Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Quick & Cozy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for Homemade Comfort

Summer’s golden afternoons spark pure magic when roasted tomato basil soup arrives at your table, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Ripe tomatoes caramelize under intense heat, releasing deep, concentrated flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant basil leaves whisper bright, herbal notes through each velvety sip.

Garden-fresh ingredients merge into a luxurious blend that feels both rustic and elegant.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to pulse within this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Soft bread alongside promises a perfect companion to this silky, robust soup.

Prepare to experience pure culinary poetry that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Ingredient Overview

Main Roasting Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes, San Marzano Tomatoes: Sweet and meaty tomatoes perfect for rich, deep flavor. Ripe, fresh tomatoes provide the soup's robust base.
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast tomatoes and adds smooth richness. Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create a savory foundation. Fresh, firm vegetables enhance the soup's depth.
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements tomato's natural sweetness. Fresh sprigs offer more intense flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth texture and depth. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
  • Basil: Fresh herb adding bright, aromatic notes. Vibrant green leaves suggest peak freshness.
  • Sugar: Balances tomatoes' acidity and enhances natural sweetness. Just a small amount works perfectly.
  • Chicken Stock: Adds liquid and deepens soup's complexity. Homemade or high-quality store-bought work best.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious texture. Full-fat cream provides most indulgent result.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

This high temperature will help transform ordinary tomatoes into flavor-packed ingredients.

Step 2: Transform Tomatoes

Grab your tomatoes and slice them in half.

Arrange them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the tomatoes.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let them roast for about an hour.

You’ll want them soft and slightly charred around the edges.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh thyme

Cook these ingredients until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bring Tomatoes and Herbs Together

Add the following to the pot:
  • Roasted tomatoes
  • Crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • Chopped fresh basil
  • A pinch of sugar

Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Introduce the Stock

Pour chicken stock into the pot.

Allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Create Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a velvety consistency.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender and purée until smooth.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Swirl in heavy cream and taste.

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve piping hot.

Bonus tip: Pair with crispy grilled cheese or top with homemade croutons for extra deliciousness.

Smooth Blending Tips for Tomato Basil Soup

  • Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor development. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet to caramelize evenly and concentrate their natural sweetness.
  • For a silky smooth soup, blend thoroughly using an immersion blender. Want a rustic texture? Pulse briefly to leave some tomato chunks for added complexity.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika during roasting to introduce deeper, more complex flavor notes to the tomatoes.
  • Make this soup vegan by substituting butter with olive oil and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. For dairy-free, skip the heavy cream or replace with coconut cream.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning gradually. The sugar helps balance the tomatoes' acidity, but add it incrementally to prevent oversweetening the soup.

Store Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

  • 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, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock if soup seems too thick.
  • Microwaving can break down the cream's texture and create uneven heating. Stovetop reheating ensures smoother, more consistent results.

Ideal Matches for Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Grill Cheese Companion: Create a classic golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar or creamy gruyère, offering a crispy, melty contrast to the smooth, rich soup.
  • Wine Elevation: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, whose bright acidity and fruity notes beautifully complement the roasted tomato's deep, caramelized flavors.
  • Crusty Bread Dippers: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta slices with a drizzle of olive oil, perfect for soaking up the soup's velvety texture and capturing every delicious drop.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chives, adding a vibrant, aromatic layer that enhances the soup's herbaceous undertones and provides a delightful visual appeal.

Tomato Basil Soup Texture or Topping Changes

  • Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth, swap butter for olive oil, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Skip croutons or replace with gluten-free alternatives like roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes during roasting, incorporate smoked paprika while sautéing onions, and garnish with fresh oregano for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Wellness Option: Use fresh herbs for seasoning, select low-sodium chicken stock, and reduce added salt. Enhance flavor with roasted garlic and fresh basil leaves.

FAQs

  • What makes roasted tomatoes different from regular tomatoes in this soup?

Roasting concentrates the tomatoes’ natural sugars, creates deeper flavor, and adds a slight caramelized taste that regular boiled tomatoes cannot achieve.

  • Why use San Marzano tomatoes in this recipe?

San Marzano tomatoes are sweeter, less acidic, and have fewer seeds compared to regular tomatoes, which provides a richer, smoother base for the soup.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. The core recipe remains the same.

  • How can I make the soup creamier without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, Greek yogurt, or blend in cashews for a similar creamy texture that adds richness without dairy.

Why Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Feels Just Right

  • Savor Slow-Roasted Flavor: The extended roasting of tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeply rich, complex taste profile that elevates this classic soup beyond ordinary recipes.
  • Quick Weekend Comfort: This soup transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style meal in just under 2 hours, making it perfect for leisurely weekend cooking when you have extra time to develop amazing flavors.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Designed to pair beautifully with grilled cheese or homemade croutons, this soup becomes a complete meal that adapts easily to different preferences and can suit lunch, dinner, or cozy evening meals.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: With straightforward steps and basic techniques like roasting and simmering, home cooks of all experience levels can confidently create a restaurant-quality soup without advanced culinary training.
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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Roasted tomato basil soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Garden-fresh ingredients and slow-roasted tomatoes create a silky, rich experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 9 Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
  • 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
  • 2 cups chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
  • 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Oils, Seasonings, and Dairy:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Position the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the tomatoes.
  2. Arrange halved tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast for approximately 60 minutes until edges caramelize and tomatoes become deeply concentrated in flavor.
  3. Select a large Dutch oven and melt butter over medium-high heat. Introduce diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and slightly golden, releasing their sweet aromatics.
  4. Incorporate minced garlic, thyme, and additional seasonings, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allow the herbs to become wonderfully fragrant.
  5. Gently fold roasted tomatoes into the pot, combining with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh chopped basil, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
  6. Pour chicken stock into the mixture, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Allow ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
  7. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a smooth and creamy consistency directly in the pot. For alternative methods, carefully transfer to a standard blender, processing in small batches.
  8. Finish the soup by introducing heavy cream, which will add luxurious richness and silkiness. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves or accompanying with crispy homemade croutons for added texture and excitement.

Notes

  • Roast tomatoes low and slow to concentrate their natural sweetness and deepen flavor complexity.
  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for superior richness and authentic Italian taste profile.
  • Experiment with dairy alternatives like coconut cream for vegan or lactose-free version.
  • Immersion blender provides smoother texture and easier cleanup compared to traditional blending method.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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