- Homemade tomato soup is simple, comforting, and balances tangy, creamy, and savory flavors using fresh or canned tomatoes.
- Small techniques—roasting tomatoes, adding a pinch of sugar, and stirring in cream last—dramatically boost flavor and texture.
- Prep ahead and store: refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze 3 months; reheat gently and avoid boiling after adding cream.
There’s just something comforting about a bowl of tomato soup, isn’t there? It’s cozy, flavorful, and brings back all those childhood memories of rainy afternoons and buttery grilled cheese sandwiches.
Once I started making homemade tomato soup from scratch, I realized how simple, and so much better, it can be. The freshness of ripe tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and a touch of cream create that perfect balance of tangy and smooth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet cozy enough to serve on a chilly weekend. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out.
Table of contents
- Let’s Make This Delicious Tomato Soup Together!
- What Makes This Tomato Soup So Special?
- A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
- Little Secrets for Big Tomato Soup Flavor
- Mix It Up: Fun Twists on Classic Tomato Soup
- Saving the Comfort for Later
- FAQs: Your Tomato Soup Questions, Answered
- A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Let’s Make This Delicious Tomato Soup Together!
Homemade Tomato Soup
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes220
kcalIf there’s one recipe I reach for when I need something warm, cozy, and full of flavor, it’s this homemade tomato soup. It’s creamy without being heavy, easy to make from scratch, and honestly, better than anything that comes from a can. Perfect for any night you want comfort in a bowl.
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Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 lbs ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 1 can, 28 oz, crushed tomatoes)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh basil)
0.25 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
Croutons or fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
- Start by warming up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and just starting to turn golden, that’s where the flavor begins. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes, if that’s what you’re using), tomato paste, salt, pepper, sugar, and basil. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes so the tomatoes start breaking down and releasing their juices.
- Pour in your vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This gives all those flavors time to blend beautifully.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender right in the pot (my go-to for less mess) or transfer the soup carefully to a regular blender in batches. Blend until it’s smooth and velvety.
- Stir in the heavy cream just before serving and give it one last warm-up over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls, top with croutons or a few basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, roast your tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes before adding them to the pot.
- If you like your soup thicker, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
- Want to make it vegan? Skip the cream and use coconut milk or a splash of almond milk instead.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
- Freeze leftovers in portions, it reheats beautifully for a quick lunch.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
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What Makes This Tomato Soup So Special?
I’ve made a lot of soups over the years, but there’s just something about this tomato soup that hits differently. It’s not just the flavor, it’s that balance of tangy, creamy, and savory all in one spoonful. I think of it as a love letter to simple ingredients done right.
Here’s why this tomato soup works every single time:
- It’s simple but full of flavor. A few pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and broth come together for a soup that’s rich and satisfying.
- You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. It’s delicious either way, just adjust the seasoning slightly.
- It’s comfort food with a healthy twist. You control the salt, the cream, and the freshness, so it feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Totally customizable. Want it creamy? Add a swirl of cream or coconut milk. Want it bold? Toss in some roasted red peppers or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Perfect for all seasons. Light enough for spring and summer, cozy enough for fall and winter.
Tomatoes are such versatile little gems. You can turn them into this cozy soup or even something like the easiest tomato gravy recipe for pasta, biscuits, or brunch, proof that they’re the ultimate comfort ingredient.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
One of my favorite things about making tomato soup is how low-stress it is. But if you’re planning dinner after a busy day, doing a little prep ahead can make it even smoother. Here’s what I recommend:
- Chop your onions and garlic a day ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Measure out your seasonings (like salt, pepper, and herbs) into a small dish so you can toss them in quickly when it’s time to cook.
- Roast your tomatoes ahead of time if you’re using fresh ones. This step adds depth and sweetness, and you can refrigerate them for up to two days.
- Make your broth in advance or use a good-quality store-bought option to save time.
- Prep your garnish options like fresh basil, croutons, or grated cheese, so serving feels effortless.
When everything’s ready to go, this soup practically cooks itself, leaving you more time to relax while it fills your kitchen with that amazing, cozy aroma.
Little Secrets for Big Tomato Soup Flavor
I’ll let you in on a little secret, the best tomato soup isn’t just about following the recipe, it’s about those tiny touches that bring the flavor to life. After making this countless times (especially on chilly New York evenings), I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it truly restaurant-worthy.
- Use ripe tomatoes whenever you can. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your soup will be.
- Roast your tomatoes first for a deeper, caramelized taste. It’s a small step that adds a ton of flavor.
- Don’t skip the sugar. A tiny bit balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Add cream at the end, not during simmering. This keeps it silky without curdling.
- Fresh basil = freshness boost. Stir it in right before serving for that gorgeous aroma.
- Pair with crusty bread or grilled cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort combo, trust me, it’s unbeatable after a long day.
If you love exploring other cozy tomato-based dishes, you’ll probably enjoy trying the easiest tomato gravy recipe too, it’s perfect for brunch or over biscuits.
Mix It Up: Fun Twists on Classic Tomato Soup
One of the best things about tomato soup is how easily it adapts to your mood (and what’s in your pantry). Whether you want something creamier, spicier, or extra hearty, here are some delicious ways to make it your own.
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Roast your tomatoes, onions, and garlic first for 25-30 minutes at 400°F, then follow the rest of the recipe. You’ll get a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that feels fancy but isn’t.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions for a gentle kick that warms you right up.
- Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese before blending, it adds depth and richness that cheese lovers will adore.
- Tomato Coconut Soup (Vegan): Swap the cream for coconut milk and add a bit of curry powder or ginger for a cozy, tropical twist.
- Tomato Jam Twist: Want something bold and sweet-savory? Try swirling in a spoonful of homemade tomato jam just before serving, it gives a burst of umami flavor that’s downright addictive.
Saving the Comfort for Later
Tomato soup is one of those dishes that actually tastes even better the next day, the flavors have time to meld and deepen.
Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Avoid boiling after adding cream. High heat can cause it to separate, keep it gentle and slow for that velvety texture.
FAQs: Your Tomato Soup Questions, Answered
If your soup tastes a little flat, it usually just needs balance. Try adding a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity, or swirl in a bit of cream or butter for richness. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavor instantly.
Absolutely! I do it all the time, especially in the winter. Canned tomatoes give great flavor year-round. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand, and if they’re whole tomatoes, crush them with a spoon before adding to the pot.
There are plenty of ways! Blend in a cooked potato or a handful of soaked cashews for a naturally creamy texture. Coconut milk also works beautifully if you want a dairy-free option with a hint of sweetness.
That tang usually comes from the acidity of the tomatoes. A small spoonful of sugar (or even a bit of carrot purée) will help smooth it out. Always taste and adjust before serving.
You’ve got lots of choices! Try crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple pasta side. For something hearty, a baked potato or a savory quiche works wonders too.
Yes, in fact, it often tastes better the next day! You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently over medium-low heat before serving, and if it’s thickened a bit overnight, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Keep Coming Back To
And there you have it, a classic, cozy tomato soup that’s just as easy to make as it is comforting to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet night or serving it up for friends, this recipe delivers every single time.
I love how something so simple can taste so fresh, rich, and nostalgic all at once. With every spoonful, you get that perfect mix of warmth and flavor that feels like home, no matter where you are.
So grab those tomatoes, fire up your pot, and make yourself this beautiful bowl of comfort. Once you do, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to whenever you need a little warmth in your day.
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