Introduction
Think canned tomato soup is your only quick option? What if you could make a richer, more flavorful version from scratch in about the same time? This recipe for Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup proves that a gourmet-quality lunch doesn’t require hours of simmering or a long list of ingredients.
By roasting fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions, we develop a deep, caramelized sweetness that no store-bought version can match. This method is surprisingly simple and hands-off, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for meal prepping a healthy, comforting lunch.
Ingredients
This easy homemade roasted tomato soup comes together with fresh, vibrant ingredients that roast into a deeply sweet and savory base, creating a rich and comforting flavor without any cream.
- 3 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan version)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
Timing
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 35 minutes |
Total Time | 50 minutes |
Context: This Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to simplified prep and hands-off roasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, wash and core about 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, such as Roma or plum varieties. Cut them in half lengthwise and place them cut-side up on a large, rimmed baking sheet.
Step 2 — Season and Roast Tomatoes
Drizzle the tomato halves generously with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. For added flavor, scatter a few whole, unpeeled garlic cloves and some onion wedges on the pan. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and their skins have begun to wrinkle.
Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics
While the tomatoes roast, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add one finely chopped medium onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4 — Combine and Simmer
Once the tomatoes and garlic are finished roasting, carefully add them to the pot with the sautéed onions. The roasted garlic will be soft; squeeze the cloves from their skins directly into the pot. Add 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5 — Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches in a countertop blender, but be sure to allow steam to escape and hold the lid firmly with a towel to prevent splatters.
Step 6 — Season and Adjust Consistency
Taste your Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. For a touch of richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7 — Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, or homemade croutons for a perfect finish. This Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic, comforting meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Vitamin A | 35% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates for one serving of this Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives
- For added protein — Stir in a can of rinsed white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier, protein-packed version.
- Lower-carb option — Replace the traditional bread side with a scoop of cauliflower rice mixed directly into the soup.
- Dairy-free version — Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream for a rich, vegan-friendly soup.
- Gluten-free adjustment — Ensure any store-bought broth or stock used is certified gluten-free, which is an easy swap to make this soup celiac-safe.
- Low-sodium alternative — Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and low-sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt content.
- Extra fiber boost — Add a handful of red lentils while simmering; they’ll cook down and thicken the soup while adding nutrients.
- Spicy kick — Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavor without adding calories.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Serve it as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, garnished with a swirl of cream and fresh basil.
- Enjoy it for a simple, cozy weeknight meal alongside a crusty piece of garlic bread.
- Pack it in a thermos for a warm and satisfying lunch on a cool autumn day.
- Elevate your plating by serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
- Top it with homemade croutons, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a crack of black pepper for extra texture and flavor.
This versatile Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup is perfect for any season and can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using underripe or out-of-season tomatoes. Fix: Opt for ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, which have higher sugar content and yield a richer flavor.
- Mistake: Crowding the baking sheet while roasting. Fix: Spread tomatoes in a single layer to ensure even caramelization and avoid steaming.
- Mistake: Skipping the roasting step entirely. Fix: Roasting concentrates the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and depth, which is essential for this Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup.
- Mistake: Not blending the soup until completely smooth. Fix: Use a high-powered blender or immersion blender to achieve a velvety, restaurant-quality texture.
- Mistake: Forgetting to adjust seasoning after blending. Fix: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or thyme at the end.
- Mistake: Adding too much liquid initially. Fix: Start with less broth or water; you can always thin the soup but can’t easily thicken it.
- Mistake: Overlooking the acidity balance. Fix: A pinch of sugar or a splash of cream can counterbalance the tomatoes’ acidity if needed.
- Mistake: Rushing the simmering process. Fix: Let the soup simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For best quality, consume your Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup within the recommended time frames and always reheat it to a safe temperature.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. We hope you love it as much as we do! Give this recipe a try, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more delicious updates.
PrintEasy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup
A simple and flavorful roasted tomato soup made by roasting fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper, then blending with herbs and broth for a comforting meal.
- Author: Sophie Lane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast vegetables in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender. Add basil and parsley, then blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a large pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Roasting the vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor, making this soup rich without added cream. For a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes for this Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can substitute canned whole peeled tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Drain them well and pat dry before roasting to achieve a similar depth of flavor. This Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup will still turn out delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftover soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. The roasted tomatoes and aromatics provide plenty of rich flavor on their own.