Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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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!

A white soup filled with roasted tomato basil soup next to sliced grilled cheese sandwiches.

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 (1/2-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.

A baking sheet lined with foil filled with cut tomatoes to be roasted.
A baking sheet lined with foil with roasted tomatoes on it.

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.

A large blue Dutch oven with tomatoes and herbs simmering in it with a wooden spoon in the pot.

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!

A metal spatula dropping roasted tomatoes into a pot of tomato basil soup.

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.

An immersion blender puréeing roasted tomato basil soup in a large pot.

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.

Heavy cream being poured from a milk jar into a pot of tomato soup.

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!

A ladle filled with roasted tomato basil soup in a large blue Dutch oven.

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.

A white bowl of roasted tomato basil soup with croutons on top.

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!

A hand dunking a grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of tomato basil soup.

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!

A white soup filled with roasted tomato basil soup next to sliced grilled cheese sandwiches.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate in comfort. Roasting the tomatoes gives the soup a deep, rich flavor. And over-the-top good with grilled cheese sandwiches.
5 from 154 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Soup
Keyword: Basil, creay tomato basil soup recipe, Roasted Tomatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 190kcal

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven, or soup pot

Ingredients

  • 9 Roma tomatoes sliced lengthwise
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme minced
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes crushed
  • 1 cup basil fresh, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2/3 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 tbsp 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!

Video

Notes

We find fresh Roma tomatoes are perfect for roasting, but most tomatoes will work.  Thick slices are best.  Be sure to cut away any brown spots, especially on the top of the tomato.  The roasted tomatoes can be made up 1 day in advance, but we think using them within a couple of hours or roasting is best. 
Fresh thyme and basil is always best, but if using dried, then reduce the thyme to 1½ teaspoons and ¼ cup of dried basil. 
Whole milk, or half-and-half can be substituted for the cream, although the soup won't be as silky and the taste not as rich, but will still be delicious.
Substitute vegetable stock/broth for the chicken stock to make the soup 100% vegetarian. 
The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1161IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

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!

423 Comments

  • 5 stars
    This is by far THE BEST Tomato Basil soup that I have ever tasted! It has become a staple in my house. Thank you for sharing this fabulous dish! 🙂

    • Hi Jennifer! Woo hoo!! We are THRILLED you are enjoying our tomato basil soup!!! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the awesome review! That means the world to us! Please stay in touch!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

  • This soup makes my heart so happy!! Yay! I have tried quite a few tomato soup recipes but this one just is just so perfect! Savory and creamy and the basil really comes through! Thank you for posting this recipe!

    • Hi Kisha! Woo hoo! We are over-the-moon happy that you had such great success with our tomato basil soup recipe! And thank you so so much for sharing! That means so much to us! Please stay in touch! xo Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    Delicious! We like spicy, so I roasted three fresh Serrano peppers with the tomatoes, and added a little extra garlic. Love it! Shredded Parmesan cheese is a great addition when serving.

    • Hi Judith! Woo hoo!! We LOVE that you spiced the soup up some! And..we are so so thrilled you made the soup and had such great success with it! Thank you for sharing and the wonderful review! That means so much to us! Please stay in touch! Best, Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    I love this recipe! Everything was very accurate and the taste was amazing! My husband is VERY picky with food, texture, and flavor and this recipe was perfect for him! I can’t wait to try your other recipes! ❤️

    • Hi Sara! Yay!! We are thrilled you tried the tomato basil soup and had such great success with it! And kudos for pleasing your hubby!! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the wonderful review! That means the world to us! Stay in touch and stay tuned…lots more fun and food on the way! Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    This is THEE recipe for the silkiest, most perfectly balanced
    & flavorful tomato soup. I made this for some friends who, “hate tomato soup”…. sure enough- this recipe converted them. I also gave some to my Dad, a tomato basil soup connoisseur and he is HOOKED. My family said, “this HAS to be cooked on the first snow day of the year and served with grilled cheese, ALWAYS”. Soooooo I’d say this recipe is a five star keeper. Also, I love watching Mitchell and Cam’s…..I mean Kris & Wesley’s videos, and I’m sad we’re not friends IRL because I also LOVE to cook, and y’all seem like you’d be the BEST company! 😉

    • Chelsea! You just made our day! We are so so happy you had such great success with the tomato basil soup! And thank you SO MUCH for the kind words! We love cooking with friends in the kitchen!!!!! And we know you do, too!!! xoxoxo Kris & Wesley

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