If you are craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with vibrant flavor, this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Roasting tomatoes brings out a deep, sweet richness that transforms simple ingredients into a silky, heartwarming soup. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or whenever you need a cozy hug in a bowl. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of slow-roasted tomatoes with garlic and herbs, creating a soup that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with your favorite bread, this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe delivers an unbeatable taste experience that’s easy to make and impossible to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe is simple but plays a key role in creating layers of flavor, from the sweetness of ripe tomatoes to the fragrant herbs that give the soup its fresh, garden-inspired aroma.
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes: Choosing ripe tomatoes ensures natural sweetness and a rich, vibrant soup base.
- 6 cloves of garlic: Roasting garlic softens its pungency into a mellow, sweet undertone.
- 1 medium red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the tomatoes.
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil: Helps caramelize the vegetables and adds a smooth richness.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth: The base liquid that brings all roasted flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements tomato perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil: Gives a sweet and fragrant layer to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar: Adds a hint of tangy sweetness, lifting the whole flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon of sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the sweetness naturally present in roasted tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional): For those who love a creamy, luscious texture in their soup.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and beautiful color contrast when serving.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high heat is essential for roasting the tomatoes until they become tender and caramelized, which unlocks their natural sugars and deepens the flavor. While the oven warms up, halve your ripe tomatoes, peel those garlic cloves, and quarter the red onion. This prep stage sets the foundation for the soup’s rich, roasted taste.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Arrange your tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a baking sheet, then drizzle everything with olive oil to encourage caramelization and prevent sticking. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the veggies to season them evenly before roasting. Pop it into your preheated oven and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tomatoes look soft with slightly caramelized edges, signaling deep flavor development.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Once the vegetables have cooled just enough to handle, transfer them into a large pot. Pour in the vegetable broth along with dried thyme and basil. These herbs infuse the soup with classic Italian-inspired notes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes. This stage melds the roasted flavors with the broth, creating a wonderfully harmonious base for the soup.
Step 4: Purée to Perfection
Using an immersion blender allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot, resulting in a silky smooth texture. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender—just be cautious with the hot liquid. The pureeing step transforms the roasted veggies and broth into a luxuriously creamy soup that’s incredibly satisfying in every spoonful.
Step 5: Final Flavor Boost and Creaminess
Return the puréed soup to the pot if needed, and stir in balsamic vinegar and sugar. This combination balances the soup’s acidity and enhances its natural sweetness, providing nuance and depth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For an extra indulgent twist, gently stir in heavy cream to add a velvety richness that elevates this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe to the next level. Finish by warming it through for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves provides a fragrant, herbal burst and a lovely pop of green against the soup’s rich red hue. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a swirl of cream for extra visual appeal and flavor contrast. Toasted croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese make wonderful crunchy toppings to complement the silky texture.
Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside crusty bread like a rustic baguette, garlic bread, or warm grilled cheese sandwiches. The crisp or gooey sides add texture and make the meal more substantial, perfect for a light lunch or cozy dinner. A bright, simple salad with a vinegar-based dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe in charming mini soup bowls or rustic mugs for casual gatherings. For a fun twist, hollow out medium-sized bread loaves to create edible bowls—this instantly elevates your presentation and delights guests. Adding a contrasting swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also create an eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Roasted Tomato Soup, cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy reheating on busy days when you want something soothing but quick.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top for expansion. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months, meaning you can enjoy homemade soup even on chilly nights months later.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back to your preferred consistency. Avoid high heat to maintain the smooth texture and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe?
You can substitute canned tomatoes if fresh aren’t available, but roasting fresh tomatoes really enhances the natural sweetness and flavor. If using canned, choose high-quality whole peeled tomatoes and consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes before roasting?
There’s no need to peel the tomatoes. Roasting softens the skins, and they blend smoothly when pureed, adding to the body and nutrition of the soup.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
What can I do to make this soup spicier?
If you crave a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering step or topping the soup with a drizzle of chili oil right before serving.
How thick should the consistency of the soup be?
The ideal Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe has a smooth, medium-thick texture—not too watery but not overly dense. Adjust by adding broth to thin or simmering longer to thicken to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless comfort food favorite. Its deep, roasted flavor and creamy texture combine to create a soulful dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe delivers every single time. Don’t hesitate—grab those tomatoes and get roasting!
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Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful roasted tomato soup made by roasting ripe tomatoes, garlic, and onions before simmering with herbs and vegetable broth. Finished with a touch of balsamic vinegar, sugar, and optional cream for a rich, velvety texture, this soup is perfect for cozy meals and can be garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, halved
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 medium red onion, quartered
Seasonings & Liquids
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Optional
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and quartered red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
- Roast vegetables: Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Cool roasted vegetables: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the vegetables to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.
- Combine in a pot: Transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion into a large pot. Add the vegetable broth along with dried thyme and dried basil to infuse aromatic flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld fully.
- Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and puree until velvety.
- Add vinegar and sugar: Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, then stir in balsamic vinegar and sugar to balance and deepen the flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cream (optional): For a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup.
- Heat through: Warm the soup for an additional 5 minutes to ensure all ingredients are heated through evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the hot soup garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and fresh finish.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- The heavy cream is optional and can be omitted for a lighter soup.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar and sugar to balance acidity and sweetness based on your taste.
- To make the soup vegan, omit the cream or use a plant-based alternative.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
