Best Tomato Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Best Tomato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy homemade tomato soup delivers comfort with every delightful spoonful.

Ripe red tomatoes burst with intense flavor when blended perfectly.

Summer gardens often produce an abundance of these vibrant fruits.

Grandmothers have long cherished this classic recipe passed through generations.

Warm kitchens fill with rich aromas while simmering ingredients meld together.

A simple blend of fresh produce creates magic in moments.

You’ll savor each incredible bite of this hearty, soul-warming dish.

What Makes the Best Tomato Soup So Comforting

  • Elevate Flavor Through Roasting: Oven-roasting tomatoes, onions, and garlic intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile for the soup.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Using an immersion blender directly in the pot eliminates the need for transferring hot soup to a blender, reducing mess and making preparation quick and straightforward.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible options like adding heavy cream for richness or adjusting herbs, making it adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Comfort in Every Spoonful: Smooth, velvety texture and rich tomato flavor create a classic comfort food that feels both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for any meal.

Best Tomato Soup Ingredients You’ll Need

Roasted Vegetables:
  • Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes form the base of this rich and flavorful soup.
  • Onion: Sweet roasted onion adds depth to the soup's overall taste.
  • Garlic: Roasted garlic provides a mellow, aromatic flavor to the soup.
Fat and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to roast vegetables and enhance their natural flavors.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the vegetables' natural taste.
  • Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the soup's roux.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides a light, savory liquid base for the soup.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh herb flavor to the finished soup.
  • Heavy Cream (Optional): Creates a luxurious, creamy texture when added.

Step-by-Step Guide to Best Tomato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Gather your fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic.

Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to roast properly.

Step 2: Roast Vegetable Medley

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop deep, rich flavors.

The edges should become slightly charred and the vegetables will look golden brown.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Melt butter gently, then whisk in flour.

Stir continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup and add depth to the flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Roasted Vegetables

Add the roasted vegetables to the pot.

Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle sugar to balance the acidity.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Blend To Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth.

If you prefer an extra-smooth texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining vegetable bits.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in fresh basil leaves and heavy cream if desired.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to incorporate the final flavors.

Serve hot in warm bowls, garnished with extra basil or a swirl of cream.

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Tomato Soup

  • Caramelize tomatoes, onions, and garlic by roasting them to develop deeper, sweeter taste profiles that enhance the soup's overall richness.
  • Use an immersion blender slowly and steadily to achieve a silky-smooth texture without splattering hot soup around your kitchen.
  • Skip heavy cream for a lighter version or replace with coconut milk to make the soup dairy-free and add a subtle nutty undertone.
  • Chop basil leaves just before adding to preserve their vibrant color and maximize fresh, aromatic flavor in the final dish.
  • Simmer soup gently to prevent scorching and allow ingredients to meld together, creating a more harmonious and balanced taste.

Variations to Try with Best Tomato Soup

  • Vegan Comfort Soup: Replace butter with olive oil, swap heavy cream for coconut milk, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during roasting for a kick of heat.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Soup: Substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup without gluten.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace basil with oregano and thyme, add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Soup

  • Rustic Bread Dunking Delight: Slice crusty sourdough or artisan bread, toast until golden, and serve alongside the soup for a crunchy, satisfying dip that soaks up all the rich tomato flavor.
  • Creamy Cheese Topper: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, crumbled goat cheese, or parmesan shavings on top to add a tangy, melty dimension that complements the roasted tomato sweetness.
  • Fresh Herb Garden Finish: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, chopped chives, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to bring brightness and aromatic depth to the warm, comforting soup.

How to Store Best Tomato Soup Properly

  • Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little vegetable broth to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot but avoid boiling.

FAQs

  • Why roast the tomatoes before making soup?

Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in tomatoes, intensifying their flavor and creating a deeper, richer taste profile for the soup.

  • Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh roasted tomatoes provide better flavor. If using canned, choose high-quality whole peeled tomatoes and drain excess liquid before roasting.

  • Is an immersion blender necessary?

While an immersion blender is convenient, you can also use a standard blender. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in batches to prevent splattering.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during roasting for extra nutrition.

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Best Tomato Soup Recipe

Best Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting homemade tomato soup elevates classic comfort food with rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Creamy textures and aromatic herbs blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Tomatoes:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) fresh tomatoes, cut into 2 pieces

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil

Cooking and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid:

  • 1 quart (946 milliliters) vegetable broth

Optional:

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 120 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven at 400°F and arrange tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  2. Roast the vegetable medley for 30 minutes until caramelized and fragrant, developing deep, rich flavors.
  3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden base for the soup’s foundation.
  4. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, thick roux without burning.
  5. Transfer the roasted vegetables into the pot, adding sugar and vegetable broth to enhance the overall taste profile.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective flavor.
  7. Use an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a velvety, uniform consistency, eliminating any vegetable chunks.
  8. Incorporate fresh basil leaves and optional heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate the final ingredients.
  9. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring all flavors harmonize and the temperature remains consistently hot.
  10. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with optional fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream if desired.

Notes

  • Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile for the soup.
  • Adjust the sugar quantity based on the acidity and ripeness of your tomatoes to balance the overall taste.
  • Use fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities and prevent wilting.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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