There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup that feels like a hug from the inside. The Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe captures that magic perfectly, combining rich, caramelized tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a velvety creaminess that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a simple dinner, this soup brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors with each spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together seamlessly to build a soup that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Every component plays an essential role, from the sweetness of roasted tomatoes to the fresh brightness of basil, making it both straightforward and wonderfully satisfying.
- San Marzano or Roma tomatoes (2 pounds): These tomatoes roast beautifully to develop a deep, natural sweetness and rich flavor.
- Yellow onion (1 small): Adds a subtle sweetness and foundation to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Carrots (2 medium): Provide natural sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves (4): Left whole to roast, garlic adds a mellow, nutty aroma and depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for roasting and sautéing, it brings richness and helps caramelize ingredients.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky smoothness and enhances the soup’s savory character.
- Vegetable broth (3 cups): The perfect liquid base to tie all flavors together with a light savory touch.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that velvety signature Panera texture and mellows the acidity.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Torn into the soup at the end for a pop of herbal brightness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into balance and enhances natural sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little touch of sweetness to tame acidity if needed.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): A savory topping that adds nuttiness and umami.
- Croutons (1/2 cup, optional): Provide a delightful crunch contrasting the creamy soup.
How to Make Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the halved tomatoes and whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them for 30 to 35 minutes. This roasting process is crucial because it caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes and softens the garlic, adding layers of rich, slightly smoky flavor that set the foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the tomatoes are roasting, melt butter with the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and carrots and sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step unlocks the sweetness in the veggies and adds depth that will complement the roasted tomatoes perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to your pot with the softened onions and carrots. Pour in the vegetable broth and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering stage allows all the flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a rich base for your soup.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Now it’s time to get that luscious, velvety texture by blending the soup. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until completely smooth, which brings out the silky, comforting texture everyone loves in the Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Add Cream and Herbs
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh torn basil leaves, then season with salt, black pepper, and the optional sugar. Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary. The cream adds that classic richness, and the basil brings freshness that brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Toppings
Serve your soup piping hot, garnished with optional Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons for an unforgettable bowl of comfort. The cheese melts slightly on top while the croutons add a delightful texture contrast. This final step makes the Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe feel extra special every time.
How to Serve Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes really elevate the experience of this soup. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds nutty depth, while a handful of crispy croutons gives a satisfying crunch. You could also try a drizzle of basil oil or a dollop of crème fraîche for a gourmet touch at home.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a classic grilled cheese sandwich, buttery garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad. These options complement and balance the soup’s richness while keeping the meal light and rewarding.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with basil leaves scattered on top. You can even hollow out a small loaf of crusty bread to use as an edible bowl. These little touches make the Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe feel like a cozy, special occasion meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade roasted tomato soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all the fresh flavors and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making it a convenient and delicious meal to pull out on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If the soup thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
While fresh tomatoes give the best flavor and texture for this soup, you can substitute high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to roast or simmer them down to concentrate the flavors before blending.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This particular recipe includes butter and heavy cream, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can swap the butter for vegan margarine and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make a delicious vegan version.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step or a dash of hot sauce before serving can give the Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors.
What’s the best way to peel tomatoes if needed?
If you want an ultra-smooth soup, you can peel the tomatoes by scoring a small “X” on the bottom and blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds. The skins will slip off easily. However, roasting the tomatoes with skins on adds flavor and helps build the soup’s rich texture.
Can I prepare the soup in advance for a party?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat just before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Making the Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe at home is a true joy because it’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Every step feels like a little celebration of good ingredients and warm memories. Whether you’re serving it up for family or just treating yourself, this soup is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly delicious homemade tomato soup can be!
Print
Panera Bread-Style Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting Panera Bread-inspired tomato soup featuring roasted San Marzano tomatoes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh basil, finished with a touch of heavy cream for richness. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is topped with optional Parmesan cheese and croutons for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds San Marzano or Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Sauté Onion and Carrots: While the tomatoes roast, heat the butter and the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and fragrant.
- Add Roasted Vegetables and Broth: Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, torn fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the soup to warm through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired. Enjoy this rich and flavorful tomato soup as a comforting meal.
Notes
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Sugar is optional and can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To make the soup dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative.
