Roasted tomato basil soup is one of those things that sounds fancier than it is, and honestly, I kind of love that. The first time I made it, I thought I’d end up with a kitchen splattered in tomato and my patience running thin. Instead, the whole process felt like a warm hug, with the aroma of roasting tomatoes filling the house and my dog circling the oven like he was waiting for a steak.
First, you slice those Roma tomatoes and let the oven do its magic. Suddenly, you’re halfway to dinner and haven’t broken a sweat. Also, there’s something about the way basil and garlic make friends in a pot that always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen—slightly chaotic, always comforting, and never quite the same twice. Even if your blender has a mind of its own (like mine), this roasted tomato basil soup is forgiving. You’ll end up with a creamy bowl of goodness no matter what.
My Kitchen Story
So, let me set the scene: it’s a chilly evening, everyone’s hungry, and I’m staring at a pile of tomatoes that need rescuing. Roasted tomato basil soup seems like the answer, but my oven is already busy with a batch of Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe. Timing is everything, right? Somehow, I manage to squeeze the tomatoes onto the bottom rack, and the scent that fills the kitchen makes me forget every other recipe I had planned. Roasting brings out this sweetness in tomatoes that you just can’t get from a can. However, I always manage to drip olive oil everywhere—my kitchen floor could moonlight as a slip-and-slide.
Then, once the tomatoes are roasted, it’s all about layering flavors. Onions and garlic get their moment, and a quick simmer with basil and thyme makes the house smell like a little Italian bistro (minus the chaos of waiting tables). Also, if you want more hearty comfort, you can always serve it with a side of soup and cornbread, or even sneak in some beans for that extra protein punch—talk about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe For A Fresh And Flavorful Meal and batch meals healthy in one go!
What Makes It Stand Out
Finally, here’s what makes this roasted tomato basil soup shine: it’s all about the roasting. While some folks simmer their tomatoes straight from the can, roasting fresh ones first gives the soup a richer, deeper flavor—like you’ve been cooking all day, even if you got distracted and forgot the croutons in the oven (oops). Plus, the homemade croutons on top? They turn a simple bowl of soup into a real dinner moment. No matter how hectic your kitchen gets, this soup is the cozy, classic answer you didn’t know you needed.

What You’ll Need
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise | 9 |
Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
Yellow onion, diced | 1 |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
Fresh thyme, minced | 1 tablespoon |
Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
San Marzano tomatoes, crushed (canned) | 28 oz |
Fresh basil, roughly chopped | 1 cup |
Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Chicken stock | 2 cups |
Heavy cream | ⅔ cup |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, you’ll want to grab a sturdy baking sheet for those tomatoes—roasting them in the oven is what gives this roasted tomato basil soup its signature deep flavor. You’ll also need a Dutch oven or a large pot for simmering everything together, and an immersion blender (or a regular blender if that’s what you have) to get the soup silky smooth. Roasting is key here; it concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully, so don’t skip this step if you want that full, cozy taste.
Also, I find a wooden spoon handy for stirring, and a small baking tray works great for those homemade croutons. If you’re looking for more inspiration, I’ve got a detailed guide on making roasted tomato basil soup step-by-step. And if you’re planning a cozy night in, try it alongside my baked Mediterranean flatbread pizza recipe—it’s a match made in heaven.
Finally, if you’re curious about how this soup fits into a healthy eating plan, check out the advice from MyPlate for balanced meals. The roasted tomato basil soup is a great way to sneak more veggies into your day, and it pairs well with other batch meals healthy options or even as part of your favorite soup and cornbread nights. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that just makes the kitchen smell like home.
Step-by-step method for a Roasted recipe
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the Roma tomato halves on a baking sheet. Then, drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle them with Kosher salt and black pepper. Roast the tomatoes for 1 hour. After roasting, remove them from the oven and set aside. The roasting brings out a deep, sweet flavor that defines this roasted tomato basil soup.
Step 2
Next, in a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining olive oil or unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. Now, add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Afterward, pour in the chicken stock and add your roasted tomatoes. Simmer everything together for 30 minutes. Then, carefully blend the soup with an immersion blender, or in batches using a blender, until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. For a finishing touch, make mini croutons by tossing bread cubes with oil, garlic, and basil, then bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes. Serve your roasted tomato basil soup hot, topped with these homemade croutons.
Tips and tricks to make this Roasted recipe shine
First, always use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor. Sometimes, I add a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes are extra tangy. If you’re short on time, canned tomatoes can substitute, but roasting fresh ones truly makes this roasted tomato basil soup special. Also, homemade croutons add a lovely crunch and just a bit of imperfection—sometimes mine are a little uneven, but that’s part of the charm! For more hearty dinner ideas, check out this Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner. If you love creamy soups, this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot is a cozy choice. Finally, pairing this soup with soup and cornbread creates a comforting meal perfect for any night.
What to serve with this Roasted recipe
First, nothing beats pairing roasted tomato basil soup with a thick slice of golden, crusty bread. Next, if you crave something heartier, a grilled cheese sandwich is a classic choice. Also, try serving your soup alongside a fresh salad tossed with beans for a protein boost—great for fans of Dinner Recipes Using Beans. If you’re in the mood for a little Southern comfort, soup and cornbread make a wonderful duo, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
For a full meal, consider easy main dishes like the Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner. It’s filling and brings variety to your table. Or, for a richer twist, the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner is a family favorite.
How to store and reheat
After roasting, this soup keeps its bold flavor in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers to keep things fresh. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop for the best texture—roasting brings out deep, caramelized notes that shine through even after chilling. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but stir often for even heat. Finally, you can freeze portions for up to three months, making this a smart choice for Batch Meals Healthy meal prep. And if you love convenient dinners, don’t forget our Cooking Method board for more roasted, baked, and slow-cooked ideas!
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned tomatoes work well in a pinch. Roasting them on a tray with garlic and onion still gives that rich, deep flavor.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. This roasted soup is naturally vegetarian, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
Can I add beans for extra protein?
Of course! Tossing in white beans or chickpeas turns this into one of those Soups With Beans Healthy options that fill you up and taste amazing.
How can I make it spicier?
Simply add diced chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s a great way to play with Recipes With Chili Peppers in your kitchen.
What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
Let your soup cool fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Printroasted tomato basil soup
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Clean Eating
Description
A creamy and flavorful roasted tomato basil soup perfect for a comforting meal. This soup combines roasted fresh and canned tomatoes with fresh basil and a touch of cream.
Ingredients
9 Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups chicken stock
⅔ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
3. Roast the tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
5. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another minute.
7. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
8. Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, or carefully transfer it in batches to a blender or food processor. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
10. Stir in the heavy cream.
11. To prepare mini croutons, cut a few small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss with a little oil, diced garlic, and basil, then bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until crisp.
12. Serve the soup immediately topped with the homemade croutons.
Notes
Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make it vegetarian.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to prevent curdling of the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Thanks for joining me in my cozy kitchen for this roasted tomato basil soup adventure. I hope you find as much comfort in a bowl of this as I do, especially when you pair it with a slice of cornbread or dive into Dinner Ideas With Black Beans for your next dinner. If you need more inspiration, check out our slow cooker chicken burrito bowl or cozy up with our marry me chicken for easy meal nights. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more comforting soups, batch meals, and roasted recipes from our Cooking Method board. Keep your kitchen warm and your meals simple—see you next time!