Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you just want something delicious without too much fuss. The sweetness of roasted tomatoes combined with fresh basil creates a flavor that’s truly special and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich—who could resist that?

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will surely delight everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a deep, rich flavor that makes this soup irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love dipping their grilled cheese into this creamy delight! It’s perfect for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that you can feel good about serving.
• Comfort Food Classic: This soup is the epitome of comfort food—perfect for rainy days or cozy nights on the couch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Spice: If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for an extra zing.
• Creamy Alternative: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter version that’s still creamy and delicious.
• Go Green: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for an added boost of nutrients.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or parsley to add your unique twist!

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those beautiful tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for an hour brings out their natural sweetness, creating that rich flavor we love in our soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot (or Dutch oven), heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add in your diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it releases all those sweet onion flavors that form the base of your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 4: Combine with Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add in those crushed tomatoes along with your fresh basil and sugar. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The sugar balances out acidity from the tomatoes, enhancing all those lovely flavors.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Add both your stock and roasted tomatoes into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all those delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Blend It Smooth

Using an immersion blender, purée your soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one handy, carefully transfer batches to a blender or food processor—just be careful not to burn yourself!

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Return the puréed soup back to your pot and stir in the heavy cream. This adds richness and rounds out all those incredible flavors we’ve created.

Step 8: Make Croutons (Optional)

For fun mini croutons, cut small cubes of bread, toss them with oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top with croutons if desired. Serve immediately—this dish is best enjoyed hot!

Now grab your favorite grilled cheese sandwich, sit back, and savor every spoonful of this delightful soup!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful journey, and a few pro tips can help you achieve the best results!

• Use ripe tomatoes: Choosing ripe Roma tomatoes ensures the soup has a natural sweetness and rich flavor, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes concentrates their flavors and adds depth to the soup. Trust me; it’s worth the extra time!

• Blend until smooth: If you prefer a velvety texture, ensure you blend the soup until completely smooth. This creates a luxurious mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!

• Make-ahead friendly: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions for a quick meal later on!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

When it comes to serving your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, presentation matters! A few thoughtful touches can enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only look beautiful but also add a fresh pop of flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Shaved Parmesan or vegan alternative: Sprinkling some cheese (or its plant-based counterpart) on top gives an extra layer of creaminess that pairs beautifully with tomato.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic pairing! The crispy, buttery bread with gooey melted cheese is a match made in heaven alongside this comforting soup.
• Crusty artisan bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of warm crusty bread brings texture and heartiness to your meal.
• Simple green salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette offer freshness and balance, cutting through the richness of the soup.
• Mini croutons: As suggested in the recipe, these crispy bites add delightful crunch and are perfect for garnishing your bowl of goodness!

Enjoy crafting this flavorful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and savoring it with loved ones—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the soup into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal tightly and label with the date.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

You might have some questions about this delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Here are some common ones!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Absolutely! While canned tomatoes are convenient, using fresh tomatoes will enhance the flavor even more. Just remember to roast them well for that rich taste!

How do I make my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a bit of tomato paste or blending a portion of the soup longer until you reach your desired texture.

What herbs can I add to Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Feel free to experiment! Adding herbs like oregano or rosemary can give your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup an extra layer of flavor.

Can I omit cream from the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe?

Yes! If you want a lighter version or need a dairy-free option, simply skip the cream or substitute it with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Enjoy every spoonful and maybe pair it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!