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Creamy tomato soup topped with croutons and basil in a white bowl, Panera copycat recipe.

Creamy Tomato Soup (Panera Bread Copycat)

Creamy tomato soup inspired by the Panera Bread favorite, made with canned San Marzano tomatoes and a simple simmer-and-blend method. This easy homemade copycat recipe delivers smooth, café-style flavor at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or half and half
  • 8 large fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese optional
  • croutons optional garnish

Method
 

  1. In a heavy bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onion and tomato paste and cook until translucent, stirring as needed, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Add San Marzano peeled tomatoes (including juices), chicken stock, and sugar. Bring to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes or until thickened.
  3. Add the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer soup to a blender in small batches to avoid hot splatters), puree until smooth, leaving some small chunks.
  5. Turn off heat and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese (if using). Serve topped with croutons, if desired!

Notes

  • Add the cream and Parmesan off heat to keep the soup smooth and prevent separation.
  • If the tomatoes taste sharp, add sugar a little at a time and retaste before adding more.
  • For the smoothest texture, blend thoroughly and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.