There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of velvety, homemade soup, and this Tomato Soup Recipe captures the very essence of coziness. Imagine the aroma of roasted Roma tomatoes swirling through your kitchen, mingling with sweet onions, bright basil, and just the right touch of creaminess. Every spoonful offers a perfect blend of sun-ripened flavor, comforting warmth, and a welcoming sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold day or seeking a light lunch, this Tomato Soup Recipe promises heartwarming satisfaction in every bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tomato Soup Recipe calls for simple ingredients, yet each one brings something special to the table—from roasted tomatoes that deepen the flavor to the finishing touch of cream for luscious richness. Let’s walk through how each element works its magic.

Roma Tomatoes (1½ pounds): Roasting these brings out a deep, natural sweetness and concentrates their flavor beautifully.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Essential for roasting and creating a glossy texture in the final soup.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the onions and aromatics develop a deeper flavor.
Yellow Onion, diced (1 medium): Provides a mild, sweet undertone that smooths out the tomato’s acidity.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Brings fragrant warmth and a kick of savory depth.
Fresh Thyme, minced (1 tablespoon): Adds an earthy, aromatic layer that cuts through the richness.
Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): Ensures the soup is robust with a balanced consistency, even after blending.
Fresh Basil Leaves, roughly chopped (2 cups): Infuses the soup with brightness and herbal notes.
Dried Basil (2 tablespoons): Boosts the basil flavor and adds complexity.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings the soup together.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): Lends savory depth and thins the soup to the perfect consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Key for seasoning and balancing all the vibrant flavors.
Heavy Cream (⅔ cup): Gives the soup its luxuriously smooth and creamy finish.

How to Make Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Roma Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the sliced Roma tomatoes onto a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roasting not only intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes but also adds a caramelized, almost smoky note that’s absolutely transformative for this Tomato Soup Recipe. Let them roast for about 45 minutes until they’re tender and slightly blistered.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

As the tomatoes roast away and your kitchen fills with mouthwatering scents, melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until translucent and fragrant. This is your base for building rich, underlying flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Fresh Thyme

Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, letting them cook with the onion for an additional five minutes. Both ingredients release their lovely aromas and delicate flavors that meld perfectly with the eventual tomato base.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Basil, and Seasonings

To the pot, add your can of crushed tomatoes, the fresh and dried basil, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on medium or medium-low heat for about ten minutes. The flavors will meld and develop, getting you closer to that dreamy soup finish.

Step 5: Add Broth and Roasted Tomatoes

Once your roasted tomatoes are ready, add them (along with all the juices from the baking sheet) into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth as well. Season again with salt and pepper, and let the mixture gently simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld.

Step 6: Blend the Soup

Here comes the fun part! Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, and blend until completely smooth. If you love a little texture, you can pulse slightly less, but for a truly silky Tomato Soup Recipe, blending thoroughly is key. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and let your soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. This final touch turns the soup velvety and gives it that beautiful, rich color. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and get ready to savor every bite.

How to Serve Tomato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Tomato Soup Recipe bowls with a flourish of freshly chopped basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of crème fraîche for a bit of elegance. If you like a little crunch, try garlic croutons or sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts. Each garnish highlights the soup’s natural vibrancy and adds texture or a fresh pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

There’s hardly anything as soul-soothing as pairing this Tomato Soup Recipe with a classic grilled cheese sandwich—the gooier, the better! For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables makes for a beautiful, balanced meal. Don’t forget a thick slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Tomato Soup Recipe into cute mugs for a cozy lunch, or serve as shooters at your next party for an unexpected, flavorful appetizer. Swirl in a bit of pesto or cream on top for a decorative finish, or float a parmesan crisp for an extra bit of wow-factor. Play around and have fun—presentation is half the pleasure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Let your Tomato Soup Recipe cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, and you might find it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Pour completely cooled soup (before adding cream for best texture) into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge, gently reheat, then finish with the cream.

Reheating

To reheat your Tomato Soup Recipe, pour it back into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’ve frozen the soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge first for best results. Add freshly chopped basil to revive that fresh flavor right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh Roma tomatoes?

Absolutely! While roasting fresh Roma tomatoes adds gorgeous depth to the Tomato Soup Recipe, using only canned tomatoes will still give you a deliciously rich and satisfying soup. Opt for good-quality whole peeled or crushed tomatoes for best flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Tomato Soup Recipe?

Yes, just swap the chicken broth for a flavorful low sodium vegetable broth. All other ingredients remain unchanged, and you’ll still get all the wonderful depth and creaminess.

Can I make this Tomato Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Certainly—replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream. The result will be just as silky and satisfying!

How can I make the soup spicier?

If you love a kick, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and thyme, or stir in a little cayenne before blending. The gentle heat balances the tomato’s sweetness perfectly.

Can I prepare the Tomato Soup Recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely! This soup holds beautifully. Make it a day in advance, then simply reheat gently just before serving. Add the cream and any fresh garnishes right at the end for the best taste and appearance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about making a comforting dish from scratch, and this Tomato Soup Recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction. Give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!