Better Than Panera Roasted Tomato Soup
Skip the café and make this Better Than Panera Roasted Tomato Soup at home! Fresh roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, Parmesan, and cream come together to create a rich, velvety soup that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect with grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food meal.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 50 MINS
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: DINNER | SOUP
- Method: Roasting, STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For Roasting
- 3 pounds Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Soup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Basil oil
- Homemade croutons
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the tomatoes, onions, and garlic on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are caramelized and the tomatoes have released their juices.
Step 2Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large Dutch oven. Add the tomato paste and vegetable broth.
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth and creamy.
No immersion blender? Carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a blender. Remove the center cap from the lid and cover it loosely with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape while blending. Blend until silky smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
Step 3Place the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of basil oil. Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Notes
- Roma tomatoes provide the richest, sweetest flavor.
- Roast until the tomatoes develop deep caramelized edges for the best taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- If your tomatoes are very acidic, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
- This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/roasted-tomato-soup/