Best Tomato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Crafting a remarkable tomato soup that bursts with intense flavor can revolutionize your culinary experience.

Seasonal ripe tomatoes create magic when blended with simple ingredients.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this comfort classic through generations of passionate cooking.

Fresh herbs and quality produce make all the difference in depth and richness.

Smooth textures and vibrant colors promise a delightful meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each spoonful connects you to traditional cooking techniques while delivering pure, wholesome goodness.

Tomato Soup Cooking Tips

  • Ensure tomatoes, onions, and garlic caramelize evenly by spreading them in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
  • Continuously stir the butter and flour mixture to prevent burning and create a smooth base for a rich, velvety soup texture.
  • Use an immersion blender for easy, mess-free pureeing directly in the pot, achieving a silky-smooth consistency without transferring hot liquid.
  • Keep the soup dairy-free by skipping heavy cream or swap with coconut milk for a lighter, plant-based alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma, creating a bright, fresh finish to the roasted tomato soup.

Tomato Soup The Right Way To Store And Reheat

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Leave slight space at top for expansion.
  • Transfer frozen or chilled soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and consistency. Add small amount of broth if needed to restore original texture.

Goes Great with Best Tomato Soup

  • Enhance Roasted Tomato Soup with Perfect Pairings
  • Craft Crusty Grilled Cheese: Create a classic, golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and sourdough bread, providing a crispy contrast to the smooth, rich soup.
  • Select Herbaceous Pinot Grigio: Choose a chilled, light Pinot Grigio with herbal notes that complement the roasted tomato's sweetness and balance the soup's robust flavor profile.
  • Design Herbed Parmesan Croutons: Toss homemade croutons with fresh thyme, rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese, adding a crunchy, savory topping that elevates the soup's texture and depth.
  • Pair Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Combine crisp arugula, cucumber slices, kalamata olives, and a light lemon vinaigrette to create a refreshing side that cuts through the soup's richness.

Tomato Soup Refreshing Twists

  • Vegan Tomato Soup: Replace butter with coconut oil, omit heavy cream, and use plant-based milk or vegetable broth for creaminess. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Garnish with fresh oregano and crumbled feta cheese for extra zest.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use fresh herbs instead of salt, choose low-sodium vegetable broth, and season with fresh cracked pepper and garlic powder for enhanced flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Why roast the tomatoes before making the soup?

Roasting intensifies the tomato flavor, brings out natural sweetness, and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile compared to using raw tomatoes.

  • Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use roma, beefsteak, or vine-ripened tomatoes. Each variety will slightly change the soup’s flavor, but all work well in this recipe.

  • Is an immersion blender necessary?

While an immersion blender makes blending easier and safer, you can also use a standard blender. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in batches.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to ensure dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.

Tomato Soup That’s Silky, Smooth, And Classic

  • Roast and Simplify: Minimal steps transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary soup with deep, rich flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Transformation: Ordinary tomatoes become a gourmet dish in just 45 minutes, making weeknight cooking feel special.
  • Versatile Comfort Meal: Suitable for solo dinners, family gatherings, or elegant dinner parties with easy customization through cream or basil additions.
  • Foolproof Technique: Roasting vegetables before blending creates intense flavor complexity, even for novice home cooks with basic kitchen skills.

Tomato Soup Flavor Base

Base Ingredients:
  • Fresh Tomatoes: Juicy foundation that provides rich, bright flavor and natural sweetness for the soup.
  • Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the soup's overall taste.
  • Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer with robust, sharp character that complements tomato profile.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating smooth cooking base.
  • Fine Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that balances and highlights soup's natural flavors.
  • Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbaceous notes and classic Mediterranean touch.
  • Granulated Sugar: Subtle sweetener that balances tomatoes' natural acidity.
Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Salted Butter: Rich ingredient that adds creamy texture and subtle richness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth, consistent soup texture.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and helps achieve desired soup consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional luxurious ingredient that provides extra creaminess and silky finish.

Tomato Soup Simple Method

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400 °F.

In a bowl, toss halved ripe tomatoes, sliced onion, and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast until the tomatoes soften and caramelize, about 20–25 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty, forming a smooth thickening base.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base

Transfer the roasted vegetables (including any pan juices) into the pot with your roux.

Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Puree to Silkiness

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until perfectly smooth and creamy; no chunks should remain.

Step 5: Enrich & Season

Stir in torn fresh basil leaves and a splash of heavy cream.

Taste, then adjust with more salt and pepper if needed to balance the richness.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into warmed bowls, garnish each with extra basil leaves (or a drizzle of cream), and serve immediately to showcase the depth of roasted tomato flavor.

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Best Tomato Soup Recipe

Best Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Tomato Soup delivers a classic blend of ripe tomatoes and rich herbs that dance across your palate. Creamy, smooth, and packed with deep flavor, this recipe promises a hearty meal that warms both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) fresh tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 quart (0.95 liters) vegetable broth
  • 1/2 onion, diced (1 cup)
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 120 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare a roasting environment by heating the oven to a robust 400°F, creating an ideal caramelization zone for vegetables.
  2. Arrange whole tomatoes, quartered onions, and peeled garlic cloves on a spacious baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast the vegetable medley for approximately 35 minutes, allowing natural sugars to concentrate and edges to turn golden brown, developing deep, rich flavors.
  4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a substantial cooking vessel, creating a flavor foundation for the soup.
  5. Craft a silky base by melting butter and incorporating flour, whisking continuously to construct a smooth, pale roux without browning.
  6. Gradually introduce vegetable broth, stirring methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a luxurious, velvety texture.
  7. Incorporate the caramelized roasted vegetables into the liquid base, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective essence.
  8. Simmer the mixture for 12-15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and develop complexity.
  9. Transform the soup into a uniform, creamy consistency using an immersion blender, pulverizing vegetables until perfectly smooth.
  10. Elevate the soup’s profile by folding in fresh basil leaves and optional heavy cream for added richness.
  11. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference, then ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Roast tomatoes longer for deeper caramelization and intensified sweetness, which elevates the soup’s overall flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom or San Marzano for unique taste complexity and richer texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a roux alternative for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the soup remains creamy and thick.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine during roasting to introduce subtle tangy undertones that complement the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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