There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when it’s packed with the deep, rich flavors that come from roasting fresh tomatoes to perfection. This roasted tomato soup recipe is by far one of my favorites because it’s simple, delicious, and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you want a hearty yet light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
I love this roasted tomato soup recipe because the roasting step really transforms the tomatoes — it brings out their sweetness and adds a subtle smoky undertone that you just can’t get from a raw tomato base. Whenever I make it, friends always ask for seconds, and I find it works beautifully as a cozy lunch or an elegant starter for dinner. You’re going to love how easy it is to make, and how satisfying it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh tomatoes for a fresh but accessible soup.
- Roasting for Flavor: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness and adds complexity without extra fuss.
- Creamy and Smooth: A touch of cream brings silky richness without overwhelming the tomato’s brightness.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for any meal, from a quick lunch to an elegant dinner starter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this roasted tomato soup recipe comes from building layers of flavor, starting with fresh tomatoes and a handful of herbs and spices. I always choose tomatoes on the vine or Campari tomatoes for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, while the fresh basil at the end brightens things up beautifully.
- Campari tomatoes or tomatoes on the vine: I prefer these smaller tomatoes because they’re juicy and naturally sweet, which really shines after roasting.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to get the best flavor in roasting and blending.
- Large onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Halving or quartering large cloves speeds up roasting and infuses the soup with amazing aroma.
- Kosher salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the fresh flavors.
- Oregano: Brings a lovely herby warmth that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Smoked paprika: I discovered this spice adds a subtle smoky note, giving the soup extra dimension.
- Vegetable broth or chicken stock: Adds savory depth to the soup base; vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
- Heavy cream: For creaminess—optional to add more at the end if you like a richer texture.
- Fresh basil: Loosely packed for blending and extra basil for garnish—it’s all about that fresh burst of flavor.
Variations
I love how flexible this roasted tomato soup recipe is — it’s a great base to customize with your favorite flavors or dietary needs. Whether you want it vegan, extra spicy, or loaded with herbs, you can tweak it easily to suit your tastes.
- Vegan variation: Skip the heavy cream and use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy texture that still feels indulgent.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne while roasting for a gentle heat that wakes up the soup.
- Herb swap: Try thyme or rosemary in place of oregano for a different herbal character that pairs well with roasted tomatoes.
- Roasted red peppers: Toss in some roasted red bell peppers for a sweeter, smoky variation I stumbled upon that my family absolutely loves.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes, Onion, and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 450°F — this high heat is key to getting those beautiful roasted edges that boost the flavor. Slice the tomatoes in half and toss them into a large, deep baking dish along with the onion pieces and garlic cloves. Drizzle everything evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle on the kosher salt, oregano, and smoked paprika. Make sure everything is nicely coated but not drowning in oil. Roast for about 30 to 40 minutes, giving the pan a gentle toss halfway through to help everything cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the tomatoes are soft and caramelized around the edges and your kitchen smells awesome.
Step 2: Blend the Roasted Veggies into Soup
Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic — along with all those delicious juices — into a large pot. Toss in the fresh basil leaves, then use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend everything smooth and silky. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works fine; just be cautious not to overfill it with hot liquids. Once smooth, stir in the vegetable broth and heavy cream until combined. This is where the soup transforms from chunky roasted veg into that creamy, velvety texture we all crave.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Give your soup a taste test — this is the moment to tweak it. Adjust the salt if needed, and if you find the soup a bit too tangy or acidic (which can happen with very ripe tomatoes), add a small spoonful of sugar to balance it out. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some chopped fresh basil. The soup is lovely on its own but pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp side salad for a truly comforting meal.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: I once used underripe tomatoes and the soup tasted flat — always go for ripe, fresh tomatoes to get the best natural sweetness.
- Don’t Skip Roasting the Garlic: Roasting mellows out garlic’s sharp bite and adds a subtle sweetness — it completely changes the soup’s character.
- Adjust Cream at the End: If you prefer a lighter soup, add cream gradually and taste as you go to get the perfect balance.
- Avoid Overloading the Blender: Blending in batches helps achieve a smoother texture and prevents splattering.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of topping roasted tomato soup with fresh chopped basil — it adds the perfect pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of good olive oil or a spoonful of sour cream on top for added richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even some toasted pine nuts gives it a nice crunch and extra flavor dimension, especially if you’re serving it to guests.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this roasted tomato soup recipe than a classic grilled cheese sandwich — gooey, buttery, and comforting. I also love serving it with a crisp green salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the creaminess and add some zing. For a heartier meal, warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve this soup in mini mason jars or espresso cups as an elegant appetizer. Swirling a spoonful of pesto on top or garnishing with edible flowers can make it feel extra special. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside a small grilled cheese skewer for a fancy yet approachable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover roasted tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator — it keeps well for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so it’s great if you want to prepare it ahead and enjoy it the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works like a charm and makes for a wonderful anytime meal. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top for expansion. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
I reheat my roasted tomato soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent it from sticking or scorching. If it thickens during storage, adding a splash of broth or water helps to loosen the texture without losing the richness. Microwave works too for a quick warm-up, just stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this roasted tomato soup recipe?
While fresh tomatoes give the best roasted flavor, canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch. To mimic the roast, you might roast some garlic and onion separately and add smoked paprika to add that depth. However, fresh tomatoes really make this soup stand out, so I recommend trying the fresh version when you can.
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Is this roasted tomato soup recipe dairy-free?
The original recipe includes heavy cream for richness, but you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting with coconut milk, cashew cream, or simply skipping the cream altogether. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting without dairy.
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How do I make the soup less acidic?
If the soup tastes too acidic, add a small spoonful of sugar while seasoning to balance the flavors. Also, using ripe tomatoes and roasting them well helps reduce acidity naturally.
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Can I make this roasted tomato soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve if made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
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What can I serve alongside roasted tomato soup?
Classic grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a light green salad are all wonderful side dishes. For a fancy touch, a toasted crostini topped with cheese or avocado works great too.
Final Thoughts
This roasted tomato soup recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and easy, with flavors that feel special without tons of work. I love sharing it with friends and seeing their faces light up when they taste how rich and fresh it is. If you want a reliable, delicious soup recipe that you can make any time of year, I promise this one will quickly become a favorite in your house too. Give it a try and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
PrintRoasted Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful roasted tomato soup made with oven-roasted Campari tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasoned with oregano and smoked paprika. Blended smooth and enriched with vegetable broth and creamy heavy cream, garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic finish. Perfectly comforting and easy to prepare, served alongside grilled cheese or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 pounds Campari tomatoes or tomatoes on the vine, halved
- 1 large onion, cut into 8 pieces
- 12 cloves garlic, halved or quartered if large
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Liquids & Herbs
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken stock)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the veggies: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Arrange the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic cloves in a large casserole or deep baking dish. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and season with kosher salt, oregano, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to combine and spread out evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking.
- Make the soup: Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables along with their juices into a large pot. Add the fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer the veggies in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine into a creamy, rich soup base.
- Season and serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. If the soup tastes too acidic, add a spoonful of sugar to balance the flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil and an extra drizzle of heavy cream if desired. Serve hot alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh side salad for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Choose ripe, fresh tomatoes like Campari or vine tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Garlic cloves can be halved or quartered to ensure even roasting and to infuse deeper flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and acidity to taste; sugar can balance tomato acidity if needed.
- This soup stores well; refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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