Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup (Cozy & Easy)
Panera’s creamy tomato soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food – rich, velvety, and just a little sweet. This copycat recipe recreates that smooth tomato bisque at home in 30 minutes, and it is made for dunking grilled cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, velvety, and comforting
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Perfect with grilled cheese
- Made with pantry staples
Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup
A copycat of Panera's creamy tomato soup - a rich, velvety tomato bisque with a touch of cream and basil, ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a pot and cook the onion until soft, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, and salt. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in the basil, then blend the soup smooth with an immersion or countertop blender.
- Return to the pot, stir in the cream, and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with basil and a swirl of cream, with grilled cheese for dipping.
Notes
A splash of cream and a pinch of sugar balance the acidity of the tomatoes for that smooth, Panera-style finish.
Tips for the Best Panera Tomato Soup
- A pinch of sugar balances the tomato acidity
- Blend until completely smooth for that bisque texture
- Add the cream off the boil so it does not curdle
- Fresh basil brightens the whole bowl
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze (before adding cream) up to 3 months. Reheat gently and stir in the cream.
Variations to Try
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for depth
- Stir in a spoon of pesto
- Top with crunchy croutons
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make tomato soup creamy?
Blend it smooth and stir in a little heavy cream off the heat for a velvety, bisque-like texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream or a plant-based cream in place of the dairy.
What goes with tomato soup?
Grilled cheese is the classic pairing, along with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
