Description
Creamy, cozy, and packed with rich tomato flavor, this Panera Bread Tomato Soup is an easy recipe that turns a café favorite into a homemade comfort meal. Perfect for quick lunch ideas, easy dinner nights, and warm food ideas for the whole family, this smooth tomato basil soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese and makes one of the best simple soup recipes to keep on repeat.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
2 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato juice, chicken broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend the soup until completely smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
6. Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat gently for 3 to 5 minutes without boiling.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with croutons and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best color and flavor.
Blend thoroughly for the smoothest, most café-style texture.
Heat gently after adding cream so the soup stays silky and does not separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Panera Bread Tomato Soup, tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, tomato basil soup, easy soup recipe, quick lunch, easy dinner, comfort food, food ideas