The Most Soul-Warming Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Ever

Summers spark unexpected magic when roasted tomato basil soup appears on kitchen counters.

Ripe tomatoes carry deep, concentrated flavors that dance through each spoonful.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to shimmer inside this comforting bowl.

Garden-fresh ingredients create remarkable depth without complicated techniques.

Fragrant basil leaves whisper subtle notes of freshness against rich, caramelized tomato essence.

Smooth textures invite you to savor every warming moment.

Discover why this simple recipe becomes an instant favorite among soup enthusiasts.

Why Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Is a Classic Favorite

• Elevate Home Cooking: Unleash restaurant-quality soup right in your kitchen with minimal culinary skills required.
• Versatile Comfort Meal: Perfect for cozy dinners, lunch gatherings, or as a stunning starter that impresses guests without complex preparation.
• Quick Flavor Transformation: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that elevates a simple soup into a gourmet experience.
• Family-Friendly Customization: Easy to adjust for different preferences by adding cream, garnishing with croutons, or serving alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes cut in half for deep roasted flavor.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil for roasting and enhancing tomato taste.
• Salt: Classic seasoning for bringing out tomato's natural sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning for added depth.

• Onion: Sweet, aromatic vegetable for soup foundation.
• Garlic: Pungent, flavorful ingredient for robust taste.
• Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy undertones.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Smooth tomato base for soup consistency.
• Basil: Fresh herb with bright, aromatic flavor.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetener to balance tomato acidity.

• Stock: Savory liquid for soup body and richness.
• Cream: Smooth, rich ingredient for creamy texture.
• Butter or Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.

• Bread: Crusty base for crispy mini croutons.
• Garlic, Basil: Aromatic herbs for crouton seasoning.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup at Home

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Station

Set your oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Select ripe, vibrant tomatoes and slice them in half.

Step 2: Season Tomato Halves

Arrange tomato halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.

Drizzle generously with olive oil.

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 3: Roast Tomatoes to Perfection

Place tomatoes in the preheated oven.

Roast for 60 minutes until edges become caramelized and slightly charred.

Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 5: Build Flavor Layers

Introduce minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions.

Sauté for an additional minute to release their fragrant oils.

Step 6: Combine Tomato Components

Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of sugar.

Reduce heat and let simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Create Soup Liquid Base

Pour in vegetable or chicken stock.

Add roasted tomato halves.

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Blend to Smooth Consistency

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.

Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 9: Finish with Cream

Return soup to pot and stir in heavy cream.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 10: Prepare Crispy Croutons

Cut bread into small cubes.

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chopped basil

Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls.

Top with homemade croutons.

Serve immediately with a fresh basil leaf for extra flair.

Pro Tips for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color for maximum flavor and caramelization during roasting.
• Adjust liquid amount by adding more stock if soup seems too thick, or simmer longer to reduce for a denser texture.
• Use fresh thyme and basil instead of dried herbs to enhance the soup's aromatic profile and create a brighter taste.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use plant-based butter for a vegan alternative without compromising rich taste.
• Ensure bread cubes are uniform in size for even toasting, and toss with herbs and oil just before baking to prevent sogginess.

How to Keep and Reheat Tomato Basil Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Leave a small space at the top for expansion.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Be careful of hot spots.

Perfect Pairings for Tomato Basil Soup Bowls

• Pair Rustic Bread with Robust Red Wine: Crusty, warm artisan bread complements the rich, velvety tomato soup perfectly. A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese will enhance the roasted tomato flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Elevate with Crisp Goat Cheese Crostini: Top the soup with small goat cheese toasts that add tangy contrast and creamy depth. The sharp, bright cheese balances the sweet roasted tomato base and provides a delightful textural crunch.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to serve alongside the soup. The peppery greens and zesty dressing will cleanse the palate and provide a fresh counterpoint to the hearty, warm soup.
• Complement with Chilled Pinot Grigio: Select a crisp, light white wine with citrus undertones to brighten the soup's rich profile. The wine's acidity will refresh the palate and highlight the natural sweetness of the roasted tomatoes.

Flavor Adjustments for Tomato Basil Soup

• Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Use vegetable stock instead of regular stock to maintain plant-based integrity.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Swap bread croutons with gluten-free bread or crispy roasted chickpeas. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Mediterranean Spiced Soup: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warm, aromatic profile. Top with fresh oregano and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Roasted Tomato Soup: Replace traditional croutons with toasted almond slivers or sunflower seeds. Reduce sugar content and use fewer tomatoes to lower overall carbohydrate count.

FAQs

• What makes roasted tomatoes different from regular tomatoes in this soup?

Roasting concentrates the tomato flavor, caramelizes natural sugars, and adds a deeper, richer taste compared to using raw tomatoes. The slow roasting process brings out a more intense and slightly sweet flavor profile.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but you can substitute dried basil. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried basil compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Why does the recipe include sugar?

The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor and creating a more rounded taste profile in the soup.

• Is an immersion blender necessary for this recipe?

While an immersion blender makes puréeing easier and creates less mess, you can use a standard blender or food processor. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in batches to prevent overflow.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade roasted tomato basil soup delivers pure comfort with garden-fresh ingredients blended into silky smooth perfection. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, inviting warm memories of sunny Italian kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
• 1 28 ounces (794 grams) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 2 cups chicken stock

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Oils, Fats, and Cream:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully arrange halved tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spread and not overcrowded.
2. Generously drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Roast the tomatoes in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately one hour, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, concentrated taste.
4. While tomatoes are roasting, sauté diced onions in a large pot with oil or butter over medium-high heat until they become translucent and slightly golden.
5. Introduce minced garlic, fresh thyme, additional salt, and pepper to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
6. Pour crushed tomatoes into the pot, then incorporate fresh basil leaves and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity and enhance the overall taste profile.
7. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the ingredients meld together for about 10 minutes.
8. Add vegetable or chicken stock and the previously roasted tomatoes to the pot, simmering for 30 minutes and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Carefully purée the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a standard blender, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
10. Stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious texture and additional depth of flavor.
11. Prepare quick garnish croutons by cutting bread into small cubes, tossing with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped basil, then baking at 400°F for approximately 7 minutes until crisp and golden.
12. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and top with the freshly made herbed croutons, serving immediately to preserve temperature and texture.

Notes

• Roast tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most intense, sweet flavor that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Consider using a mix of tomato varieties like roma, heirloom, and cherry to create a more complex, layered tomato base.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Adjust the sugar quantity based on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes, tasting and tweaking as you go for perfect balance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg