If you’re searching for a luscious, cozy bowl of comfort, this Tomato Soup Recipe is your answer! With only a few staple ingredients and a straightforward technique, you’ll be rewarded with silky, vibrant soup gently simmered to highlight the sweetness of ripe tomatoes—perfect to sip or dunk your best grilled cheese. There’s just something about the aroma of onions, garlic, and tomatoes mingling on the stove that turns any afternoon into a moment of bliss. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or enjoying some solo self-care, this recipe transforms simple pantry items into a deeply satisfying homemade favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how every element in this Tomato Soup Recipe brings something special—depth, creaminess, color, and warmth. Don’t overlook even the optional items; they can elevate your soup from everyday to extraordinary!

Olive oil: Rich and fragrant, olive oil is essential for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding both flavor and silkiness.
Onion: The humble onion lays the foundation of savory depth, making the soup irresistibly aromatic.
Garlic: For a gentle zing and background warmth that transforms the tomato base.
Tomato paste: This concentrates tomato flavor and enriches the soup’s gorgeous color.
Salt: Essential for lifting and balancing all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness that keeps the soup lively.
Sugar: Just a touch boosts sweetness and tames the acidity of tomatoes perfectly.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, this adds a gentle heat to each spoonful.
Canned whole peeled tomatoes: Choose the best you can find; this is the heart of your soup, delivering body and bright, natural tomato flavor.
Vegetable broth: This ties everything together, lending a subtle savory background and keeping the soup vegetarian.
Heavy cream or whole milk: Cream turns the soup velvety and rich, but whole milk works for a lighter touch—use your favorite.
Butter: Just a little pat adds a luxurious finish and rounds out all the flavors.
Fresh basil (optional): Bright and herbaceous, basil is the classic tomato soup flourish—sprinkle it on just before serving.

How to Make Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, scatter in your chopped onion and let it slowly soften for about 5–6 minutes. This step is crucial—gentle sautéing brings out the onion’s sweetness, which will build flavor into every spoonful of your Tomato Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Next, toss in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir everything together, letting it cook for just a minute or two. The tomato paste will darken slightly, and the garlic becomes fragrant, transforming raw flavors into the delicious base of your soup.

Step 3: Season and Add Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, sugar, and (optionally) red pepper flakes. Pour the canned tomatoes, along with their juices, right into the pot. With a wooden spoon, break the tomatoes up a bit—they don’t need to be perfect! The whole peeled tomatoes give this Tomato Soup Recipe its wonderful texture and body.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it bubble away for 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and deepen, turning simple ingredients into something comforting and cohesive.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Take the pot off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully ladle the soup into a blender in batches. Blending is what transforms the soup into its trademark creamy texture that makes this Tomato Soup Recipe so irresistible.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Butter

Return the soup to low heat, then stir in the cream or milk and that last knob of butter. Gently warm through until everything is velvety and integrated. Taste and adjust the seasonings, then get ready to ladle up steaming bowls of homemade goodness!

How to Serve Tomato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

An extra flourish makes each bowl feel special. Try a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, or even cracked black pepper for visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

The classics never fail: pair your Tomato Soup Recipe with crispy golden grilled cheese sandwiches. For a twist, try cheesy garlic bread, a thick wedge of sourdough, or even crunchy homemade croutons.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your soup into a bistro-worthy starter by serving it in cute mugs or small bowls. For entertaining, try pouring it into shot glasses as fun soup shooters, or let guests garnish their own bowls with options like shredded cheese, pesto, or roasted chickpeas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, ladle leftover soup into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—this Tomato Soup Recipe actually tastes richer the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

For longer storage, skip the cream and butter before freezing (dairy can separate). Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months; just stir in the dairy while reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling. You can also zap it in the microwave, covered, in short bursts and stir in between for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! In peak tomato season, swap the canned tomatoes for 2 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped). Simmer a bit longer to ensure the flavors deepen and the tomatoes break down fully.

What can I use instead of heavy cream or whole milk?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute works beautifully. You’ll still achieve that wonderful creaminess in your Tomato Soup Recipe without any dairy.

Is this Tomato Soup Recipe vegan?

With a couple minor tweaks, yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and choose coconut milk or a vegan cream. The soup will still be deliciously rich and flavorful.

How do I make the soup less acidic?

The sugar in the recipe helps balance acidity, but you can add a touch more sugar or a splash of cream to mellow everything out further if needed—especially if your tomatoes are extra tangy.

Can I double the Tomato Soup Recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up with no problem. Use a large Dutch oven or soup pot, and be mindful to blend in batches if using a countertop blender. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something heartwarming about making this Tomato Soup Recipe from scratch—simple, wholesome, and so easy to personalize. Whether you keep it classic or add your signature twist, don’t wait for a rainy day to serve up a bowlful. Give it a try and see for yourself just how comforting homemade tomato soup can be!

Tomato Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious tomato soup recipe is creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, this homemade soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tomato Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
1½ cups vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook chopped onion for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1–2 minutes.
Season and simmer: Add salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour in tomatoes, break them up slightly. Add vegetable broth, simmer for 20 minutes.
Purée the soup: Remove from heat, blend until smooth. Stir in cream, butter, warm through.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with basil.