Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Comfort of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

There’s something truly soothing about a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup on a quiet weekend afternoon. I love how the warmth of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions swirls with fresh basil, creating that golden, velvety texture that feels like a gentle hug. It’s the kind of soup that feels both familiar and a little special—perfect for cozying up or impressing guests without stress.

When I first started making this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe, I was amazed at how roasting the fresh veggies deepened the natural sweetness and added a subtle, lightly crisp edge to each spoonful. You’ll notice how the simple steps build layers of flavor you don’t get from canned tomato soup. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll find any other tomato soup just pales in comparison.

This recipe balances richness and brightness, so you’ll want to savor it just as it is—or pair it with crusty bread for dunking. Either way, it’s an adaptable classic that fits right into your kitchen rotation.

Ingredient Guide

• Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps roast the veggies to golden perfection. You can swap with avocado oil for a neutral taste.
• Onion: Provides a savory sweetness that forms the soup’s base. Yellow or white onions work well.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic depth—roasting mellows its punch into a gentle warmth.
• Carrot: Natural sweetness balances the acidity of tomatoes and adds a subtle earthiness.
• Fresh tomatoes: Roasting these releases juices and develops flavor layers; plum or vine-ripened are great choices.
• Crushed tomatoes (canned): Adds body and a consistent tomato flavor even when fresh aren’t at their peak.
• Vegetable broth: Lightens the soup while building savory notes; you can use chicken broth if you prefer.
• Heavy cream or coconut milk: Makes the soup silky and rich—coconut milk keeps it dairy-free with a hint of coconut aroma.
• Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for a vibrant, herbal finish that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
• Pinch of sugar (optional): Helps tame any harsh acidity from the tomatoes, if needed.

Prep Before You Begin

Prep is key to a smooth cooking flow. I find that chopping all your vegetables and preheating the oven to 400°F ahead of time sets you up nicely. Roasting the veggies concentrates their flavors and softens them to a velvet-like texture once blended. Keep your knives sharp—chopping garlic finely helps release those aromatics beautifully during roasting.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting—high enough to caramelize and bring out sweetness, but not so hot that the veggies burn. It’s where the magic of deep, golden roasting develops.
2. Prepare the vegetables: On a baking sheet, arrange halved ripe tomatoes, chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves, and chopped carrots. Drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. This seasoning jump-starts the layers of flavor.
3. Roast the veggies in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice the edges caramelizing and the aroma filling your kitchen with that unmistakable roasted warmth. The carrot’s sweetness mellows beautifully here.
4. Transfer everything to a large pot—the roasted vegetables, plus any juices left on the pan. Add the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the mix.

5. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer in batches to a standard blender. Take your time here—you want a velvety, creamy consistency with no chunks.
6. Bring the blended soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and the soup thicken slightly—look for a lightly thickened body that coats the back of your spoon.
7. Stir in the cream and chopped fresh basil. Watch the color shift to a soft pinky-orange warmth, and inhale that fresh herbal scent mingling with the roasted tomatoes. The cream adds indulgent silkiness, while the basil gives that signature brightness.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of sugar if you find the tomatoes a little sharp. This balance makes all the difference in a well-rounded, comforting bowl.
9. Serve hot in your favorite bowls, perhaps with grilled cheese or rustic bread for dunking. You’ll appreciate the creamy texture combined with the fresh-tasting finish.

Creative Variations for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• Stir in a bit of roasted red pepper puree for a smoky twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during roasting for gentle heat.
• Swap fresh basil with fresh tarragon or dill for a unique herbal note.
• Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical hint.
• Swirl in a spoonful of pesto just before serving to boost basil flavor.
• Top with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream for a tangy contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—flavors actually deepen overnight.
• Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
• Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture silky and prevent scorching.
• If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, thin with a splash of broth or cream while reheating.
• Fresh basil is best added after reheating to keep its vibrant flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe FAQs

• Can I use fresh tomatoes all year round? Absolutely. Just keep in mind that tomatoes in off-season might be less sweet, so add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
• Is there a vegan option for this soup? Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or any plant-based cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
• Can I make this soup in advance? Definitely. It tastes even better the next day as flavors mingle. Just reheat gently and add fresh basil before serving.
• What can I serve with this soup? Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad are perfect companions to make a comforting meal.
• How do I get a smoother soup texture? Blend until perfectly smooth using a high-powered blender or immersion blender, and strain through a fine mesh if you want a silky finish.

Print