Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Panera Copycat)

If you’re a fan of rich, velvety soups, this Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Panera Copycat) is about to become your new favorite. Inspired by the beloved Panera Bread classic, this homemade version is packed with fresh ingredients, a touch of cream, and just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re a fan of Natasha’s Kitchen Tomato Soup, looking for a creamy tomato bisque soup easy to prepare, or hoping to jazz up tomato soup, this recipe is for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Rich and Creamy: Smooth texture with just the right amount of creaminess.
• Perfect for Pairing: Serve it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: A homemade take on the Nordstrom Cafe Tomato Basil Soup and Safeway Tomato Bisque Soup.
• Healthier Than Store-Bought: No artificial ingredients or preservatives, just wholesome goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best ever tomato soup, gather the following simple, fresh ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can of San Marzano tomatoes (or any high-quality canned tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons or toasted bread slices
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the canned tomatoes, including their juices. Use a spoon to break the tomatoes apart. Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave some tomato bits. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until creamy, then return it to the pot.

4. Add the Cream and Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring until fully combined. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes over low heat, allowing it to thicken slightly.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more sugar. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.

What to Serve with Tomato Basil Soup

This easy tomato bisque soup recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Classic Grilled Cheese: The ultimate comfort combo of tomato bisque and grilled cheese.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: A hearty option that soaks up the delicious flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your meal.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the soup.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

1. Use High-Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide the best flavor and sweetness.
2. Blend Well: If you prefer a velvety texture, blend thoroughly. For some texture, leave small tomato pieces.
3. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream depending on how rich you like your soup.
4. Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.
5. Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
6. Store & Reheat Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over low heat to maintain the creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes! Use about 2 lbs of fresh, ripe tomatoes. Roast them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes before blending.

2. How can I make this soup vegan? Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. What’s the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque? A tomato bisque is typically thicker and creamier due to the addition of heavy cream, whereas regular tomato soup may be broth-based.

4. Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

5. How do I make it taste like Panera’s Tomato Basil Soup? Use a mix of fresh and dried basil, add a bit of sugar to balance acidity, and blend until ultra-smooth for a Panera-style consistency.

Why This Is the Best Ever Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato bisque soup easy to make is the ultimate comfort food. Inspired by restaurant-quality soups like Nordstrom Cafe Tomato Basil Soup and Safeway Tomato Bisque Soup, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with tomato bisque and grilled cheese or enjoying it solo, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.

If you’ve been searching for a Natasha’s Kitchen Tomato Soup alternative, look no further—this is the best ever tomato soup you’ll make at home! Try it today and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness in every spoonful.

Enjoyed this recipe? Jazz up tomato soup even more by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor!