Panera Bread Soup Recipes Vegetable Lovers Will Enjoy

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup on a chilly day, and Panera Bread’s vegetable soups have long captured the hearts (and taste buds) of soup lovers everywhere. Whether you’re craving the hearty flavors of their classic “Ten Vegetable Soup” or the rich, creamy textures found in their seasonal offerings, recreating Panera’s vegetable soup recipes at home brings both satisfaction and wholesome nourishment to your table.

These recipes are loaded with fresh, vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection in savory broths, delivering both taste and nutrition in every spoonful.

In this post, we’ll explore several beloved Panera-style vegetable soup recipes that you can easily prepare in your own kitchen. From the classic garden vegetable medley to a creamy tomato basil delight, these soups are perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, or even impressing guests with your homemade culinary skills.

Plus, they’re all vegetarian, packed with nutrients, and adaptable to your pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panera’s vegetable soups are famous for their fresh, wholesome ingredients and balanced flavors. Here’s why you’ll love making these recipes at home:

• Freshness and Flavor: Each recipe highlights crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered to bring out the best taste.
• Healthful and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, these soups support good health without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatility: These recipes are adaptable—you can swap vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Comfort in Every Bowl: Whether you’re warming up after a long day or hosting a gathering, these soups offer soothing comfort and satisfaction.
• Easy to Make: Using simple equipment and ingredients, you can whip up a delicious batch with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Classic Panera-Style Ten Vegetable Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 medium red potato, diced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Panera-Style Tomato Basil Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for non-vegan)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup (Inspired by Panera)

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven – for simmering the soups evenly
• Chef’s knife – for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board – to prep your ingredients
• Wooden spoon or ladle – to stir during cooking
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities
• Blender or immersion blender – needed for creamy soups like the tomato basil
• Soup bowls and ladle – for serving

Instructions

Classic Panera-Style Ten Vegetable Soup

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Add the diced potato, zucchini, green beans, corn, and tomatoes. Stir well.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add thyme and basil.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite Panera copycat bread for a cozy meal.

Creamy Panera-Style Tomato Basil Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic for 5 minutes until soft and aromatic.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
4. Add sugar to balance acidity, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender).
7. Stir in coconut milk or cream and fresh basil.
8. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
9. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve warm, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once lentils are tender, stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with a side of warm bread or your favorite salad.

Tips & Variations

“For extra depth of flavor, roast your vegetables before adding them to the soup. It enhances the natural sweetness and brings out a richer taste!”

• Make it vegan: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in creamy soups instead of dairy.
• Use seasonal vegetables: Swap out any veggies based on what’s fresh or available—sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or peas work wonderfully.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked beans or lentils to make the soup heartier.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
• Batch cook: These soups freeze well—prepare a large batch and enjoy convenient meals for weeks.
• Make it gluten-free: All these recipes are naturally gluten-free but avoid bread sides or choose gluten-free options.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetable soups are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A warm crusty baguette or sourdough bread is a timeless option to soak up the broth.

For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.

If you want to elevate your soup experience, try adding a dollop of plant-based sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note without dairy. For extra texture, toasted pumpkin seeds or croutons add a delightful crunch.

Feeling inspired to explore more vegetarian delights? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or dive into some Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to round out your meal planning.

Conclusion

Recreating Panera Bread’s beloved vegetable soups at home is not only satisfying but also incredibly nourishing. These recipes bring the best of fresh vegetables, herbs, and wholesome ingredients together in comforting, heartwarming bowls.

Whether you prefer the light and vibrant Ten Vegetable Soup, the rich and creamy Tomato Basil, or the protein-packed Lentil & Vegetable Soup, each offers delicious flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Plus, they’re all easy to customize and perfect for batch cooking, so you can enjoy healthy, homemade soup all week long.

With minimal equipment and simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality soups without the fuss or expense. So grab your pot, gather your vegetables, and get ready to savor the magic of Panera-inspired vegetable soups from your own kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other fantastic vegetarian recipes like the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more inspiration!

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