If you have ever craved a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tangy fire-roasted tomatoes, fragrant herbs, creamy richness, and just a bit of spice that elevates simple ingredients to something truly special. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, entertaining guests, or just craving a little comfort food, this homemade tomato soup will become one of your go-to recipes in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients bring out the boldest flavors, and that’s exactly what happens here. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the sweetness of the onions to the smoky depth of fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a soup that’s balanced, vibrant, and downright irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Provides a rich base that helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
- 1 medium or large onion: Adds sweetness and body when caramelized just right.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives the soup a gentle kick without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that rounds out the flavor profile brilliantly.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Provides classic tomato soup aromatics that tie everything together.
- 3 cloves garlic (smashed and minced): Infuses the soup with deep, savory undertones.
- 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes: The foundation of the soup’s tangy, natural tomato flavor.
- 1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky complexity and texture to the mix.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that keeps this soup hearty yet light.
- ½ to 1 cup cream: Gives the soup a luscious, smooth finish that’s simply indulgent.
- ½ cup fresh basil (chopped): Tops off the soup with a fresh, bright burst of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil or butter—once it’s shimmering or fully melted, toss in the chopped onion. This step is critical because beautifully softened, slightly browned onions unlock that natural sweetness which forms the backbone of your soup.
Step 2: Season and Spice
Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil right over the onions. Seasoning early jumpstarts the flavor development and lets the spices bloom as the onions cook down for 5 to 8 minutes until they reach a lovely light brown color.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Next, add the smashed and minced garlic, sautéing for just about a minute. Keep an eye on it because garlic turns bitter if burned, but when perfectly cooked, it becomes the soup’s subtle savory hero.
Step 4: Tomatoes and Broth Join the Party
Pour in the entire can of whole tomatoes with their juices along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Then add the chicken broth. This combination brings richness and depth. The fire-roasted tomatoes especially add a hint of smokiness you won’t want to skip.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring everything to a full boil on high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. The magic happens here as all those flavors meld beautifully—simmer for at least 10 minutes, but if you have 45 minutes to spare, it’s even better.
Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
Turn off the heat and grab your immersion blender to puree the soup into a velvety consistency. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a traditional blender. Be cautious to avoid splatters by blending off heat, filling the blender less than halfway, and using a towel over the lid to let steam escape safely.
Step 7: Add Cream and Basil
Return the soup to the stove briefly if needed to warm it back up, then slowly stir in the cream to create a silky finish. Toss in chopped fresh basil or reserve it as a garnish, whichever you prefer. This addition brings a fresh, bright note that truly lifts the soup.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Your Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is now ready to warm your soul. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for some ultimate comfort food enjoyment.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can take your tomato soup from good to unforgettable. Fresh basil leaves add color and freshness, while a swirl of cream or a dollop of creme fraiche brings extra indulgence and creaminess. Don’t overlook a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few toasted pine nuts for a delicate crunch.
Side Dishes
Tomato soup loves company, and nothing pairs better than a golden grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese and buttery crust provide the perfect contrast to the smooth, tangy soup. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or warm crusty bread with olive oil for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add some fun to family dinner? Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into tiny squares and float them on top like croutons. Just be warned—they get soggy quickly, so serve immediately for that perfect texture. Another idea is to serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible presentation that’s as charming as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your homemade tomato soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen even more overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance and enjoy on busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If it seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or cream to restore that perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the soup remains just as flavorful and satisfying.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
If fire-roasted diced tomatoes aren’t available, you can use regular diced tomatoes—just consider adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky depth.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can work wonderfully, especially in summer. You’ll need about 3 pounds, peeled and seeded, then roast or simmer them before adding them to the soup for the best flavor.
Is it necessary to add cream?
The cream adds a luscious texture and mellow richness, but if you want a lighter soup, you can skip it or use a non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk or cashew cream.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of warmth—you can easily adjust the amount to your preference or omit it completely for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
There is something so genuinely satisfying about a classic Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe made with love and simple ingredients. It’s the kind of soup that feels like home, brightens your day, and invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Cozy up with a bowl and some grilled cheese—you deserve it.
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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade tomato soup is a rich, flavorful comfort food made with a blend of fire-roasted and whole tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, aromatic herbs, and finished with a creamy touch. Perfectly balanced with a mild kick from red pepper flakes and fresh basil, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and served best warm alongside grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium to large onion, chopped
- 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasoning & Herbs
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Finishing
- 1/2 to 1 cup cream
Instructions
- Heat the fat and cook the onion: Warm a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. When the oil shimmers or butter melts, add the chopped onion to the pot.
- Season the onion: Sprinkle the onion with kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to build flavor as it cooks.
- Sauté the onions: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and softened, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the whole canned tomatoes (with juices), fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth into the pot.
- Simmer the soup: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavors, simmer up to 45 minutes.
- Puree the soup: Turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup in batches in a countertop blender, ensuring to hold a towel over the lid and adding less quantity per batch to prevent splatters.
- Reheat and add cream: After blending, return the soup to the stovetop to warm if necessary. Turn off the heat and slowly stir in 1/2 to 1 cup cream, adjusting to your desired richness.
- Add fresh basil: Stir in chopped fresh basil or use it as a garnish on each serving for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the tomato soup warm with grilled cheese sandwiches. Optionally, cut the sandwiches into small crouton-like pieces to add into the soup, although they will soften quickly. The classic pairing is perfect for dipping!
Notes
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Adjust cream amount to your preference for a lighter or richer soup.
- Simmering longer deepens the flavor; do not rush if time allows.
- Be cautious when blending hot soup to avoid splatters and burns.
- Fresh basil adds bright herbal freshness—add just before serving for best flavor.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches make the perfect companion and can be served on the side or torn into the soup.
