Copycat Panera Tomato Soup
Easy copycat Panera tomato soup recipe with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and anti-inflammatory ingredients for a healthier homemade version.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 2
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor.
- 4
Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes with their juices and add the vegetable broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- 5
Add the bay leaf, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the pot.
- 6
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7
Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 8
Stir in the balsamic vinegar to add depth and acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 9
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of the hot soup to temper it and prevent curdling.
- 10
Pour the tempered Greek yogurt mixture back into the pot, stirring gently and continuously to incorporate it evenly throughout the soup.
- 11
Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring, adjusting the amount based on your desired level of richness and creaminess.
- 12
Heat the soup gently over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred serving temperature without boiling.
- 13
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- 14
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- 15
Serve immediately while hot, or cool and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream (1 cup) | Half heavy cream + half Greek yogurt (0.5 cup each) | Greek yogurt adds probiotics for gut health while reducing saturated fat and calories; maintains creamy texture with added protein |
| Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp) | Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener (2 tsp) | Lower glycemic index alternatives prevent blood sugar spikes; monk fruit has zero calories and no aftertaste compared to stevia |
| San Marzano canned tomatoes | Fresh heirloom tomatoes (4 lbs, roasted) or fire-roasted canned tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes in season provide more antioxidants and lycopene; roasting develops deeper flavor; reduces processed ingredient reliance |
| Low-sodium vegetable broth | Homemade bone broth or vegetable broth from scratch | Homemade broth contains collagen and gelatin which support gut lining health and reduce inflammation; eliminates added sodium |
| Dried basil and oregano | Fresh basil (1/4 cup) and fresh oregano (1 tbsp), added at end of cooking | Fresh herbs retain more polyphenols and antioxidants that support gut health and reduce inflammation |
| Sea salt (1 tsp) | Himalayan pink salt or sea salt (0.5 tsp) with enhanced herbs for flavor | Reduces sodium content while using minerals from mineral-rich salt varieties; increased herbs compensate for lower salt volume |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 52mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 11g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
