When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing that warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. The moment you inhale the deep, rich aroma wafting from the kitchen, you’ll be transported to a cozy café nestled in a sun-drenched garden. This comforting dish is the ultimate embrace after a long day, featuring gloriously roasted tomatoes that become sweet and caramelized, mingled harmoniously with fragrant basil and a splash of cream for that luxurious touch.
I love how simple this recipe is—perfect for those weeknights when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss. In just thirty minutes after roasting, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings or unexpected guests. Trust me, this soup is so delightful that it pairs perfectly with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, transforming an ordinary dinner into a moment of culinary magic. Join me as I share this treasured recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup a Must-Try?
Comforting warmth: This classic recipe brings a sense of home with every spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings.
Quick preparation: With just 30 minutes of cooking time post-roasting, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich, robust flavors: The roasted Roma tomatoes and fresh basil combine for a taste that’s both deep and vibrant, satisfying your taste buds.
Versatile pairing: It pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese for a cozy meal experience or can stand alone as a light lunch.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family orhosting friends, this soup is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Explore more delectable options by checking out different vegetarian-friendly recipes that you can easily incorporate into your weekly meal prep!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients
• You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this delightful comfort food!
For the Soup Base
- Roma Tomatoes – Provides the fresh and roasted flavor; use thick slices for best roasting results.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and assists in roasting the tomatoes.
- Unsalted Butter – Enhances flavor while sautéing aromatics.
- Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Garlic Cloves – Brings robust flavor to the dish.
- Fresh Thyme – Lends a fresh herbaceous note; substitute with 1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme if needed.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
For the Tomato Mix
- Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes (28 oz.) – Acts as the base, providing a rich tomato flavor in this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
- Fresh Basil – Provides aromatic freshness; utilizing fresh is preferred, but dried can be substituted (0.25 cup dried basil).
- Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Chicken Stock – Adds depth of flavor; use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
For the Creaminess
- Heavy Cream – Gives a silky texture and richness; can be swapped with whole milk or half-and-half for lighter variations or omitted for dairy-free.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it sets the stage for the tomatoes to get beautifully roasted and caramelized.
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Slice the Roma tomatoes in half, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season them generously with salt and pepper before placing them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for about 1 hour until they’re tender and bursting with flavor.
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Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add either olive oil or unsalted butter. Sauté the diced yellow onion for about 5 minutes, stirring until it’s soft and translucent.
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Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing them to sauté together for an additional minute to release their aroma.
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Mix in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
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Combine the roasted tomatoes with the chicken stock in the pot, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer for another 20-30 minutes, enhancing the depth of flavor.
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Purée the soup with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy, or blend in batches using a regular blender or food processor—just be careful with the hot liquid!
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Stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Serve immediately, and for an extra touch, top with croutons for a delightful crunch!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This Irresistible Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the Roma tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them with kitchen towels or plastic wrap after roasting to keep them fresh. The sautéed onion, garlic, and herbs can also be prepped ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, combine the roasted tomatoes with the prepped aromatics and chicken stock, simmering everything until heated through. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving, ensuring each bowl remains as deliciously creamy as the first. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while delighting in homemade goodness on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
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Choose the Right Tomatoes: Use Roma tomatoes for the best flavor. They have fewer seeds and a thicker flesh, perfect for roasting.
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Avoid Soggy Soup: Ensure your tomatoes are well-drained after roasting. Excess moisture can dilute the flavor of your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
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Don’t Skip the Simmer: Let the soup simmer after combining all ingredients. This step develops the flavors, leading to a richer taste.
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Blend Carefully: When puréeing the hot soup, allow it to cool slightly, and blend in small batches to avoid splatters and burns.
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Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper only after blending; this ensures you achieve the perfect seasoning for your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Variations
Customize this comforting classic to suit your palate and pantry with delightful twists and swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Omit heavy cream and use coconut milk for a creamy, rich texture without the dairy.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a zesty heat that elevates each spoonful.
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Herbaceous Boost: Try adding fresh oregano or marjoram alongside the basil for extra layers of flavor.
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Smoky Flavor: Mix in some smoked paprika during cooking for a depth that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
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Vegetable-Packed: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots while sautéing the onions for added nutrients and texture.
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Roasted Reds: Replace half the crushed tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a unique twist and extra sweetness.
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Nutty Creaminess: Stir in a few tablespoons of tahini to enhance the creaminess and add a hint of nutty flavor.
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Citrusy Freshness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
Every variation invites you to play in the kitchen—get creative and make this soup your own!
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure to leave space for expansion and label containers with the date.
Thawing: To thaw, transfer the soup from the freezer to the fridge the night before or place it in cold water for a quicker option.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of stock or water to reach desired consistency.
What to Serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Elevate your dinner experience by thoughtfully pairing this soothing soup with delightful sides and accompaniments.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! The melted cheese and crispy bread complement the velvety soup perfectly, creating a comforting meal.
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Crusty Baguette: The chewy crust and soft interior make for an ideal vessel to soak up the rich, creamy soup.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the soup’s warmth and creaminess.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of fresh garlic bread adds a mouthwatering flavor burst that pairs delightfully with the soup.
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Roasted Veggies: Seasoned and caramelized veggies provide a cool contrast, adding nutrition and hearty textures to your meal experience.
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Savory Biscotti: For a unique twist, serve savory biscotti. Their crunch contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup, making every bite exciting.
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Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note. The rich, creamy chocolate mousse offers an indulgent contrast to the comforting flavors of the soup.
These pairings not only enhance the flavors of your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup but also create a delightful multisensory dining experience!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Roma tomatoes for roasting?
Absolutely! Look for Roma tomatoes that are firm with no dark spots or blemishes. They should be vibrant in color, ideally deep red, as this indicates ripeness. If you can, squeeze them gently—they should feel slightly soft but not mushy. This ensures you’ll have sweet, caramelized tomatoes for your soup!
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How do I store leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing it to maintain that creamy texture. I often suggest labeling your containers with the date so you can enjoy your homemade soup at its best!
Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, and how?
Absolutely, it freezes beautifully! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Alternatively, you can use zip-top bags—just ensure they’re sealed tightly! It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or place it under cold water for a quicker method.
What should I do if my soup is too acidic?
If you find your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup a bit too acidic, don’t worry! Simply stir in a small pinch of sugar at a time, tasting as you go, until the flavors balance. Another trick is to blend in a little more cream or even a spoonful of butter to soften the acidity and enhance the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, very easily! To make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a completely plant-based version. You can also substitute the cream with a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for that creamy texture while keeping it lactose-free!
Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup safe for pets?
While the soup is delicious for us, be cautious! Onions and garlic, common ingredients in this recipe, could be toxic to pets. It’s best to enjoy this comfort food yourself and offer them their special treats instead!
Irresistible Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in 30 Minutes
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Roma tomatoes in half, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season them generously with salt and pepper before placing them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for about 1 hour until they're tender and bursting with flavor.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add either olive oil or unsalted butter. Sauté the diced yellow onion for about 5 minutes, stirring until it’s soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing them to sauté together for an additional minute to release their aroma.
- Mix in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
- Combine the roasted tomatoes with the chicken stock in the pot, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer for another 20-30 minutes.
- Purée the soup with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Serve immediately, adding croutons on top.