Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is a comforting delight that brings the rich flavors of San Marzano tomatoes right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches, this soup pairs beautifully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With its creamy texture and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: Using San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil delivers an explosion of taste in every spoonful.
• Versatile Pairing: Ideal as a starter or a main dish, this soup complements various sides, especially grilled cheese.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add extra toppings like croutons for added crunch.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients from tomatoes and herbs, enjoy comfort without the guilt.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of your cooking experience, having the right tools on hand is essential. These will help streamline the process and ensure a delicious outcome.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups without burning them.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients easy and efficient, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
• 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 1/4 cup 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)

Optional Toppings

• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
• croutons (optional garnish)

How to Make Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a heavy bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent—about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Simmer

• Add the San Marzano peeled tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, and sugar to the pot.
• Bring everything to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for approximately 12 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream & Herbs

• Stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil leaves, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender), puree until smooth.
– If using a regular blender, be cautious of hot splatters; cover with a kitchen towel if needed.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Stir in parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately topped with croutons for extra texture!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Copycat Panera Tomato Soup!

How to Serve Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, here are some serving suggestions.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic pairing that never disappoints. The melty cheese and crispy bread perfectly complement the creamy tomato soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve a slice of fresh, crusty bread on the side to soak up the rich flavors of the soup. A sourdough or baguette works wonderfully.

With Fresh Salad

• A light salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing touch.

As a Pasta Sauce

• Use this soup as a delicious sauce over your favorite pasta. Toss it with cooked pasta and add some fresh basil for an easy meal.

Topped with Extra Garnishes

• Enhance your bowl with additional toppings like croutons, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

To ensure your Copycat Panera Tomato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Tomatoes: Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. They are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
• Control Consistency: Adjust the thickness by adding more or less chicken stock based on your preference. Add stock gradually while simmering.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure you puree the soup until smooth to achieve that creamy texture. An immersion blender is ideal for this purpose.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to balance flavors. Every batch may need slight tweaks.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles that suit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Panera Tomato Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Cheese: A traditional side that offers a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
2. Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the soup; its chewiness complements the creamy consistency.
3. Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing balance to the rich soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can be a delightful contrast, offering different textures and flavors.
6. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic butter bread enhances each spoonful of soup with its savory goodness.
7. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can provide an interesting tasting experience alongside the soup.
8. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty bites filled with grains or vegetables make for a filling accompaniment to tomato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Copycat Panera Tomato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Ingredients Selection: Using subpar tomatoes can ruin your soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste.
• Bold Overcooking Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding other ingredients.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always sample your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Bold Improper Blending: Not blending the soup enough can leave chunks. Ensure you puree until smooth for that signature creamy texture.
• Bold Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness and depth to your soup. Don’t skip it; add it at the end for maximum flavor.
• Bold Neglecting Storage Tips: Improper storage can spoil your soup quickly. Follow proper guidelines for refrigeration or freezing to keep it fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in suitable freezer containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion as the soup freezes.

Reheating Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally; heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe.

How do I make this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe vegan?

You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Replace them with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar richness.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 2 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and chopped. Adjust cooking time accordingly as fresh tomatoes may take longer to soften.

What should I serve with my Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe?

This creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I add protein to this tomato soup?

Certainly! You can add shredded chicken or turkey for extra protein. Just mix it in after blending the soup for added texture and flavor.

How long will leftovers last?

The leftovers can be stored properly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect on its own or paired with your favorite sandwich. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables according to your taste preferences!