Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

In the world of comfort food, few dishes hit all the right notes like a big, steaming bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. It’s a beautiful blend of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a gentle kiss of garlic, all roasted to intensify their flavors and then blended into creamy, soul-soothing deliciousness. Whether you want to savor the taste of late summer or crave a cozy meal on a chilly day, this homemade classic brings both simplicity and elegance to the table, using fresh ingredients that come together in less than an hour.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, letting each ingredient truly shine. Every addition brings its own personality, combining to make a soup that’s deeply flavorful, brightly colored, and comfortingly creamy when you want it to be.

• Tomatoes (3 pounds, halved): Juicy, ripe tomatoes are the soul of the soup; their sweetness intensifies in the oven.
• Yellow onion (1 medium, quartered): Adds gentle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the tomatoes.
• Garlic cloves (6, peeled): Roasts up mellow and rich, infusing the soup with a subtle, unmistakable warmth.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps caramelize the veggies while lending its signature fruity richness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Wakes up all the other flavors and helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of earthy warmth.
• Vegetable broth (2 cups): Provides the perfect base to transform roasted vegetables into a silky soup.
• Fresh basil (¼ cup chopped, plus more for garnish): This lifts the soup, adding vibrant herbal notes.
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates those tomato flavors, making every spoonful extra satisfying.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): If your tomatoes are a little tart, this balances them beautifully.
• Heavy cream (½ cup, optional): For a decadent finish, a splash of cream creates heavenly silkiness.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F. Arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give them a good toss right on the pan to coat well. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are meltingly soft and just beginning to caramelize at the edges—a process that really deepens their flavor and brings out natural sweetness you just can’t get any other way.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Basil

Once your veggies are beautifully roasted and fragrant, transfer all of them—along with those precious roasting juices—to a large pot. Add the vegetable broth, chopped fresh basil, and tomato paste. Set the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes; this step lets all the flavors mingle, and the basil infuses the whole soup with its unmistakable freshness.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Now comes the transformation: Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully work in batches with a regular blender, to puree the soup until luxuriously velvety and smooth. If you prefer a rustic texture, leave a little chunkiness; for ultimate silkiness, blend a little longer. If you’re craving creaminess, stir in the optional heavy cream now and let the soup warm through for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup a taste and see if it could use an extra pinch of salt, a crack of pepper, or a touch of sugar to balance acidity—especially if your tomatoes were on the tart side. Remember, a tiny bit of sugar isn’t about making the soup sweet, but about rounding out the flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the soup into bowls while piping hot. Swirl a drizzle of cream or olive oil across the top, and shower with extra chopped fresh basil or basil leaves for garnish. Each spoonful delivers that summery tomato richness, a breath of basil’s brightness, and the comforting satisfaction only a bowl of homemade soup can offer.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Garnishes

Topping your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is half the fun! A few fresh basil leaves, a swirl of heavy cream, or a simple drizzle of really good olive oil take every serving from great to unforgettable. For extra flair, add tiny croutons or a handful of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup shines when paired with a warm, crusty slice of sourdough or the irresistible crunch of a classic grilled cheese sandwich straight from the skillet. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette—letting the vibrant flavors sing together.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in big mugs for cozy couch nights, or use small shooter glasses for a chic appetizer at your next gathering. Swirl in pesto or top with tiny mozzarella pearls for a fun twist—this soup loves to dress up or down!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply let your soup cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to four days, meaning you can look forward to super-quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup freezes beautifully—just cool it completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. For best flavor and texture, freeze without the cream and simply stir it in after reheating, just before serving.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If you’ve frozen your soup, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add an extra splash of broth or cream if it’s thickened slightly during storage.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh, ripe tomatoes bring unbeatable flavor, high-quality canned whole tomatoes make a great substitute when tomatoes are out of season. Just roast them with the onion and garlic to get that signature flavor.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just check your broth and any garnishes or side options for hidden gluten.

How can I make this soup vegan?

This soup is very easy to veganize! Simply skip the cream, or swap in a splash of coconut cream or your favorite plant-based milk at the end for creaminess with a dairy-free twist.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Roasted red peppers or carrots can add a lovely sweetness and even more color. Feel free to experiment with what’s in season or what you have on hand, knowing the base recipe will still shine.

What’s the best way to get a super smooth texture?

An immersion blender makes quick work right in the pot, but for ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality soup, blend in batches with a high-speed blender. Just be sure to let steam escape and blend carefully!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Roasted Tomato Basil Soup homemade before, I promise this recipe will win you over with its irresistible flavor and comforting simplicity. It’s one of those dishes that feels like an instant hug in a bowl, whether you serve it as a weeknight staple or for a special lunch with friends. Happy roasting, and here’s to savoring every last spoonful!

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