If you’re a fan of comforting soups that warm both the body and soul, then Panera Bread’s tomato soup is likely one of your all-time favorites. This velvety smooth, rich, and slightly tangy soup pairs perfectly with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich, making it the ultimate cozy meal.
But what if you could enjoy that same restaurant-quality tomato soup at home, without having to leave the house? Enter the Instant Pot – the kitchen wizard that allows you to recreate Panera Bread’s famous tomato soup in no time. Not only does this recipe give you the nostalgic taste of Panera, but it also saves you hours of preparation. You can now enjoy this creamy, flavorful soup in just about 30 minutes.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Panera Bread Tomato Soup Instant Pot Recipe
Using the Instant Pot for this recipe makes the entire cooking process quicker, but it doesn’t compromise the flavor. It locks in all the essential nutrients and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the spices and herbs give it that signature Panera taste. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy tomato soup in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients Needed
To create this instant pot tomato soup, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweetness and depth of flavor. It forms the base of the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): This aromatic ingredient will give your soup that savory punch.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a thicker texture to the soup.
- Crushed Tomatoes (2 cans, 28 oz each): These are the heart of the soup, giving it the classic tang and richness.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Creates a rich base for the soup without overpowering the tomato flavor. You can also use chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds creaminess and a silky texture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Basil (1 tsp, dried or fresh): A herb that gives the soup that warm, herbal fragrance. Fresh is always best if you have it.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with just a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Always a key for seasoning, adjusting to your preference.
Cooking Instructions
The Instant Pot is a game-changer here, making this process as easy as pressing a button. Here’s how to bring it all together:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. You want it to become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic.
- Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it well with the onions and garlic for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavor of the soup.
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Pressure Cook The Tomatoes
- Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high for 10 minutes.
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Release Pressure
- Once the cooking time is done, carefully perform a quick release to release the pressure.
- Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and give the soup a quick stir.
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Blend The Soup
- Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender), blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- If you’re using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any splattering.
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Add Cream & Adjust Seasoning
- Stir in the heavy cream to achieve that rich, silky texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If it needs more salt, pepper, or sweetness, feel free to add it.
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Serve
- Once the soup is well-blended and seasoned, serve it hot. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for that perfect Panera-inspired experience.
Ingredient Insights
- Olive Oil: Besides adding flavor, olive oil is a great source of healthy fats. If you’re looking for an alternative, avocado oil can also be used without changing the flavor much.
- Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes: The combination of tomato paste and crushed tomatoes gives the soup a balance of both intensity and texture. The paste helps concentrate the flavor, while the crushed tomatoes add body and a natural sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for achieving that signature creamy consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Basil: Fresh basil would be ideal, but if you don’t have fresh, dried basil works just as well. Basil is not just a garnish here; it infuses the soup with an unmistakable flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Garlic is a key component in creating the depth of flavor in this soup. If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two.
- Adjust Consistency: If you like your tomato soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth you add. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little extra broth or water before blending.
- Blend Smoothly: For that signature creamy texture, an immersion blender is ideal. However, if you don’t have one, a regular blender will work just fine. Just make sure to blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in a traditional blender.
- Serve Hot: Tomato soup is best served hot and fresh. If you need to store leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions for an extra kick.
- Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth to make this soup entirely plant-based.
- Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: For a deeper, richer flavor, try roasting your garlic ahead of time. The roasting process will mellow out the garlic’s intensity and bring a subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Smoky Tomato Soup: Add a bit of smoked paprika or use fire-roasted tomatoes to infuse a smoky flavor into the soup.
- Cheesy Tomato Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Final Words
Panera Bread’s tomato soup is a comfort food classic that can be easily replicated at home with just a few ingredients and the help of your Instant Pot. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for a rich, creamy version or a lighter, vegan-friendly alternative.
The beauty of making your own tomato soup is that you get to control the flavors, the consistency, and the level of creaminess – all with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great dish to whip up for meal prep, serve as a quick lunch, or enjoy as a cozy dinner.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Panera Bread Tomato Soup In An Instant Pot?
To make Panera Bread-style tomato soup in an Instant Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 medium onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth), 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Canned Tomatoes In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and dice them before using them in the Instant Pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly and add a bit more broth to achieve the desired consistency.
What Is The Cooking Time For Panera Bread Tomato Soup In An Instant Pot?
The cooking time for the soup in the Instant Pot is about 10 minutes on high pressure. After the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
Can I Make This Soup In The Instant Pot Without Using Cream?
Yes, you can make the soup without cream by substituting with half-and-half, coconut milk, or even a plant-based milk (such as almond milk) for a lighter, dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Panera Bread Tomato Soup Creamy In The Instant Pot?
To make the soup creamy, you can blend it using an immersion blender or regular blender after cooking. The addition of heavy cream at the end will also help to make the soup rich and smooth.
Can I Freeze Panera Bread Tomato Soup Made In The Instant Pot?
Yes, this tomato soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
How Can I Thicken My Panera Bread Tomato Soup In The Instant Pot?
If your tomato soup is too thin, you can thicken it by blending the soup until smooth or adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Cook the soup on the ’Sauté’ setting for a few minutes to let it thicken.
Can I Add Vegetables Like Carrots Or Celery To This Instant Pot Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture. Simply chop the vegetables and sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth to the Instant Pot.
Do I Need To Sauté The Onions And Garlic In The Instant Pot First?
Yes, sautéing the onions and garlic first in olive oil helps to develop a rich flavor base for the soup. Use the ’Sauté’ setting on the Instant Pot for about 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
What Can I Serve With Panera Bread Tomato Soup Made In The Instant Pot?
Panera Bread tomato soup pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, a simple side salad, or a crusty piece of bread for dipping. You can also serve it with croutons or a drizzle of basil pesto for extra flavor.