Delicious Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup

If you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s creamy tomato soup, you’re not alone! This deliciously smooth and rich soup has become a favorite for many. Now, imagine making it at home! With the right ingredients, you can create a soup that’s just as creamy, comforting, and flavorful as the one from Panera. This recipe brings the magic of their creamy tomato soup right to your kitchen, and it’s easier to make than you think.

Ingredients for the Soup

To make this creamy tomato soup at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These are the main ingredients that you’ll use to recreate that delicious taste:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
• 1 cup of chicken broth (you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil for sautéing

Preparing the Soup

Step 1: Start by heating a large pot on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook it until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté it for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will help the flavors come together.

Step 4: Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend everything until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend it until smooth.

Step 5: After blending, return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the soup is heated through.

Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, you can add some fresh basil for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Step 7: Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a perfect meal.

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Tomato Soup

• If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining tomato skin or seeds.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less cream, depending on how creamy you want it.
• If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, you can add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking.

Why This Soup is So Special

This creamy tomato soup has all the classic flavors you love from Panera but with a homemade touch. The key to its rich and smooth texture lies in the combination of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, making it both comforting and indulgent. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and make it just the way you like it.

The soup is a perfect choice for a cozy evening at home or a light meal that pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it a delicious treat, especially when it’s cold outside.

Making Panera’s creamy tomato soup at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate this comforting favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it as a starter for a meal, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s the perfect way to warm up and indulge in something creamy and delicious.

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