Panera Tomato Soup Recipe – Cozy, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
If you’ve ever had Panera’s creamy tomato soup, you know it’s the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Now, you can recreate this rich, tangy, and savory favorite right at home with simple pantry ingredients. This Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is creamy, full of tomato flavor, and perfectly pairs with grilled cheese or crusty bread. Whether it’s a rainy day or a chilly evening, this soup brings restaurant-quality warmth right to your table.

Ingredients Of Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
Why You Will Love This Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
This Panera-style tomato soup is incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers a luxurious, smooth texture with a bold tomato flavor. It’s made from real, clean ingredients and contains no preservatives. It’s also budget-friendly and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it with a grilled cheese for dinner, this soup always hits the spot.
Preparation Process Of Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavorful base. Add tomato paste for depth, then whole tomatoes and broth to simmer into a rich soup. Blend until silky smooth, stir in cream for that signature richness, and season to perfection.
Step By Step Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute. Add canned whole tomatoes (with juice) and break them up slightly with a spoon.
Pour in the Broth: Add vegetable broth or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer it to a blender in batches.
Add Cream and Season: Return the soup to the pot if blended in a blender. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed). Heat gently for 2–3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot with grilled cheese or croutons.
How to Serve?
- With grilled cheese sandwiches
- Topped with homemade croutons
- Paired with a side salad
- Garnished with a swirl of cream and basil
- With crusty garlic bread



Tips & Variations
For a vegan version, use coconut milk instead of cream.
Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Roast the tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Recipe Card
Panera Tomato Soup Recipe – Cozy, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes230
kcalThis creamy and comforting Panera Tomato Soup Recipe is the perfect homemade version of the popular café favorite. Made with real ingredients like whole tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cream, this soup is rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights in. It’s quick to make in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese or garlic bread. Whether you’re craving a warm lunch or a simple dinner, this tomato soup will satisfy every time. Vegan and gluten-free options included!
Ingredients
Butter
Olive oil
Yellow onion (chopped)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Tomato paste
Canned whole tomatoes (San Marzano or fire-roasted preferred)
Vegetable broth or chicken broth
Heavy cream
Sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes
- Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute. Add canned whole tomatoes (with juice) and break them up slightly with a spoon.
- Pour in the Broth
- Add vegetable broth or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer it to a blender in batches.
- Add Cream and Season
- Return the soup to the pot if blended in a blender. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed). Heat gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot with grilled cheese or croutons.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor.
- A blender will give the smoothest consistency.
- Adjust cream and seasoning to taste.
- Make ahead and reheat for easy weekday meals.
FAQs
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy, tangy Panera Tomato Soup to soothe your soul and satisfy your hunger. This recipe brings all the goodness of the original right to your kitchen—warm, simple, and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it solo or with a side of grilled cheese, this soup is destined to become a household favorite.







