomato Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes with their juices. Use a spoon to break them up slightly. Add the vegetable broth and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Step 3: Blend to Perfection

Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Return to the pot.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Basil

Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for another 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a swirl of cream or fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with a grilled cheese or crusty bread.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This Panera Bread Tomato Soup is perfect as a main dish or a side. It feeds about 4 people generously and stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave gently to avoid separating the cream.

What to Serve With Panera Bread Tomato Soup?

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Classic, crispy, and melty—this combo is famous for a reason.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy and aromatic, it makes the perfect companion for dipping.

Caesar Salad

A crisp and tangy side that balances the richness of the soup.

Roasted Veggie Wraps

Add some color and fiber with a fresh wrap filled with roasted seasonal veggies.

Avocado Toast

Creamy and toasty, it adds healthy fats and great texture.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

A sweet and savory contrast that works surprisingly well.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

For a heartier dinner, pair your soup with veggie or rice-stuffed peppers.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, gooey, and dippable—need we say more?

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this cozy tomato soup, you’ll want to try these comforting bowls next:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak is rich and earthy with deep umami.
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a hearty, satisfying twist.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono if you’re craving something tangy and fresh.
• Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup for a unique, island-inspired bowl.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a meat-free and cozy dinner night.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready for your next cozy craving.

Did you try making it extra garlicky or go bold with spice? I’d love to hear how you personalized it.

Explore even more homemade comfort soups and health-boosting meals at Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Panera Bread Tomato Soup recipe brings all the nostalgia and warmth of the café favorite right into your kitchen. It’s a simple but soul-satisfying bowl made with pantry basics and a whole lot of flavor. Make it once, and it just might become a weekly staple for your family.

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