If you crave comfort in a bowl, Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is your answer. This soup captures the sun-drenched essence of summer tomatoes, even when there’s snow outside, thanks to the magic of crushed tomatoes and a swirl of luscious cream. In less than an hour—and with cozy, pantry staples—you’ll have a vibrant soup with layers of flavor, from the sweet basil to the gentle heat of pepper flakes. Each spoonful is velvety, rich, and made to warm you from the inside out.

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) calls for simple, unfussy ingredients, but each one plays a major role in building bold flavors and that creamy, crave-worthy texture. This is the ultimate proof that you don’t need fresh tomatoes to make something utterly delicious.

Olive oil: Adds an earthy richness and helps gently soften the aromatics for deeper flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that’s essential for backbone.
Carrots: Give a hint of natural sweetness and brighten the color of the soup.
Garlic: Just a few cloves add so much aroma and subtle, savory depth.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a deep, tangy kick; don’t skip it!
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a gentle tingle of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
Fresh basil: Infuses the soup with a burst of freshness and classic tomato soup flavor; use both leaves and tender stems.
Fresh thyme (or dried): Gives a herbal depth—fresh if possible, but dried works fine.
Crushed tomatoes (canned): The star of Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes), these ensure fantastic tomato flavor any time of year.
Vegetable stock or broth: A savory liquid that ties together all the flavors and ensures a silky base.
Dry white wine (optional): Adds brightness and a subtle acidity, making the soup feel restaurant-worthy.
Heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk: This is where the luscious, creamy texture comes from—pick what you love.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that make the flavors pop—taste as you go.

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until shimmering. Toss in the diced onions and carrots with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and let them cook together. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or browns. This gentle sweating softens the veggies and draws out all their natural sweetness—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and pepper flakes, letting everything sizzle together for another minute or two. The tomato paste will deepen in color and the garlic will become fragrant, layering in essential flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Build and Simmer

Add your fresh basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, broth, and wine (if using) straight into the pot, and give everything a good stir. Turn up the heat to bring the soup to a gentle bubble, then reduce and partially cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This time allows all those flavors to get cozy together. The veggies will become meltingly tender, and the broth will take on the taste of summer—even if the world outside says otherwise.

Step 3: Blend

Time for that signature creamy texture! Either carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender (don’t overfill!) or use an immersion blender straight in the pot. If you’re using a traditional blender, keep the lid slightly open or remove the center cap and cover the opening with a kitchen towel—this keeps things safe and prevents hot splatters. Blend until silky smooth, then pour the soup back into your pot.

Step 4: Finish the Creamy Tomato Soup

Pour in the cream or milk and let the soup heat gently, stirring so the dairy blends in perfectly. This is when the soup turns irresistibly velvety. Taste and tweak the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. You’ll see the Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) come to life with a perfectly balanced, creamy flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each one with a little fresh basil, some extra cracked black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re after more heat. Pair with toasted bread or an oozy grilled cheese—you’ve just made the ultimate cold-weather comfort food!

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Garnishes

A simple flourish can elevate your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) into something extra special. Think drizzles of olive oil, a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream, or a scattering of torn fresh basil leaves right before serving. Freshly ground black pepper or a dusting of red pepper flakes add a pop of color and gentle heat. Even homemade croutons, cheesy toasts, or crispy fried shallots can turn every bowl into a personalized treat.

Side Dishes

No tomato soup experience is really complete without a sidekick. Classic grilled cheese is the obvious (and delicious) move, but you could also pair the soup with buttery crostini, a crisp green salad, or even a chunky tuna melt. The creamy richness of the soup loves anything crunchy, cheesy, or a little tangy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

You can turn Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) into a showstopper by serving it in small mugs or vintage teacups at a party for sipping. For a fancy twist, swirl some pesto or red pepper coulis over the top, or serve the soup in hollowed bread bowls. It even makes a great shooter at a brunch buffet or cozy appetizer at a winter gathering—who says tomato soup can’t be fun and festive?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is a gift for late-night cravings or tomorrow’s easy lunch. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days and somehow tastes even better after a night of melding in the fridge.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream for up to three months. Just skip the cream if you plan to freeze—add it only when you reheat. Portion the cooled, blended (but not creamed) soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and swirling in the cream or milk.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot. If the soup thickens too much as it sits, add a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Always taste for seasoning before serving again—just in case it needs an extra pinch of salt.

FAQs

Can I use whole or diced canned tomatoes instead of crushed?

Absolutely! Whole or diced canned tomatoes work well; just blend the soup thoroughly to achieve that classic smoothness. Try to avoid tomatoes with added flavors (like herbs or garlic) so you can control the taste yourself.

What plant-based milks are best for a dairy-free version?

Unsweetened oat milk or almond milk are both excellent choices, bringing creaminess without overpowering the flavors. Cashew milk also works for an especially rich, non-dairy Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes).

Can this soup be made ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead! Prepare the soup right up to the step before adding cream, refrigerate, then gently reheat and finish with the cream right before serving. This way, the soup tastes ultra-fresh and silky.

Is it possible to make this soup without wine?

Of course! The white wine adds a subtle layer of flavor and acidity, but if you prefer to skip it, just add a splash more broth and maybe a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for brightness at the end.

What’s the best way to achieve extra-smooth texture?

A high-speed blender will give the silkiest results, but an immersion blender comes close and keeps things easy by blending right in the pot. Just take your time and let it whirl—you want Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) to taste as smooth as it looks!

Final Thoughts

If winter has you longing for something cozy and bright, give Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) a try. With its easy method, pantry-friendly ingredients, and gorgeous, comforting results, it’s a soup you’ll want to come back to again and again. Gather your favorite mug or bowl and make yourself this little moment of sunshine—you deserve it!