Best Tomato Soup Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Feb 19, 2021, Updated Mar 02, 2024

5 from 211 votes

161 Comments

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The best homemade tomato soup recipe – this roasted tomato basil soup is easy to make with fresh tomatoes, irresistibly creamy & bursting with flavor. It’s a healthy and cozy way to warm up on cold winter days. Follow our step-by-step instructions & watch the video to learn how to make tomato soup from scratch!

Best Tomato Soup Recipe (2)

In my opinion, tomato soup with grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Chilly days make me want to grab a spoon and dive into a bowl of fresh, warm tomato soup – and this recipe is the best of the best!

This roasted tomato basil soup is easy to make with fresh tomatoes, irresistibly creamy & bursting with flavor. It’s a healthy and cozy way to warm up on cold winter days. It’s also a perfect recipe to use fresh garden tomatoes and basil during the late summer months.

Follow our step-by-step instructions & watch the video to learn how to make tomato soup from scratch.

Best Tomato Soup Recipe (3)

Tomato Soup Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions

As always, I recommend making this tomato basil soup recipe exactly as it’s written, however we’ll discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions.

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  • Tomatoes.Choose a vine-ripened, naturally sweet tomato variety for the best flavor.
  • Onion. a sweet yellow or white onion are the best choices.
  • Garlic.jarred minced garlic can be used in place of freshly chopped.
  • Olive Oil.Any neutral oil works well, my second and third choices would be avocado oil and canola oil.
  • Fresh Basil.This can be omitted but I do not recommend it.
  • Salted Butter. Unsalted butter works well.
  • All-purpose flour.To make this creamy tomato soup gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Granulated sugar. brown sugar or honey are good substitutes.
  • Vegetable broth.Chicken broth is a great substitute for vegetable broth.
  • Heavy cream.This is optional, but recommended. The cream cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and makes this tomato soup recipe delicious. Whole milk or half and half are great substitutes.
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How to Make Tomato Soup

This homemade tomato soup recipe is very easy to make. As always, we’ll walk through how to make tomato soup step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Being making this easy tomato soup by combining tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. Toss the ingredients with olive oil, salt and pepper and stir until evenly distributed.

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Next, spread the tomato mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the tomatoes from the oven, stir, and roast for an additional 15 minutes, broiling during the last 3 minutes so that some of the tomatoes get lightly charred.

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One the tomatoes, onion and garlic are roasted, add the mixture to the container of a high-powered blender (Vitamix), making sure to scrape all the contents from the baking sheet into the blender. Add fresh basil and blend the mixture on high speed until smooth (about 50 seconds).

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Make a Roux

My favorite way to thicken soups, stews, gravy, etc. is by making a roux, which is how we do it in this tomato soup recipe. Begin by melting the butter over medium-high heat in a large pot.

Then, add flour to the melted butter and whisk to combine. Cook until butter and flour mixture is golden brown (30-60 seconds).

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Once the roux is ready, add the broth and sugar to the pot and whisk to combine.

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Next, add the blended mixture to the pot and whisk to combine. If desired (for a creamier soup) add ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

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Serve

Once the soup is ready, serve it warm with your favorite bread and toppings, and definitely make this grilled cheese sandwich! Here are some suggestions:

  • Bread. dip pieces of crusty no-knead bread or pretzel bread into the tomato basil soup.
  • Make homemade croutons or cornbread croutons and serve on top of the soup.
  • Use this homemade whole wheat bread to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich to dip into the roasted tomato soup.
  • These homemade dinner rolls are a great companion to this creamy tomato soup.
  • Add a swirl of cream, a dash of freshly chopped basil or a spoonful of parmesan cheese to the top!
  • Have a “soup night” and make some of these soup recipes as well: potato soup (seriously the best), chicken noodle soup, sweet potato soup and butternut squash soup.
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Store

Store any leftover roasted tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

How to Freeze Tomato Soup

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing it in individually-sized portions or at least in portions that you’d eat in a sitting as a family.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat.

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Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs

What can I add to tomato soup to make it taste better?

If you make this recipe I promise this soup will taste amazing. You can add a pinch of sugar, fresh herbs (like the basil in this recipe, additional heavy cream, salt and pepper to adjust it to your liking.

Do you need to peel tomatoes for soup?

You do not need to peel tomatoes, especially because the tomato mixture is blended until it’s smooth.

How do you thicken tomato soup?

The roux thickens this recipe. However, you can thicken tomato soup in a few ways:
1) Cook it uncovered until some of the moisture cooks off and it thickens.
2) Add a combination of 1 TBS water and 1 TBS flour or cornstarch and cook uncovered.
3) Add 1 to 2 TBS of tomato paste and cook until thickened.

How do you make tomato soup less acidic?

Full-fat dairy like cream or half and half helps reduce the acidity of tomato soup.

Can you freeze tomato soup?

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing it in individually-sized portions or at least in portions that you’d eat in a sitting as a family.

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If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

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Best Tomato Soup Recipe (16)

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Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Laura

The best homemade tomato soup recipe – this roasted tomato basil soup is easy to make with fresh tomatoes, irresistibly creamy & bursting with flavor. It’s a healthy and cozy way to warm up on cold winter days, especially served with a grilled cheese sandwich. Follow our step-by-step instructions & watch the video to learn how to make tomato soup from scratch!

5 from 211 votes

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 111

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time45 minutes minutes

Total Time50 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet, set aside.

  • Combine tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and stir until evenly distributed.

  • Spread tomato mixture onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.

  • Remove from oven, stir, and roast for an additional 15 minutes, broiling during the last 3 minutes so that some of the tomatoes get lightly charred.

  • Add roasted tomato mixture to the container of a high-powered blender, making sure to scrape all the contents of the baking sheet into the blender.

  • Add fresh basil and blend mixture on high speed until smooth (about 50 seconds).

  • In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat.

  • Add flour to melted butter and whisk to combine. Cook until butter and flour mixture is golden brown (30-60 seconds).

  • Add broth and sugar and whisk to combine.

  • Add blended mixture to the pot and whisk to combine. If desired (for a creamier soup) add ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

  • Serve warm with croutons, chopped fresh basil, etc.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitution Notes

  • Tomatoes. Choose a vine-ripened, naturally sweet tomato variety for the best flavor.
  • Onion.use a sweet white or yellow onion.
  • Olive Oil.Any neutral oil works well, my second and third choices would be avocado oil and canola oil.
  • Salted Butter. Unsalted butter is a good substitute.
  • All-purpose flour.To make this creamy tomato soup gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
  • Granulated sugar. brown sugar or honey are good substitutes.
  • Vegetable broth.Chicken broth works well.
  • Heavy cream. Whole milk or half and half are great substitutes.

Store

Store any leftover roasted tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

How to Freeze Tomato Soup

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the tomato soup to freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing it in individually-sized portions or at least in portions that you’d eat in a sitting as a family.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1796IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Best Tomato Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to tomato soup to make it taste better? ›

10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
  1. 1) Fresh Rosemary. Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. ...
  2. 2) Sauteed Onions. ...
  3. 3) Crispy Bacon. ...
  4. 4) Cream. ...
  5. 5) Chutney. ...
  6. 6) Melted Cheese. ...
  7. 7) Tinned Anchovies. ...
  8. 8) Toasted Pine Nuts.
Mar 21, 2022

Which tomatoes are best for soup? ›

What tomatoes are best for homemade tomato soup? I like to use plum or roma tomatoes for homemade tomato soup because they have the best flavor when roasted. I recommend using garden fresh or organic to keep the soup as flavorful as possible!

Do you have to peel tomatoes for tomato soup? ›

Fresh tomatoes: Use 10 to 12 medium tomatoes (2 pounds). No need to peel them, everything is blended in the end. Vegan tomato soup: Substitute the butter for plant-based butter or extra-virgin olive oil. For tomato basil soup: Add a handful of fresh basil before blending the soup.

What does baking soda do to tomato soup? ›

- Adding baking soda to tomato soup and tomato sauces helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomato flavors really shine, and your sauce or soup will not curdle if you add milk. - Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato sauce or soup will make flavors sparkle and become less acidic.

What takes the bitterness out of tomato soup? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

Is tomato soup better with milk or water? ›

When Made With Milk, Tomato Soup Should Be Rich And Creamy. Not all soups are created equal. A soup made with milk is usually richer and more luxurious than one made with just water or stock. This addition helps make the soup feel more comforting.

What cuts acidity in tomato soup? ›

A small pinch of baking soda will tame any unwanted acidity in the soup.

What makes tomato soup thicker? ›

How to Thicken Tomato Soup
  1. Add cream. Dairy options high in fat will create a thick and creamy consistency in dishes. ...
  2. Blend the soup. Purée the whole soup or just half of it to add thickness to the dish. ...
  3. Incorporate vegetables. ...
  4. Make a slurry. ...
  5. Reduce the soup. ...
  6. Top the soup with croutons.
Jan 21, 2022

Is tomato sauce or paste better for soup? ›

When to Use Tomato Sauce vs. Tomato Paste in Your Cooking. Each product's texture affects how each is used in cooking. Reach for tomato sauce when you need a liquid vehicle for that tomato flavor, such as in pasta sauce, soups, and stews.

Should I strain my homemade tomato soup? ›

Blending and Straining Pureed Tomatoes

Blend to a smooth consistency. You have the option of straining the puree through a strainer for an even smoother soup, but this step isn't necessary.

Should you deseed tomatoes for soup? ›

Scoop the seeds out from your tomatoes because otherwise they can ruin the consistency and make your dish watery.

Is tomato soup healthy? ›

Tomato soup is more than just a comfort food; it's a nutrient-dense, heart-healthy, and delicious choice. Whether you're looking for a low-calorie meal option or want to increase your intake of antioxidants and vitamins, tomato soup is a versatile and tasty solution.

How to fancy up tomato soup? ›

There are several ways to enhance canned tomato soup. You can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano, a splash of heavy cream for richness, a drizzle of olive oil for depth of flavor, or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for added creaminess.

Why add tomato paste to tomato soup? ›

Tomato paste offers deep tomato flavor and adds a lot of intensity to this soup.

Why does my tomato soup taste bland? ›

Always check seasonings and taste-test before serving. If the soup tastes bland at all, a bit more salt will do the trick, that doesn't just apply to this tomato soup recipe but just about anything you'll ever find yourself cooking.

How to fix bland tomato soup? ›

Add a small spoonful of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Season with salt in all of the steps (starting with the sauteed onions). This ensures your tomato soup is never bland.

What can I add to soup that is too tomatoey? ›

A tried-and-true method for reducing acidity in tomato-based dishes is to add a small amount of baking soda. Adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acid and make your tomato soup taste smoother. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it can alter the flavor of the soup.

What can I add to my soup to give it more Flavour? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

What enhances tomato Flavour? ›

Salting tomatoes is the #1 way to bring out the natural flavor of tomatoes. I will get back to this in a bit. Noted world-famous-expert-Chef Thomas Keller put it very succinctly: Salt enhances flavor while {black} Pepper adds flavor OR changes flavor.

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