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Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

4.9 from 65 reviews

This Best Homemade Tomato Soup recipe features slow-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy finish. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, which is then blended into a smooth soup thickened with a classic roux. Perfectly comforting and easy to make, this soup can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Tomato Base

  • 3 pounds fresh tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • ½ onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 quart vegetable broth
  • ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Combine ingredients for roasting: In a large bowl, mix the cut tomatoes, diced onion, chopped garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Roast the tomatoes: Spread the tomato mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
  4. Continue roasting and broil: Remove the tray from the oven, stir the tomatoes gently, then return to roast for another 15 minutes. Broil for the final 2-3 minutes to lightly char some tomatoes, enhancing their flavor.
  5. Blend the roasted mixture: Transfer the roasted tomato mixture along with the fresh basil to a high-powered blender. Blend on high for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
  6. Prepare the roux: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until bubbly and lightly browned, forming a roux.
  7. Add broth and sugar: Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and granulated sugar to the roux, making sure the mixture is smooth without lumps.
  8. Combine blended tomatoes and cook: Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot, whisking until fully incorporated. If preferred, stir in ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream for a richer texture.
  9. Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the soup for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  10. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with croutons or extra fresh basil.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes work especially well.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking or omit for a dairy-free version.
  • Broiling the tomatoes adds a lovely smoky char that enhances the soup’s depth.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or omit the cream entirely.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: homemade tomato soup, roasted tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, easy tomato soup recipe, comfort food, vegetarian soup