Applebees Tomato Basil Soup Copycat Recipe

My Family's Favorite: A Copycat Applebee's Tomato Basil Soup

As a busy mom, finding quick and easy recipes that the whole family will devour is a constant quest. Let me tell you, this copycat Applebee's Tomato Basil Soup recipe is a winner! I stumbled upon it while browsing online, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. It’s become a staple in our house, a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, and the instructions are easy to follow, even for a novice cook. It comes together relatively quickly, and the end result is a vibrant, flavorful soup that's bursting with fresh tomato and basil notes. The creamy texture is another plus—it's rich and satisfying, but not overly heavy. Even my picky eater, who usually turns up his nose at tomato soup, cleared his bowl! I paired it with some crusty bread, but it would also be fantastic served with grilled cheese sandwiches or panini's, as we did. The beauty of this soup is its versatility. It's equally satisfying as a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

One thing I would stress is the importance of using fresh basil. The recipe specifically recommends using fresh basil from the produce section—often sold in a tube. I followed this advice meticulously, and the results were outstanding. I believe this is what gives the soup its special ‘spark.’ The fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that elevates the entire dish. I haven't experimented with using dried basil, but I can imagine it wouldn't quite deliver the same result. The flavor of the canned tomatoes also matters, so choose a high-quality brand to avoid any metallic tastes.

Beyond the taste, this recipe is incredibly convenient. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table quickly. The prep work is minimal, and the cooking time is relatively short. It’s a recipe I often make ahead of time, as it keeps well in the refrigerator and the flavors actually deepen after sitting for a while. It's also easily doubled or tripled if you need to feed a larger crowd or have leftovers for lunch the next day. I've made this soup countless times now and it's always a hit.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be a delicious addition.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to the soup for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it vegan: For a vegan version, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the parmesan cheese.
• Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and a few croutons really elevate this soup. You can also experiment with other garnishes like fresh chives or a dollop of crème fraiche.
• Freezing for later: This soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled completely, store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

This Applebee’s copycat Tomato Basil Soup has become a family favorite, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. It's a testament to the fact that simple, delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give it a try, and I'm confident you'll be pleasantly surprised.

So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness! Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and then add onion and garlic.
• Sauté for about 1 minute.
• Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let mixture cool uncovered for 30 minutes or so.
• You can let it sit for as long as an hour if you like.
• Pour approximately half of the tomato mixture into a blender.
• Put the lid on the blender and hold it down with a dish towel.
• Mixture may still be hot and you don't want the lid of the blender to pop off.
• Blend on high speed for about a minute, pour the mixture into a large bowl or pitcher, then add the rest of the mixture to the blender and blend on high speed for a minute.
• Pour all of the pureed tomato mixture back into the saucepan and then add the remaining ingredients.
• Bring the soup back up to a bubble then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Serve approximately one cup of soup with a garnish of 3 or 4 croutons on top and a sprinkling of shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Note- Be careful of what brand of canned tomatoes you use. Use one you know is good. I have made this twice now and when I used the Kroger brand tomatoes it was excellent. When I used a name brand it actually had a rather metallic taste to it from the canned tomatoes so be aware of the flavor of what you use in this since the tomatoes are the prominent flavor.