Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe – Creamy, Tangy & Delicious

Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe – that silky, tangy, slightly sweet comfort in a bowl that always hits the spot. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a cozy weeknight in, this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup delivers restaurant flavor without the takeout line (or price). It’s made with San Marzano tomatoes, real cream, and a touch of basil – all simmered together in under 30 minutes. And let’s be honest, what’s better than dunking a golden grilled cheese right into this dreamy tomato soup?

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What is Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe?

This Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is a creamy, tangy tomato soup that mirrors the one you crave from Panera Bread. It’s made using high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, and finished with a splash of cream and fresh basil. The result is a perfectly balanced soup — not too acidic, not too sweet, with that rich tomato flavor Panera fans love. Think of it as comfort food elegance — simple ingredients, restaurant-worthy results.

Reasons to Try Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever spent $7 on a bowl of tomato soup, this one’s for you. This homemade version is quick, affordable, and tastes just like Panera’s (some say better!). You only need one pot and 30 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s also freezer-friendly, great for meal prep, and pairs perfectly with just about any sandwich. Plus, it uses pantry staples you probably already have, which means less grocery store stress and more soup satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed to Make Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

• 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 or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half and half
• 8 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

(For another cozy bowl, check out Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme or our fan-favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup.)

Instructions to Make Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever sat in a Panera booth with a warm bowl of their tomato soup and thought, “I could totally make this at home,” — you were absolutely right. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making the Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe from scratch, right in your kitchen. No fancy tools, no stress — just a few pantry staples and 40 minutes to creamy, dreamy perfection.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start with the foundation of all good soups — onions and garlic. In a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown — burnt garlic will make your soup bitter).

Next, toss in your sliced yellow onion. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden — this should take about 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen starts smelling like a cozy Italian restaurant.

Pro tip: If you love depth of flavor, you can caramelize the onions for an extra 5 minutes. This will give your Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe a rich, sweet undertone that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

For more aromatic soup inspiration, you can try our Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme, which uses similar sautéing techniques for a deep, savory base.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Now it’s time for the star of the show — the San Marzano tomatoes. Add two cans (28 oz each) of the tomatoes, juice and all, directly into the pot. These tomatoes are naturally sweet and low in acidity, which is key to mimicking that signature Panera tomato soup flavor.

Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock (or vegetable stock if you prefer a vegetarian version). Stir gently to combine everything, then sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of sugar — this helps balance the tanginess of the tomatoes.

Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. You’ll notice the tomatoes start to break down, melding into the onions and garlic — that’s your cue that the magic is happening.

If you’re a soup lover, you might also enjoy our Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup, which also builds rich tomato flavor through slow simmering.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Velvety

Once the tomatoes are tender and the mixture has slightly thickened, it’s time to transform your chunky base into that silky-smooth Copycat Panera Tomato Soup texture.

If you have an immersion blender, simply blend the soup right in the pot until smooth. For those using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches — only halfway full at a time. Cover the blender lid with a kitchen towel (not the plastic cap) to let steam escape safely. Blend until there are no large chunks remaining, then pour the soup back into the pot.

Important safety note: Blending hot soup can cause pressure to build up, so always vent the lid slightly to prevent splatters.

When you return the blended soup to the pot, you’ll notice that velvety texture Panera is known for — smooth, creamy, and beautifully rich.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings

Now we bring in the flavor finishers. Pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half if you want a lighter version). Stir gently to blend. Add in 8 fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped), ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes, uncovered. The cream will give it that luxurious, rich consistency, and the basil adds that signature herby aroma that makes this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe unforgettable.

If you love creamy soups like this one, you might want to check out our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup — another 30-minute comfort food that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Serve

Right before serving, stir in ⅓ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese if you’d like an extra layer of savory richness. It melts into the soup, giving it a velvety body and that subtle umami kick.

Now ladle the soup into bowls, top with croutons, and maybe an extra drizzle of cream or olive oil. Garnish with a few torn basil leaves for that “I-just-made-this-at-home-but-it-looks-like-a-café” presentation.

Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich — the ultimate power couple. The buttery crunch of the sandwich dunked into creamy tomato soup is pure nostalgia (and yes, just as satisfying as the one from Panera).

For a full soup night spread, serve this alongside Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup or Creamy Mushroom Potato Soup. You’ll feel like you opened your own cozy café right at home.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

This last step is all about fine-tuning. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too tangy, add a pinch more sugar. Too thick? Stir in a splash of broth. Not enough kick? Another dash of crushed red pepper flakes does the trick.

Cooking is personal, and this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is forgiving — it’s meant to be customized. Once you’ve got that perfect balance, you’ll realize you don’t need to head to Panera anymore — the real deal is simmering right in your kitchen.

What to Serve with Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup and grilled cheese? A classic for a reason. Pair this soup with a crispy, buttery sandwich loaded with cheddar or mozzarella. It also goes beautifully with a light salad or even a slice of garlic bread. If you want to mix things up, try it alongside our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for a comforting soup duo, or serve it before a cozy pasta dish.

Key Tips for Making Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

1. Use San Marzano tomatoes – they’re naturally sweeter and less acidic.
2. Simmer uncovered so the soup thickens and flavors concentrate.
3. Blend well for that velvety restaurant-style texture.
4. Add cream slowly to avoid curdling.
5. Taste before serving – a pinch of salt or sugar can balance the flavor perfectly.
6. For a vegan twist, skip the cream and Parmesan, and use coconut milk instead.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe

Cool the soup completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep it silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan. It’s still delicious and creamy.

What’s the best way to blend the soup safely?
An immersion blender is the easiest. If using a traditional blender, let the soup cool slightly and cover the lid with a towel.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Sure, but use ripe Roma or plum tomatoes and simmer longer to get the same depth of flavor.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Just cool it completely before freezing. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about this Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe — it’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the comfort food spot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need something cozy on a chilly night, this soup brings that familiar Panera warmth straight to your kitchen. And the best part? You made it yourself — no drive-thru required.

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