Best Tomato Soup Recipe
This homemade tomato soup recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh basil. The tomatoes are roasted and blended to create a rich, flavorful, smooth, and creamy soup.
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Ingredients
3 pounds tomatoes, fresh and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 quart vegetable broth
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and grease a large baking sheet.
- Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Stir and roast for another 15 minutes.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until some tomatoes are lightly charred.
- Blend roasted vegetables with fresh basil until smooth.
- Melt butter in a large pot.
- Whisk in flour and cook until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Add vegetable broth and sugar, then whisk until smooth.
- Add blended tomato mixture and stir.
- Add heavy cream if desired.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 8 cups (2 quarts) of soup.
- Fresh tomatoes are recommended, but canned whole tomatoes can be used.
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used.
This homemade tomato soup recipe is made with fresh roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil to create a rich and flavorful bowl of comfort food. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, while blending creates a smooth and creamy texture.
This tomato soup combines simple ingredients with a few cooking techniques to build deep flavor. It can be served as a light meal, appetizer, side dish, or paired with grilled cheese for a classic comforting combination.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 111
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tomato soup recipe creates a homemade version with fresh ingredients and rich flavor.
Roasting the tomatoes adds depth and enhances their natural sweetness.
Fresh basil adds a bright herbal flavor that balances the tomatoes.
The soup can be blended into a smooth, creamy texture.
Optional heavy cream adds extra richness without changing the main flavor.
It can be served in different ways, from a simple bowl of soup to a pairing with grilled cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Roasted Tomato Soup
3 pounds tomatoes, fresh and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 quart vegetable broth
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
Easy Substitutions
Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are recommended, but canned whole tomatoes can also be used. Drain the juice before roasting.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or canola oil.
Butter
Salted butter can be replaced with unsalted butter if preferred.
Flour
All-purpose flour can be replaced with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Sugar
Granulated sugar can be replaced with honey or brown sugar.
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth if preferred.
How to Make Best Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes for Roasting
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Spread the tomato mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, stir the vegetables, and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
During the final 2–3 minutes, broil the vegetables briefly until some tomatoes become lightly charred.
Step 3: Blend the Tomato Mixture
Transfer the roasted tomato mixture into a high-powered blender.
Make sure to scrape all the roasted pieces and juices from the baking sheet into the blender.
Add fresh basil.
Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Prepare the Soup Base
Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 30–60 seconds until the mixture becomes bubbly and lightly browned.
This creates the base that helps give the soup a thicker texture.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add vegetable broth and sugar to the butter and flour mixture.
Whisk until smooth.
Add the blended tomato mixture and stir until combined.
If desired, add heavy cream for a creamier soup.
Cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until the soup thickens.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve warm with croutons, fresh basil, grilled cheese, or your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
Use ripe fresh tomatoes for the best roasted flavor.
Roast the tomatoes until some pieces become lightly charred to add extra depth.
Blend the soup until completely smooth for a creamy texture.
Add cream gradually if using it to control the richness.
Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Roasting Step
Roasting develops the tomato flavor and helps create a richer soup.
Not Scraping the Baking Sheet
The roasted juices and browned pieces add important flavor to the soup.
Adding Flour Without Cooking It
Allow the flour and butter mixture to cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
Blending Without Care
Hot ingredients should be blended carefully to avoid spills and splashes.
Variations
Creamy Tomato Soup
Add heavy cream for a smoother, richer texture.
Vegan Tomato Soup
Use plant-based butter or oil instead of butter and skip the heavy cream.
Spicy Tomato Soup
Add red pepper flakes or your preferred spice for extra heat.
Herb Tomato Soup
Add additional fresh herbs for a stronger herbal flavor.
What to Serve With Tomato Soup
Tomato soup pairs well with:
Grilled cheese sandwich
Croutons
Fresh basil
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Chopped herbs
A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes this soup a complete and comforting meal.
How to Store Tomato Soup
Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to storage containers.
This recipe makes about 8 cups (2 quarts) of soup.
How to Reheat Tomato Soup
Reheat tomato soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Stir while reheating to help maintain an even texture.
How to Freeze Tomato Soup
Freezing instructions were not provided with the original recipe information.
If freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
Make Ahead
Tomato soup can be prepared ahead and stored until ready to serve.
Reheat gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Canned whole tomatoes can be used. Drain the juice before roasting.
Can I make this tomato soup creamy?
Yes. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream for a creamier texture.
What makes roasted tomato soup different?
Roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic brings out deeper flavors and natural sweetness.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth.
What can I serve with tomato soup?
Tomato soup pairs well with grilled cheese, croutons, fresh basil, or garlic bread.
