Description
This Panera Copycat Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a rich, smooth, and flavorful homemade recipe that combines fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy heavy cream to create a comforting bowl of soup perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it mimics the iconic Panera soup taste and can be customized to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Soup Base Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 2 cans whole tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Dairy and Herbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Your Base
Warm the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking gently until translucent and fragrant. This creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes along with chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until silky and smooth, achieving the signature creamy texture.
- Step 4: Stir in Cream and Basil
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Add torn fresh basil leaves and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar if desired. Warm through over low heat without boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Step 5: Final Taste and Adjustments
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more basil for herbal brightness or extra cream for richness. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality, fresh or good-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
- Simmer the soup gently to deepen flavors without breaking down the cream.
- Using an immersion blender reduces cleanup and allows control over the texture.
- Add fresh basil at the end to maintain its bright, fresh taste.
- A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes without making the soup sweet.
- This soup can be customized to be vegan by replacing heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and using vegetable broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors improve overnight.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers up to 3 months. Reheat slowly to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, Panera copycat soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade tomato soup