Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe: A Delicious Copycat Attempt

Panera Bread's tomato soup is legendary. That creamy, subtly sweet, perfectly balanced flavor is hard to resist. While you can't get the exact recipe (it's a closely guarded secret!), we can get pretty darn close with this copycat recipe. This guide will break down how to recreate that iconic soup at home, focusing on achieving that signature Panera taste.

Key Ingredients for Panera-Style Tomato Soup

The magic lies in the details. While many tomato soup recipes exist, replicating Panera's requires attention to specific ingredients and techniques. Here's what you'll need:

• High-Quality Canned Tomatoes: Don't skimp here! San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and low acidity. Look for whole peeled tomatoes, not diced.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that bright, herbaceous note that Panera's soup possesses. Dried basil simply won't cut it.
• Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream: This is what provides the luxurious creaminess. Coconut cream offers a vegan alternative without sacrificing richness.
• Onion and Garlic: The foundation of any good soup. Sautéing these until softened builds a flavorful base.
• Sugar (or a touch of maple syrup): A subtle sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: Use your preference, though vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Panera Bread Tomato Soup at Home

This recipe provides a flexible framework. Adjust seasonings to your preference!

Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics

1. Finely chop one medium onion and 2-3 cloves of garlic.
2. Sauté the onion in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't brown the garlic.

Step 2: Simmering the Tomatoes

1. Add a 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand or with a potato masher) to the pot.
2. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
3. Add a teaspoon of sugar (or a half teaspoon of maple syrup) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Blending for Smoothness

1. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender).
2. Blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only partially.

Step 4: Adding Creaminess and Flavor

1. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream) and a handful of fresh basil leaves.
2. Heat gently; do not boil.

Step 5: Seasoning and Serving

1. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, sugar, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
2. Serve hot with a grilled cheese sandwich, a crusty bread roll, or even a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Panera-Perfect Soup

• Don't over-blend: A slightly chunky texture can be quite appealing.
• Experiment with herbs: A sprig of thyme or oregano could add complexity.
• Roast the tomatoes: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day!

This copycat recipe aims to capture the essence of Panera Bread's tomato soup. While it might not be identical, the result will be a delicious and satisfying bowl of homemade goodness. Enjoy!