Warm up with this rich and creamy tomato soup—a homemade copycat of Panera’s favorite! Made in just one pot, this easy recipe features San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant garlic and onions, fresh basil, and a touch of cream. Perfectly smooth, comforting, and ideal for pairing with a melty grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes, juice included
- 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent (about 8 minutes).
- Simmer Tomatoes: Stir in San Marzano tomatoes with juice, chicken stock, and sugar. Bring to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cream & Herbs: Stir in heavy cream, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Blend Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches—cover with a towel and blend cautiously to avoid splatters.)
- Finish & Serve: Stir in Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot, garnished with croutons, and enjoy with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Creamy: Add more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer texture.
- Tomato Paste Boost: Stir in 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Cool soup and pack into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring halfway through.
This homemade Panera-style tomato soup is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor!
Leave a Comment