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Best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, velvety bowl of soup on a crisp day. It feels like a hug from the inside, especially when it’s a classic made with love. Today, I’m so excited to share my ultimate recipe for the most flavorful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup you will ever taste. This version is a total game-changer because we roast the tomatoes first to unlock an incredible depth of flavor that simply can’t be achieved any other way.

So, what exactly is this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup? It’s a beautiful, rustic dish where ripe tomatoes, garlic, and onions are caramelized in the oven until they’re sweet and slightly charred. We then blend them with fresh basil and a rich vegetable broth until perfectly smooth. This method is significant because roasting concentrates the tomatoes’ natural sugars, completely eliminating any need for added sugar and creating a uniquely robust, savory-sweet profile. This recipe perfectly aligns with our philosophy of creating deeply flavorful, wholesome meals without complicated techniques. It’s the ideal companion to a crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. While it tastes luxurious, this soup is actually quite simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prepping alongside a batch of our favorite easy garlic bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms such simple, humble ingredients into pure magic. I love the ritual of roasting the vegetables; the aroma that fills my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating and signals that a delicious, comforting meal is just moments away. It’s my go-to dish whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels both nourishing and indulgent, proving that the best food doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a true nutritional powerhouse because roasting the tomatoes first concentrates their flavor while also boosting their lycopene content. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, so it helps protect your cells from damage. Because it is a fat-soluble nutrient, the olive oil in the recipe helps your body absorb it more effectively.

You will also benefit from a healthy dose of vitamins C and K from the fresh tomatoes and basil. These vitamins are essential for a strong immune system and healthy bones. Although the soup tastes incredibly rich, it is naturally low in calories, making it a wonderfully satisfying yet light choice. Furthermore, the basil contributes anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe your body. Every spoonful of this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup delivers both incredible taste and tangible health advantages, so you can feel good about enjoying it.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup seamlessly fits into a balanced diet. It acts as a perfect light lunch or a comforting starter for dinner, providing essential nutrients without weighing you down. For those with specific dietary goals, this soup is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based cream alternative.

It is an excellent choice for meal prepping, as you can make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week for quick, healthy lunches. Pairing it with a whole grain side adds filling fiber and makes it a complete meal. If you are looking for more ways to incorporate healthy, vegetable-forward meals into your routine, explore our guide to easy weekly meal prep. This soup supports practical, healthy eating habits for everyone.

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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

  • Author: Kris Longwell
  • Total Time: 100 mins
  • Yield: 8 people 1x
Print Recipe

Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  3. Roast tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove from oven and set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp oil, or butter, in a large pot (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
  5. Add onion, and saute for about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  8. Add the stock and the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every now and then.
  9. 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.
  10. Stir in the cream.
  11. 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!
  12. Add the croutons to the top of the served soup. Serve at once!

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to prevent the cream from separating. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 80 mins
  • Method: Soup
  • Cuisine: Soup

Nutrition

  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 389
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 9
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 37

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s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for roasting. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup later. Next, wash and halve your tomatoes and onions, then arrange them on the sheet in a single layer. Generously drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Furthermore, toss the garlic cloves in there too; roasting them whole in their skins makes them sweet and incredibly easy to squeeze out later. Roast the vegetables for about 40 minutes until they develop beautiful, caramelized edges. While they roast, you can chop your fresh basil and gather the remaining ingredients. Once the tomatoes and onions are soft and fragrant, transfer everything from the pan into a large pot or Dutch oven. Immediately, add your vegetable broth and all that fresh basil. Then, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully blend it in batches in a countertop blender. Finally, stir in the heavy cream over low heat until your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfectly warmed through.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I used to rush the roasting process, pulling the tomatoes out too early before they could properly caramelize. Consequently, my soup lacked that deep, rich flavor I craved. I learned that patience is the secret ingredient; let those tomatoes get dark and jammy for the best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Another mistake was blending the soup while it was too hot, which led to a messy and dangerous explosion. Now, I always let it cool for a few minutes or use an immersion blender for total safety. For perfect results every time, check out my guide on how to blend soup safely. Also, using bland, out-of-season tomatoes will let you down. If fresh tomatoes aren’t at their peak, I highly recommend using my tips for canned tomato substitutes for a flavor-packed solution.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

The story of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a beautiful tale of summer’s bounty meeting rustic, humble cooking. Although many cultures have their own version of tomato soup, the specific method of roasting the tomatoes first feels deeply rooted in Italian and Mediterranean traditions, where sun-ripened produce is celebrated. Picture a family in a small Italian village, their kitchen windows open to the afternoon sun, roasting trays of plum tomatoes from the garden to capture their concentrated, sweet essence.

This technique transforms the entire dish, because the high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, creating a depth of flavor that simmering alone cannot achieve. The addition of fresh basil is non-negotiable in its most authentic form, as the two ingredients are culinary soulmates. In many households, the recipe is a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations and often served with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping. A truly great Roasted Tomato Basil Soup tastes like a warm embrace, a direct connection to sun-drenched gardens and generations of home cooks who knew how to make simple ingredients sing.

How it fits in today’s cooking

This classic soup has effortlessly found its place in modern kitchens, even though its origins are centuries old. It remains a quintessential comfort food for a chilly evening, while also serving as the perfect elegant starter for a dinner party. Its versatility is its greatest strength, because you can easily find a version for every diet, from creamy and dairy-filled to vegan and oil-free.

Contemporary cooks love

to put their own spin on it, so you will often see variations that include a splash of heavy cream for richness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Some even blend in roasted red peppers for a sweeter twist. This soup is a fantastic way to use up a summer surplus of tomatoes, and it freezes beautifully for a taste of sunshine in the middle of winter. It pairs wonderfully with a classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich for the ultimate comforting meal. For a lighter, equally satisfying pairing, try it with a fresh Garden Salad to round out a nutritious lunch.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup delivers a profound depth of flavor because slow roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes. Consequently, you get a beautiful sweet and smoky base that is utterly irresistible. The roasted garlic and onion mellow into a sweet, fragrant undertone while the fresh basil provides a bright, peppery finish. Each spoonful feels luxuriously creamy and velvety smooth against your palate even though it contains no heavy cream. Furthermore, the soup boasts a rich, concentrated tomato essence that is both comforting and sophisticated. You will immediately notice the incredible aroma of herbs and roasted vegetables when it simmers. This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food because it balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes so perfectly. The texture is consistently thick and luscious so it clings wonderfully to a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect bite.

r">Boosting the flavor

You can easily elevate your soup by stirring in a spoonful of pesto for an extra herbal punch. Although the soup is fantastic on its own, a dollop of creamy ricotta or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty, creamy contrast. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce works beautifully. Consider using high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes if fresh ones are out of season because they offer a fantastic sweet flavor and low acidity. Crunchy homemade croutons or a swirl of basil oil make for stunning textural and visual toppings. A final drizzle of a high-quality balsamic glaze can introduce a sweet and tangy complexity that brightens the entire dish. For more inspiration on perfect pairings, explore our ultimate guide to grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also experiment with different herbs; for instance, a spoonful of our sun-dried tomato pesto stirred in at the end introduces an intense, savory umami flavor that is simply unforgettable.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

Always use ripe, in-season tomatoes for your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup because they offer the deepest, sweetest flavor after caramelizing in the oven. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to coat the tomatoes and garlic, as this helps them roast evenly and contributes a rich, fruity base note to the final dish. Furthermore, do not skip the step of roasting the garlic along with the tomatoes, even though it takes a little more time, since this process mellows its sharpness and adds a wonderful, nutty sweetness. Finally, always blend the soup in batches if your blender is small, so you can achieve that perfectly smooth and velvety texture everyone loves.

>Mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is under-seasoning the vegetables before roasting, which results in a bland Roasted Tomato Basil Soup; therefore, be generous with salt and pepper on your tomato halves to build flavor from the very beginning. Another error is using a weak blender that leaves the soup chunky, so for a truly silky consistency, a high-powered blender is essential for pureeing the soup until it is completely smooth. Although it might be tempting to use dried basil, always opt for fresh basil leaves and stir them in at the very end of cooking to preserve their bright color and vibrant flavor, much like the technique described in our guide on how to chiffonade basil. Finally, remember not to overcrowd your baking sheet when roasting, because the tomatoes will steam instead of caramelize, a fundamental principle of roasting vegetables that we cover in our perfect roasted vegetables article.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

For a truly beautiful presentation, serve your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in a warm, shallow bowl. Furthermore, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of cream on top just before serving. Consequently, this creates a lovely visual contrast and adds a touch of richness.

Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves, a crack of black pepper, or even some homemade garlic croutons for a delightful crunch. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a holiday starter or a special weekend lunch.

h-it">What goes well with it

A classic, crusty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate partner for this soup. The creamy, melted cheese and buttery, crisp bread perfectly contrast the smooth, tangy notes of the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. For the best experience, try our ultimate Three Cheese Grilled Cheese recipe.

In terms of beverages, a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the soup’s acidity beautifully. Alternatively, a sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Finally, for a complete meal, a simple side salad adds a fresh, crisp element; our popular Easy Arugula Salad with a light vinaigrette is an ideal choice.

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What is the best tomato to use for tomato soup?

Roma (plum) tomatoes are the best choice for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup because they are meaty with fewer seeds and less water, which results in a thicker, more concentrated flavor. You can also use a mix of vine-ripened and cherry tomatoes for a more complex, sweet taste in your soup.

How do you thicken tomato basil soup?

For a naturally thick Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you can puree a portion of the soup with a can of white beans or a slice of bread for a creamy texture without cream. Alternatively, simmering the soup uncovered allows excess liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening it to your desired consistency.

Can you freeze tomato basil soup?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze tomato basil soup. For the best results, allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

ank-math-faq-item"> What to serve with tomato soup?

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect pairing for a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the rich, flavorful soup.

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