Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup
This copycat Panera creamy tomato soup is rich, velvety, and full of flavor. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, it's the perfect comforting soup to enjoy with a grilled cheese, quesadilla, or your favorite side.
Whenever I go to Panera, I always order their creamy tomato soup. There is just something so comforting about the rich, velvety texture and the deep tomato flavor. I wanted to recreate that experience at home, and this copycat Panera creamy tomato soup is the result.
It is simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand, but it tastes like it came from your favorite cafe. This soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese, quesadilla, or any of your favorite sides. Even better, it is made from scratch, so you know exactly what is going into it.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Rich and Comforting: Every spoonful is warm, satisfying, and perfect for cozy meals.
- Creamy and Velvety: The texture is smooth and luxurious, making it feel indulgent without being complicated.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you can have this soup on the table quickly.
- Perfect Pairings: It goes wonderfully with a grilled cheese, quesadilla, or any of your favorite sides.
- Homemade Satisfaction: There is nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of soup made from scratch, and this recipe delivers that homemade comfort.
What you will need to make this soup
Tomato Paste - This is the base of the soup and gives it that rich, deep tomato flavor. I use a standard 6-ounce can.
Heavy Whipping Cream - Adds the creamy, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting. One cup is all you need to make it luxuriously smooth.
Shredded Asiago Cheese - The star of the show. The Asiago melts into the soup and adds incredible flavor and richness. Use about three-quarters of a cup.
Water - Just a little bit, a quarter cup, to help loosen the tomato paste and create the perfect consistency.
Oregano - A teaspoon of oregano adds a subtle savory note that rounds out the flavors.
Minced Garlic - Garlic adds depth and a little warmth to the soup. One teaspoon is enough to give it flavor without overpowering the cheese and cream.
Salt and Pepper - To taste. These are the finishing touches that bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the tomato paste and minced garlic into a medium soup pan.
- Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil while whisking continuously.
- Once it starts boiling, gradually add the shredded Asiago cheese, a little at a time, whisking as you go. The soup will begin to thicken as the cheese melts.
- Add the water and continue to cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot. Optional: top with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful touch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat.
- Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Perfect pairings
This copycat Panera creamy tomato soup is delicious on its own, but it really shines when paired with something warm and melty. A few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Grilled Cheese or Quesadillas: A classic pairing that is comforting and perfect for dipping. I like using a mix of cheeses and adding a little roasted chicken or green onion to my quesadilla for extra flavor.
- Fresh Bread: A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the soup and makes it a more complete meal.
- Other Sandwiches: Turkey, ham, or veggie sandwiches all go well alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 6 oz Can tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup shredded asiago cheese
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or medium soup pan, combine the tomato paste and minced garlic.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Gradually add the shredded Asiago cheese while stirring. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup thickens.
- Stir in the water and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Nutritional info is provided as a courtesy only. Although celebratednest.com strives to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
- I like to make this soup in my Dutch oven - it heats evenly and helps the cheese melt smoothly into the tomato base.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash more heavy cream just before serving.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, whisk in a little additional water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Try topping with chopped green onions, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese.
- This soup pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette, grilled cheese, or a simple salad for a cozy meal.
Nutrition
This Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup brings all the cozy, café-style comfort right to your own kitchen. With its rich tomato flavor, creamy texture, and just the right touch of Asiago cheese, it's a quick and satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite. Pair it with a grilled cheese or warm baguette, and you've got the perfect bowl of comfort any day of the week.
