There’s something magical about a bowl of Homemade Tomato Soup—its vibrant color, creamy warmth, and tangy undertones can instantly turn an ordinary meal into a nourishing, soul-soothing experience. Whether you’re chasing away a chilly day or searching for a nostalgic bite of childhood comfort, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Packed with wholesome ingredients and the pure essence of ripe tomatoes, this soup effortlessly balances savory flavors and silky textures. Best of all, it’s beautifully simple and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Homemade Tomato Soup lies in its honest, accessible ingredients—each bringing its own flair to the pot. From the gentle warmth of sautéed onions to the depth of creamy milk or cream, these components create a harmony that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onion, providing a luxurious foundation.
- Medium onion (chopped): Essential for depth and a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic complexity and unmistakable flavor to each spoonful.
- Whole peeled tomatoes (2 x 28-ounce cans): The heart and soul of this soup, yielding that iconic color and taste—fire-roasted tomatoes dial up the flavor even more.
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth (2 cups): Lends savoriness and helps thin the soup to the perfect consistency.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Draws out the tomato flavor and keeps everything in balance.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle, necessary heat and earthiness.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Tames any sharp acidity from the tomatoes; skip if your tomatoes are naturally sweet.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Infuses a classic herbal note for that familiar, homestyle taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a playful hit of heat.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (½ cup, optional): Stirred in at the end for creamy decadence; choose your level of richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, stirring gently as it softens and turns deliciously translucent—this takes about five minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one or two more minutes, making sure not to let it brown. This aromatic base forms the backbone of your soup and perfumes your kitchen in the process!
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Next, pour those glorious cans of whole tomatoes into the pot, juices and all. Use a spoon to break them up a bit for easier blending later. Stir in the broth, salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar (if desired), dried basil, and a shake of crushed red pepper flakes if you like things a little spicy. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then drop the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This gives all the flavors ample time to mingle and develop.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once your soup has simmered and smells utterly irresistible, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for convenience, or carefully ladle the soup into a blender in batches. Either way, blend until silky smooth—the texture transforms the entire experience of Homemade Tomato Soup.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream (Optional)
If you’re craving a creamy finish, stir in the heavy cream or whole milk now. Gently heat the soup just until warmed through—avoid letting it boil, or the cream can separate. This step turns an everyday tomato soup into something extra-indulgent and delightfully velvety.
Step 5: Taste and Finish with Fresh Herbs
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is just what it needs. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with torn fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and a finish that whispers of summer gardens.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup
Garnishes
The simplest touch can elevate Homemade Tomato Soup to restaurant-worthy levels. A shower of fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds color and flavor. Swirl in a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Few things beat the charm of pairing this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich—the golden, crunchy bread and gooey cheese were practically made to dunk. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, crisp garlic bread, or even some herby croutons right on top.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Homemade Tomato Soup shine at gatherings by serving it in small mugs or shooter glasses as a pre-dinner appetizer. For a playful twist, top each bowl with seasoned popcorn or a crunchy chickpea garnish. Or set up a DIY soup bar with assorted toppings so everyone can create their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Tomato Soup keeps beautifully for up to four days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This soup is a freezer’s best friend! Skip adding the cream or milk if you plan to freeze; you can always stir it in after reheating. Divide the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little room for expansion), and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If you’ve frozen the soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. Stir in the cream just before serving for that fresh, silky finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If tomatoes are in season, substitute about three pounds of ripe, peeled, and chopped tomatoes. You may need to simmer the soup a little longer for the flavors to concentrate, but the result will be beautifully fresh and vibrant.
Is Homemade Tomato Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your broth label and any garnish or side if gluten is a concern for you or your guests.
What can I use instead of cream for a dairy-free version?
For a rich, creamy feel without dairy, try blending in a splash of unsweetened coconut milk or a handful of soaked cashews. These provide body and smoothness without overpowering the classic tomato flavor.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker Homemade Tomato Soup, simply increase the simmering time with the lid off to allow more liquid to evaporate, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste before blending.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Carrots, roasted red peppers, or even a bit of celery can be sautéed with the onion for extra sweetness or complexity. Just keep the focus on those beautiful tomatoes for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Spoonful by spoonful, Homemade Tomato Soup delivers comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of everyday luxury. Once you’ve experienced how effortless and rewarding it is to make from scratch, you’ll never reach for the store-bought version again. Grab your favorite mug, invite someone special to join you, and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this timeless classic—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a comforting batch of Homemade Tomato Soup right in your own kitchen. This recipe features a perfect blend of flavors from ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream for richness.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for creaminess)
For garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Cook Soup: Add tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Finish Soup: Stir in cream or milk, if using. Heat through without boiling. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a roasted flavor, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
- Serve with grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
