Few things bring the same comfort as a warm bowl of tomato soup, and Panera Bread’s version has always been a favorite of mine. There’s something deeply satisfying about its creamy texture, rich tomato flavor, and subtle herb undertones. Whether I’m curled up on a chilly evening or looking for a light yet flavorful lunch, this soup always hits the spot.

After countless cravings and more trips to Panera than I’d like to admit, I decided to recreate their beloved tomato soup at home. The result? A spot-on match that’s surprisingly simple to make, but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. I’m excited to walk you through how to bring this restaurant favorite to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Panera Bread Tomato Soup

This soup delivers the perfect blend of sweet tomatoes, rich cream, and savory herbs. It’s cozy, satisfying, and ready in less than an hour. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe fits effortlessly into your routine. Plus, it’s vegetarian and easily adaptable, making it a favorite for households with different dietary needs.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

For the closest match to Panera’s version, I go with canned San Marzano tomatoes. They’re sweeter and less acidic, which helps develop that signature flavor without needing to add much sugar. If you can’t find San Marzano, use a high-quality whole peeled tomato—it makes a big difference in taste.

Options for Substitutions

This soup is very forgiving. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re going dairy-free. Don’t have fresh basil? Dried works in a pinch. For a boost of protein, toss in some white beans or top it with grilled cheese croutons. And if you prefer a smokier note, a touch of smoked paprika goes a long way.

Ingredients for This Panera Bread Tomato Soup

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the aromatics and deepen their flavor base.

Yellow Onion – Adds a sweet, savory foundation to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Garlic – Brings warmth and depth to the soup with its bold aroma.

Crushed Tomatoes – The main ingredient; opt for San Marzano for best results.

Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds natural sweetness.

Vegetable Broth – Provides a savory backbone to the soup while keeping it vegetarian.

Heavy Cream – Essential for the creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.

Sugar – Just a pinch helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes.

Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances all the other flavors.

Dried Oregano and Basil – These herbs echo the signature Panera flavor profile.

Butter – Gives the soup a silky richness at the end.

Fresh Basil (for garnish) – Adds a pop of freshness to every bite.

Croutons and Shredded Cheese (optional) – Classic toppings that take it over the top.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Add tomato paste and stir to coat the onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes to caramelize the paste slightly. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Add vegetable broth, dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer it in batches to a blender, then return to the pot.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Finish

Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let the soup warm through for another 5 minutes over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, croutons, and fresh basil. Serve immediately with your favorite side.

How Long to Prepare Panera Bread Tomato Soup

Prep Time: The preparation takes about 10–15 minutes. This includes chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using pre-minced garlic or pre-chopped onions, it goes even faster.

Cook Time: Cooking takes around 30–35 minutes from start to finish. The simmering and blending process helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, while still being efficient enough for a weeknight dinner.

Tips for Perfect Panera Bread Tomato Soup

Use high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for the most authentic flavor.
Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds a rich depth that mimics the Panera version.
Blend thoroughly for a silky smooth texture. An immersion blender is easiest, but a countertop blender works too.
Add the cream after blending to keep the soup luscious and smooth.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning or sugar depending on your tomato’s acidity.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the garlic – Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Only sauté for about 30 seconds.
Skipping the simmer – Simmering is what allows the flavors to meld together. Don’t rush it.
Adding cream too early – Adding cream while simmering may cause it to curdle. Always stir it in at the end.
Not tasting as you go – Tomatoes can vary in acidity and sweetness, so always taste before final seasoning.
Using cold broth – This can halt the cooking process. Warm it up slightly before adding if you can.

What to Serve With Panera Bread Tomato Soup?

1. Classic Grilled Cheese

Melty, buttery, golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate partner for tomato soup.

2. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, garlic bread is ideal for dipping into that creamy soup.

3. Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup with crisp greens and tangy dressing.

4. Baked Potato Wedges

Savory and filling, roasted potato wedges make it a heartier meal.

5. Roasted Veggie Wraps

For something light yet flavorful, serve with veggie-packed wraps for a balanced plate.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When reheating, stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or broth if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling once the cream is added.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is this to Panera’s tomato soup?

Very close! With the right ingredients, especially San Marzano tomatoes and cream, it’s nearly identical in taste and texture.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, just use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream and skip the butter or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes?

You can, but you’ll need to blanch, peel, and cook them longer. Canned tomatoes provide a more concentrated flavor.

Can I freeze it with the cream already in it?

Yes, this soup freezes well even with cream. Just reheat gently and stir well after thawing.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when simmering to give it some heat.

Conclusion

Recreating Panera Bread’s tomato soup at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. The flavor is rich, the texture is velvety, and the ingredients are simple and wholesome. Whether you’re serving it with grilled cheese or sipping it on its own, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Cozy up and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s just as good—if not better—than the one you’d find at the café.