If there was ever the ultimate comfort soup, this bowl of deliciousness would be a serious contender.
We go with a combination of fresh tomatoes and canned crushed tomatoes for the perfect taste and texture. The fresh basil and stock are just the right amount of balance to the soup. The cream adds depth and luxuriousness. And, once you’ve roasted the tomatoes, the soup comes together in about 30 minutes!
HOW TO MAKE ROASTED TOMATO SOUP
Roasting the tomatoes for this easy tomato basil soup delivers a deeply satisfying taste for the soup.
You can really go with any type of tomato here, but we find Roma tomatoes work best. And, they are typically available all year.
ROASTING THE TOMATOES IS EASY
Simply preheat your oven to 375°F, line a large baking sheet with foil, and slice the tomatoes in half.
If using whole tomatoes, then cut them into thick (½-inch) slices. Drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. After baking for 1 hour, they will be tender and perfectly cooked.
EXPERT TIP: The tomatoes can be roasted in advance, up to 24 hours. Once the pan is cool enough to handle, cover the tomatoes with either kitchen towels (not pressing down on them), or with plastic wrap. When ready to use, carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes with a spatula (or your hands) from the baking sheet to the pot.
After sautéing chopped onions in olive oil, throw in 4 minced cloves of garlic along with some chopped fresh thyme.
Next goes in a large can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes and the fresh basil.
Season with salt and pepper and let simmer for just 10 minutes.
FRESH TOMATO BASIL SOUP IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES
Once the canned tomatoes have simmered with the basil, it’s time to add in the roasted tomatoes.
Add the stock and let simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes.
We’re getting close, folks!
To reach the right consistency, we use our immersion blender.
EXPERT TIP: You could also purée the soup in a blender or even a food processor. Using either of these appliances will give you a very smooth texture. The immersion blender allows you to make the soup as smooth, or textured, as you desire. Whichever method you opt for, use caution. The soup is hot and can splatter and cause a burn if it reaches your skin.
A final addition of heavy cream adds a depth of silkiness and taste that makes this the best-ever creamy tomato basil soup recipe on the planet.
The soup is now ready to eat, or you can keep it at a low simmer until ready to serve.
EXPERT TIP: You can substitute whole milk or half-and-half in place of the heavy cream. The finished soup will not be as silky, and the cream does add a layer of taste that we think is wonderful, but the other options are fantastic, too. For a completely dairy-free version, don’t add the cream or milk at all.
THE PERFECT SOUP FOR ENTERTAINING
This soup is so satisfying and always gets rave reviews when we serve it to guests.
Silky, cream, and layers upon layers of taste.
And it’s so easy to prepare!
ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP FAQs
- Can I use only canned tomatoes? Yes, but you won’t get the deep roasted taste from roasting fresh tomatoes. If using only canned, skip the roasting steps of the recipe and go with two 28 oz. cans of tomatoes, we recommend one can of crushed tomatoes, and one can of whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano (make sure the can is labeled “certified”).
- What about dried herbs, can I use them? For the thyme, absolutely, go with 1½ teaspoons of dried. For the basil, you won’t get those beautiful specs of basil, and the flavor won’t be as robust, but in a pinch, you could go with ¼ cup of dried basil.
- How do you make those delicious looking croutons? Cut a loaf of bread into thin slices. Cube the slices (2 or 3) and place them in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake until golden, flipping once – about 8 minutes.
- How long will the soup keep? As with so many soups and stews, this gets even better the next day. It will keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
THE PERFECT DUNKING SOUP
You and your loved ones will flip when you serve this amazing soup. Other favorite soup recipes are our:
Rustic Lentil Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Classic French Onion Soup
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
But in the meantime, make this amazing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! The PERFECT soup for grilled cheese sandwich dunking!
Ready to make the best tomato basil soup in the world? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a picture, post it on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and hashtag #howtofeedaloon!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Video
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven, or soup pot
Ingredients
- 9 Roma tomatoes sliced lengthwise
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme minced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 1 cup basil fresh, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Roast tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoon oil, or butter, in a large pot (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, and saute for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the stock and the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every now and then.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup, or very carefully transfer to a blender or food processor to purée. This would most likely need to be done in a couple batches. Return the soup to the pot.
- Stir in the cream.
- To make the mini croutons: Cut a few small pieces of bread in small cubes, add a little oil, diced garlic and basil...bake at 400 for about 7 minutes... these make wonderful croutons!
- Add the croutons to the top of the served soup. Serve at once!
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in March 2014, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe, new tips, photography, and a brand-new fabulous video in March 2020!
Chloe Fretz says
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS and SO EASY!! Thanks for a great weeknight meal! I’m already excited to have it again for lunch tomorrow!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Chloe! Woo hoo!! We are so so happy to hear you loved the roasted tomato basil soup! It’s so comforting, right? Thank you so much for letting us know and for the great review! Means the world to us!! Stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Kathleen says
Dinner Tonight Kris and Wes!
Cold and rainy here so it will be perfect! Yum!
Melissa Weishaar says
The end of the growing season is upon us so I have made 3 batches of this soup in the last week! I hope freezing it doesn’t change the taste because it is AMAZING! Even my Campbell’s tomatoes soup loving husband is a big fan. The croutons in the story part of your post were the “topping on the cake”.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Melissa! You’ll be okay when freezing the soup. Sometimes heavy creamy soups don’t freeze as well, and become a little grainy when thawed. But, this isn’t heavy on the cream, and you should be great!! So glad you and your hubby love the soup!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting us know!! We appreciate that so so so much!!! And YAY for croutons!! Keep us posted on future kitchen endeavors!! Best, Kris & Wesley!
Dawn says
This was the best tomato soup I’ve had! Definitely will be making it again. Made grilled cheese to go with it. Nothing like dunking your sandwich into some yummy soup! Lol
Kris Longwell says
Hi Dawn!! That is music to our ears!!! And YES to grilled cheese sammies!! The perfect combo!! Thank you so much for letting us know!!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Emily says
I’ve never left a review on a recipe before, but this is the best tomato soup I’ve ever had! My husband who, “doesn’t really like tomato soup,” said it looked like it belonged in a restaurant. We both loved it! Thanks for the tasty recipe!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Emily!! That is so amazing to hear!! We are so glad you and your hubby love the tomato soup!! Thank you for letting us know and for the GREAT review!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Carmen says
It is a cold and windy day out here on the prairie. I just made your soup and the whole house smells warm and comforting. And OH MY …the TASTE is FABULOUS. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Carmen! That is fantastic!! So so happy you enjoyed the soup! We agree…it’s so warming and cozy! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the wonderful review! We truly appreciate that very much! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Kelly says
Made this today and it was such a treat! I used half fresh and half dried basil and it tasted super flavorful. My husband doesn’t normally like tomato soup but he loved this. Add some grilled cheese sandwiches and it was perfect for a cold, rainy fall day. I’ll definitely be making this again once my basil plant regrows
Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Kelly! Woo hoo!! We are so glad you enjoyed the roasted tomato basil soup! It’s truly one of our favorites and we’re so happy you loved it, too. And we agree…the perfect match for grilled cheese sandwiches!! Thanks for letting us now and for the wonderful review. That means the world to us. All the best, Kris & Wesley
Melissa Sizemore says
Made this last night, and entire family said it was the best they’d ever had! I now make my meal plans to incorporate at least one or two new recipes from you guys. Your Mahi Mahi tacos are made at least once a month, if not more. Tomorrow night is your chicken fried rice and egg rolls (also on the monthly rotation) and then Friday night is the first time for your chicken and dumplings. I can’t wait!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Melissa!! You have no idea how happy that makes us to hear! We are over-the-moon happy that you had such success with the soup and that the family loved it!! WIN!!!! Excited to hear what you think of the chicken fried rice and egg rolls…wow!! can we come over? LOL!! And then chicken and dumplings!! You’ve got good taste!! Thanks so much for letting us know and for the wonderful reviews! That means the world to us!!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Lynn says
Just made this soup! Delicious!!
Kris Longwell says
AWESOME!!! That is so great to hear! We are so happy you made the soup and had such great success! And thanks for letting us know and for the wonderful review!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Erin says
Exceptional soup! Came out so elegant in appearance and the taste was luxurious! Best tomato soup I’ve ever had. My mother-in-law had sent tomatoes (not Roma’s) from her garden in PA and I roasted them on convection in the toaster oven to cut time to 40 mins and they came out so rich. I also subbed half-n-half for the heavy cream and I think it came out great. I even tasted the soup before the cream and it could stand on its own. This will be a staple for my kitchen! Thank you!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Erin!
Wow! Everything sounds like you delivered a pretty awesome soup! And we agree, the soup is so yummy even before you add the cream…but, hey…a little half and half makes things even better!! We are so happy you had success with the soup and thank you so much for letting us know! We truly appreciate that so so so much!! Please stay in touch! Best, Kris & Wesley
Lisa O'Connell says
Making this right now. The kitchen smells HEAVENLY. Thanks for the detailed instructions. It looks and smells divine.
Kris Longwell says
That’s awesome, Lisa!! Hope you enjoyed the soup!!!
Iryna says
One of the best if not the best Tomato soup I’ve ever had!!! My kitchen smelled amazing during the process and it was just what I needed for today’s rainy day I. New York! Thank you❤️❤️
Kris Longwell says
Hi Iryna! Woo hoo!!! We are so happy you loved the roasted tomato basil soup! And we agree, it’s the perfect soup for a chilly day in the Big Apple!! Thank you for sharing and for the wonderful review! We appreciate that deeply!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Deb says
This was ah-mazing! Made exactly as recipe calls for. The good thing is it’s all mine. Son has problems with tomatoes so I get it all to myself. I think I will freeze a couple servings for a cold winter day. Thanks for spreading tasty joy.
Jamie says
Absolutely Delicious! Thank you for the recipe, it was quick, easy and cozy. So excited to see more of your creations after finding you on Instagram too!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Jamie!! Woo hoo!! So glad you enjoyed the soup!! And we are so glad you found us and hope you come back often and stay in touch!!! And thank you for the wonderful review! That means the world to us!!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Crystal says
I’ve got a bumper crop of gorgeous romas that I’m picking now before winter settles in. Is it possible to roast them and freeze them for use later?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Crystal! Well, first of all, we’re so jealous that you have a bumper crop of romas!!! That is so awesome! Yes, you can roast them and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze for later use. They’ll thaw just fine, and still be delicious in your soup!! Let us know how it all turns out!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Diana says
Simply delicious & full of flavor! A keeper for my family.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Diana! That is so awesome to hear!! We are thrilled you had such great success with the roasted tomato and basil soup! And thank you so much for letting us know and for the GREAT review! We truly appreciate that so very, very much!! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Erica says
Absolutely outstanding just as is on the recipe! I changed heavy cream to half and half for my own caloric/fat preferences, but the spices/combinations were spot-on. And best of all? I found How to Feed a Loon on Pinterest. A forever fan!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Erica!! That is SO AWESOME to hear!! We are so glad you found us and we found YOU!! And we are thrilled you loved the roasted tomato basil soup! And we often use half and half, too, when trying to watch the calories, and we agree…still super delicious! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the great review! We appreciate that very, very much!!! xoxoxo Kris & Wesley
Bonnie Clark says
Best tomato soup I’ve ever had. Made it a week ago and am making it again today!
I made it just like the recipe called for, and it was delicious. I had fresh basil from my garden and tomatoes from a neighbor the first time. I had to buy everything from the grocery store today, so hope it turns out as good!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Bonnie! So sorry for the delayed response! We are so thrilled you are loving our roasted tomato basil soup!! Nothing beats homegrown tomatoes and basil, but we bet you still got results with getting the produce from the market. Let u know how it turned out! Best, Kris & Wesley