When the craving for cozy comfort strikes, nothing beats a warm bowl of tomato soup—and the Panera Bread Tomato Soup is in a league of its own. This version recreates the velvety texture and deep tomato flavor that makes Panera’s beloved soup a go-to favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of flavor thanks to oven-roasted tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a touch of cream that gives it its signature smoothness.

Whether you’re curling up with a grilled cheese on a rainy day or looking for a quick and nourishing meal, this soup delivers both warmth and indulgence. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients, and once you taste it fresh from your pot, you might just skip the takeout line for good.

Why You’ll Love This Panera Bread Tomato Soup

This soup hits that perfect spot between creamy and tangy. The tomatoes are roasted to intensify their sweetness, balanced beautifully with garlic and basil. A splash of heavy cream makes the texture unbelievably silky without being too heavy. It’s great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and pairs with almost anything. Whether served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a dinner side, this soup is always a win.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

Roasted Roma tomatoes work best in this recipe because they bring out that natural sweetness and robust tomato flavor. Canned San Marzano tomatoes are a great alternative when fresh isn’t an option, and they blend down to a luxurious texture. Just make sure whatever you use is ripe and flavorful, since tomatoes are truly the star of this show.

Ingredients for the Panera Bread Tomato Soup

This soup is built on a handful of simple ingredients, but every single one adds something essential to the final taste and texture.

Roma tomatoes
Roasting these enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Olive oil
Used for roasting the tomatoes and sautéing the garlic and onions, it gives a beautiful base of flavor.
Garlic
Fresh garlic brings a pungent warmth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Yellow onion
Sautéed until soft and golden, it adds a mellow, slightly sweet background flavor.
Vegetable broth
Keeps the soup light while giving it body. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
Basil (fresh or dried)
A classic tomato soup pairing that gives this recipe that nostalgic, herby finish.
Heavy cream
This is what makes the soup creamy and smooth, mimicking the Panera texture you know and love.
Salt and pepper
To taste, but absolutely essential for enhancing the overall flavor.

How To Make the Panera Bread Tomato Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Slice your Roma tomatoes in half, drizzle them with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for about 30–40 minutes. They should be caramelized and slightly charred around the edges for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat some olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer It All Together

Add the roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Add Cream and Finish

Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving and Storing This Tomato Soup

This Panera Bread Tomato Soup serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it (without the cream) for up to 3 months—just add the cream after reheating for the best texture.

What to Serve With Panera Bread Tomato Soup?

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The ultimate pairing—gooey cheese with crispy bread dipped into creamy tomato soup is comfort in every bite.

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges and tender inside, it’s perfect for soaking up the last spoonfuls.

Caprese Salad

For a refreshing, lighter contrast, a Classic Caprese Salad is a beautiful side.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with crunchy croutons adds texture and pairs nicely with the creaminess of the soup.

Roasted Vegetables

A sheet pan of Roasted Zucchini and Squash balances the soup with earthy flavors.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Add a cheesy twist with baked breadsticks loaded with mozzarella or Parmesan.

Turkey Panini

A hearty sandwich with roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, and mustard is delicious next to this soup.

Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Try Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls for a filling side.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Panera Bread Tomato Soup, here are more warm bowls you’ll want to make next:

• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for rich, cheesy comfort.
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon if you’re craving something lighter with tang.
• Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a decadent coastal twist.
• Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet when you need a protein-packed option.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for an extra creamy tomato pasta fix.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh basil or dried? Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes? Share your spin!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort foods.

Conclusion

Panera Bread Tomato Soup is more than just a quick lunch—it’s that cozy, soul-warming dish you return to over and over again. Making it at home is not only simple, but lets you customize it to your taste. Whether paired with a sandwich, salad, or enjoyed solo, this soup is a staple worth mastering.