Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup - Panera Copycat is a version of Panera's Creamy Tomato Soup made with vine ripened fresh tomatoes that are roasted then combined with sauteed onions and garlic and blended with fresh basil and finished with cream. A great way to use up summer tomatoes!
I know it's still warm out, but I wanted to make this soup while the delicious summer tomatoes are still in stores and while my basil plant still has some life in it!
This soup was SO delicious! The red pepper flakes add a little spice, which is nice. We had just the soup, but it would be great alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
This was also my first time using my immersion blender- LOVE IT! I can't tell you how much easier it is not to transfer the soup to food processor and back.
LOVE PANERA BREAD? Check out my Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (with a gluten free option), Panera Sonoma Chicken Stew, Panera BBQ Chicken Salad, Panera BBQ Ranch Dressing, Panera Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad, and Panera Chile Lime Ranch Dressing!
Serving Suggestion
This soup is great with croutons or French/Italian bread.
I have also made served it with Parmesan Garlic Polenta Croutons (adapted from Proud Italian Cook), which was delicious.
Gluten Free Option
This recipe is naturally gluten free.
Vegan or Dairy Free MSPI Option
Omit the cream at the end of the recipe. This soup has a velvety texture even without the cream.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup - Panera Copycat
Ingredients
- 3 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes (cut in half and insides removed)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces canned whole or chopped tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half and half (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss tomatoes with ¼ cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet covered in foil and roast in the oven for 45 minutes.3 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.2 cups chopped onions, 6 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 28 ounces canned whole or chopped tomatoes, 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- Use an immersion blender (or food processor) to puree the soup. Adjust salt if necessary.
- Stir in the cream / half and half if using.¼ cup heavy cream or half and half
Leslie says
Yum...I make this soup as well. I have yet to post about it. I found the recipe in one of the Family Magazines I get and I love it!!!!
***to answer your question, they did send someone out to do the filming, but I bought all of the groceries..which was VERY expensive. I remember doing a video on Lobsters, and I spent $80 on the Lobsters alone!!!!
Oh well, I am over it now. BASTARDS!!!
Unknown says
Great idea to make this with summer tomatoes! Would probably be wonderful to make a big batch and freeze some to have in the winter too!
An immersion blender is on my "want" list.
Bob says
Looks great, no matter what time of year it is.
Melissa says
I love tomato soup and am very jealous of your immersion blender.
Unknown says
I have to try this. I like tomato soup but roasted tomatoes have to make it better.
Maria says
One of my favorite soups!
Kerstin says
Yay, I'm so glad you got an immersion blender! The soup looks so good and I can't wait to read about the croutons!
I can't believe you're already be writing done by Monday - that's so exciting! Have you scheduled your defense yet?
Stacey says
Wow, this looks so delicious. And those croutons--- yum!!!
Lynn says
This is my first time visiting. I love your blog! The title of it is what brought me here 🙂 (loved those MTM shows, too) I also made a roasted tomato soup earlier this month. And I agree with what you say about being willing to share kitchen failures -- I have a category on my blog for "flops" and am always surprised that those posts seem to get the most comments; I think people really like hearing about what DIDN'T work as well as what did.
Anyway, it's good to meet you, and your recipes look really tasty!
Lexie says
I remember the first time I had tomato soup with grilled cheese..not until college! It's one of my favorite's now and I think yours looks delicious!