If you are craving a sofa-snuggling classic that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is the answer. Bursting with rich, sun-kissed tomatoes and fragrant herbs, it offers that perfect balance of tangy sweetness and savory warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a delicious starter for your dinner, this soup’s creamy texture and bold flavors will have you coming back for seconds and sharing the recipe with all your friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced soup. Each one not only adds its unique flavor but also enhances the texture and color, making your Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe truly shine.
- Olive oil or butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion (1 medium or large): Brings natural sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Kosher salt (1 & 1/2 teaspoons): Seasoning that enhances all other flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick that brightens the soup.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Brings a Mediterranean herbal note that complements tomato beautifully.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a sweet, peppery aroma.
- Garlic (3 cloves, smashed and minced): Offers a pungent, earthy depth to the broth.
- Whole tomatoes, canned 28-oz (1 can): The heart of the soup—lush and juicy for that fresh tomato taste.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned 15-oz (1 can): Adds smokiness and texture with delightful charred hints.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides savory liquid to carry all the flavors in harmony.
- Cream (1/2 to 1 cup): For a luscious, velvety finish that softens the acidity.
- Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped): The finishing flourish, bringing freshness and aroma to every spoonful.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the onions and aromatics
Begin by heating your soup pot over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil or butter. Once shimmering or melted, toss in your chopped onions. These will soften and develop a sweet, golden hue that forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Season the base
Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. This seasoning mix transforms the simple onions into a fragrant, herbaceous base that will infuse your soup with bright and warm notes.
Step 3: Brown the onions
Cook the onions for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re lightly browned and smell irresistible. This caramelization adds a touch of sweetness and complexity that’s essential for a rich tomato soup.
Step 4: Add garlic
Mix in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it — garlic’s delicious but can turn bitter quickly!
Step 5: Pour in the tomatoes and broth
Next, add the canned whole tomatoes (with juices), diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. This combination ensures a robust tomato flavor, balanced with smoky undertones and a savory backbone.
Step 6: Simmer to meld flavors
Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Let it bubble gently for at least 10 minutes so all those gorgeous flavors marry beautifully—wait longer if you can, even up to 45 minutes.
Step 7: Puree the soup
Turn off the heat and blend your soup until creamy and smooth using an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender, holding a towel over the lid to avoid tomato soup eruptions. This step turns chunky goodness into the velvety richness you’re craving.
Step 8: Add cream and basil
Rewarm the blended soup if needed, then stir in the cream slowly for that indulgent softness. Finally, fold in fresh chopped basil or sprinkle it on top when serving to add vibrant freshness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
Grab your favorite grilled cheese sandwich or a crusty bread to dunk and savor with every spoonful of this iconic comfort food. You’re about to fall in love all over again.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can elevate your homemade tomato soup to restaurant quality. Fresh basil leaves bring vivid color and aroma, while a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds that final touch of indulgence. For a little crunch, you can also add homemade croutons or mini grilled cheese bites right on top.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with classic grilled cheese sandwiches, creating a nostalgic and perfectly balanced meal. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or garlic bread sticks are fantastic companions. Each side helps balance the creamy soup and adds textural contrast that’s endlessly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic and fun presentation. You can also swirl in a pesto ribbon or sprinkle grated Parmesan for flair. Another idea is to garnish with a tiny skewer of mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes as a playful appetizer alongside your soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers often even better than the first serving!
Freezing
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll still enjoy that fresh, comforting taste even weeks later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter. Skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut or cashew cream for the same creamy texture.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
Canned whole tomatoes and fire-roasted diced tomatoes provide excellent flavor and texture. Fire-roasted adds a hint of smokiness that makes this recipe stand out, but you can use regular canned diced tomatoes if needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but it requires peeling and cooking them down considerably. Canned tomatoes are picked at peak ripeness and provide a consistent, rich flavor that’s hard to beat for soup-making convenience.
Why add cream to the tomato soup?
The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a luscious texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce or omit it.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce also work well if you want to turn up the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience filled with warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. I can’t wait for you to try it and share how it becomes your go-to soup for cozy evenings or anytime you want a taste of sunshine in a bowl. Happy cooking!
Print
Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy homemade tomato soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with a blend of fire-roasted and whole canned tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this soup is simmered to deepen the flavors, then pureed for a smooth texture. Serve it warm with grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium or large onion, chopped
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, with juices
- 1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
Finishing
- ½ to 1 cup cream
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. Wait until the oil shimmers or the butter fully melts before proceeding.
- Add onion and season: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to build the soup’s aromatic base.
- Sauté the onions: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become lightly browned and translucent, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the smashed and minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the can of whole tomatoes (including juices), the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including juices), and the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for at least 10 minutes, or up to 45 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Puree the soup: Turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly, then blend in batches, handling carefully to avoid hot overflow. Use a towel to cover the blender lid to allow steam to escape safely.
- Reheat and add cream: If needed, warm the pureed soup on the stove again. Turn off the heat and slowly stir in ½ to 1 cup of cream to add richness and smoothness.
- Add fresh basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil or use it as a garnish when serving for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, ideally with grilled cheese sandwiches. Optionally, cut grilled cheese sandwiches into small crouton-sized pieces to add to the soup, though they may become soggy quickly.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth to the soup, enhancing the flavor.
- An immersion blender is highly recommended for easy pureeing directly in the pot.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be substituted to keep it vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream with coconut milk or omit entirely.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches pair excellently and can be dipped or cut into croutons for topping.
- Be cautious when blending hot soup to prevent splattering or burns.
