The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
There’s a reason The Best Homemade Tomato Soup is the soup I keep coming back to, rain or shine. With its velvety-smooth texture and a robust depth of flavor that only real tomatoes and a handful of pantry staples can deliver, this bowl of comfort turns even the simplest weeknight into something special. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly evening or just want a taste of classic comfort that never lets you down, this homemade version brings out the very best in every ingredient, making every spoonful both nostalgic and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Homemade Tomato Soup is in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the rich tomato base, bringing in aromatic undertones, or adding a creamy finish. Gather these staples and prepare for a soup that’s as easy to make as it is rewarding.
- Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Either one sets a luscious foundation for sautéing your onions and garlic, giving the soup a subtle depth.
- Yellow onion, chopped (1 medium): Onions add a gentle sweetness and body, rounding out the tomato flavor perfectly.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and a classic savory punch to the soup.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Concentrated tomato flavor intensifies the soup and enhances its gorgeous color.
- Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Brings a touch of herbaceous, summery brightness to every bite.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle Mediterranean note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For those who crave a little kick, this adds gentle heat without overwhelming.
- Whole peeled tomatoes with juice (2x 28 oz cans): The heart of The Best Homemade Tomato Soup — use good-quality canned tomatoes for the boldest flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (1 cup): A touch of broth creates a silky, slurpable consistency and lets you adjust the thickness to your liking.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Just a little sugar balances natural acidity and brings out the tomatoes’ sweetness.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (1/2 cup, optional): Stirred in at the end for a luxurious, creamy finish if you love a richer soup.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and perfecting all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of chopped basil on top makes for a beautiful, fragrant flourish.
How to Make The Best Homemade Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent. This gentle sauté builds a sweet, savory base that sets The Best Homemade Tomato Soup apart.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and (if you like a little heat) the red pepper flakes. Let everything cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll smell those amazing aromatics bloom — this step ensures every bite is layered with rich, complex flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes with all their juice, followed by your chosen broth and a touch of sugar. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. As it bubbles away, use your spoon to break up the tomatoes — this will help create a smooth, balanced base for The Best Homemade Tomato Soup.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Once the flavors have mingled and the tomatoes have softened, take the pot off the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot, or work in batches with a blender until silky-smooth. At this stage, you’ll see just how creamy and vibrant this soup can be!
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Final Seasoning
If you love your soup extra creamy, now’s the time to swirl in the heavy cream or whole milk. Stir well, taste, and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Let the soup warm gently over low heat, making sure it’s steamy and perfectly seasoned — now The Best Homemade Tomato Soup is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Tomato Soup
Garnishes
A finishing flourish makes all the difference. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of cream, or even a crack of black pepper to each bowl. These touches add color, extra flavor, and a sense of occasion to every serving of The Best Homemade Tomato Soup.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with the classics — a golden grilled cheese sandwich or hunks of rustic, crusty bread are always winners. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad alongside. The simple, rich flavors of The Best Homemade Tomato Soup work wonderfully with all sorts of sides.
Creative Ways to Present
To level up your presentation, serve the soup in small mugs for a cozy appetizer, or ladle it into bread bowls for a fun (and edible) twist. Topping with roasted chickpeas, Parmesan crisps, or even a swirl of pesto makes this familiar soup feel fresh and exciting for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover The Best Homemade Tomato Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
One of the best things about this soup is how well it freezes. To stash some away, let it cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a bit of space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. For the creamiest results, add the cream or milk after thawing and reheating, rather than before freezing.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another cozy bowl, simply reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. If it’s a little thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For single servings, the microwave works just as well. Just stir midway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! For The Best Homemade Tomato Soup with an even fresher flavor, roast about 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes first, then blend and proceed as directed. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives the soup a more intensely tomato-packed flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This soup can be completely vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and skip any dairy. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a non-dairy milk or cashew cream at the end for that signature creaminess.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
If you like your tomato soup extra thick, simply let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further. For a thinner consistency, add more broth until you reach your desired creaminess. The Best Homemade Tomato Soup is super flexible!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Whole milk works great for a lighter touch. Or, for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew cream. Any of these will give the soup a lovely richness without overpowering the tomato flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped carrots, celery, or red bell peppers when sautéing the onions for more depth and nutrition. The Best Homemade Tomato Soup welcomes up to a cup of extra veggies without losing its classic taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bowl of cozy, soul-hugging comfort, you can’t go wrong with The Best Homemade Tomato Soup. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and prepare to fall for its simple magic all over again.
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The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic recipe for the best homemade tomato soup. This creamy soup is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Broth and Tomatoes:
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes, broth, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, breaking up tomatoes as they soften.
- Blend and Finish: Remove from heat and purée the soup until smooth. Stir in cream or milk, season with salt and pepper. Warm through and serve with fresh basil and bread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, roast fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion before blending.
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra depth.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth or letting it reduce further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
