When I was pregnant with my son, I worked at office within walking distance to a Panera (and to a Great American Cookies but that’s another story). I would frequent Panera quite often. Since I couldn’t have most of their sandwiches since I was pregnant at the time, I became a connoisseur of their other offerings. I’m a huge fan of their chilis and soups. I’m a special fan of their creamy tomato soup so I created this copycat Panera tomato soup recipe.
Now that we have moved from Texas to Canada and then back to Texas and now packing for Arizona thanks to my husband’s job, I’m missing all the amazing Panera food again. I miss being able to walk to a Panera on my lunch break! Their mac and cheese, turkey chili, and tomato soup are some of my favorites. Oh, and their cookies are amazing. I especially love their lemon cookies.
Panera also has the best food for fall and winter. It is so nice to have a warm bowl of soup on a cool day. This soup is creamy, warm, full of flavor and very comforting. This perfect tomato soup recipe really is one of the best soups out there. It is great on a cold day, especially for lunch.
What do you need to make this copycat Panera tomato soup recipe?
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Carrots
- Yellow onion
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
- Canned whole tomatoes
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Basil
- Salt and pepper
I have always had success using canned tomatoes in this copycat recipe but if you’d like to try this recipe with fresh tomatoes then go for it. I also recommend using a food processor for the tomatoes and a heavy cooking pot or dutch oven for the soup.
Can you freeze this recipe?
If you have some leftovers you can absolutely freeze this recipe. Cool it and then store it in freezer safe containers for up to two months. To reheat, defrost the soup and then reheat on your stove top.
What goes well with this tomato soup?
Homemade bread, salad, or a grilled cheese all go really well with this soup. Topping this soup with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also a really delicious touch.
Other recipe notes
Since this recipe is homemade, you might need to experiment with adding more or less salt and pepper, heavy cream, or basil. Just add to your taste.
Copycat Panera Tomato Soup
Equipment
- Food processor or immersion blender
- Heavy cooking pot or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 carrots grated
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cans whole tomatoes (28 ounces) do not drain
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven combine butter, olive oil, garlic, carrots, and onion.
- Sauté on medium heat for five minutes before adding the tomato paste, whole tomatoes, and broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer before adding basil, salt and pepper and heavy cream.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes and then use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until the soup is a creamy consistency.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe. If you need even more recipes, be sure to check out our Take a Recipe and Leave a Recipe group on Facebook!
If you liked this copycat Panera tomato soup recipe, you might also like:
- Copycat Panera Turkey Chili Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread
- Copycat Outback Alice Springs Chicken
- Copycat Great American Cookies Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Copycat Great American Cookies Sugar Cookie
If you liked this copycat Panera tomato soup recipe, be sure to share the love and pin it!
Nahyun
This looks amazing. I love the creamy tomato soup from Panera! Definitely pinning this for later!
Shelby
I just perfected my Panera copy cat broccoli cheese soup. I am definitely adding this one to my try list! Thank you!
Bri
Love Panera! Thank you for this recipe! Can’t wait to copy theirs!!
Abbie Hills
Delicious idea!
FOODHEAL
Oh, I love the way this tomato soup is creamy. It’s super delicious.
Ramona
I was actually thinking to make a tomato soup and this is definitely the one I wanna make, it looks and sounds delicious. Recipe saved and pinned.
Sue
I love tomato soup – this one is a keeper!
Emily Flint
This tomato soup looks so good and is perfect for chilly nights!
Swathi
This tomato soup looks perfect for cold weather.
Chef Dennis
Soup is life! This Panera Tomato Soup looks soo scrumptious. My family will love this.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol! Must print the recipe.
Leslie
I love Panera’s tomato soup! Thank you for this!
Alexandra
So delicious and comforting – yum!
Lilly
This soup is so good! My family and I loved it!