Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness, you’ve come to the right place! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The rich flavor from the roasted tomatoes combined with fresh basil makes it an absolute winner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy and satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around the table.

What I love most about this soup is how it pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a classic combination that brings back fond memories. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness, giving the soup a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delightful soup in no time, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it great for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it solo or with your favorite bread; it’s delicious either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

Fresh Ingredients

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Canned Goods

• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 1 tbsp sugar

Liquid Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: If you’re looking for a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions!
• Creamy Alternative: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option—it adds a lovely sweetness.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley in addition to basil for an aromatic twist.
• Vegetable Add-In: Throw in some chopped carrots or bell peppers while sautéing for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread out those lovely tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting these tomatoes is key; it concentrates their flavors and gives the soup an incredible richness.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. This step brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly!

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer

Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar to your pot. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Roasted Tomatoes

Now it’s time to bring in those roasted beauties! Pour in both the chicken stock and roasted tomatoes into your pot. Let this simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where all those flavors really deepen!

Step 6: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth—this step creates that luscious texture we crave in our soups! If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Return the puréed soup back to your pot and stir in heavy cream. This will give your soup that creamy richness that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

While your soup simmers away, why not whip up some mini croutons? Cut small cubes of bread, toss them with a touch of olive oil, diced garlic, and chopped basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle that beautiful soup into bowls and top each serving with crunchy croutons if desired. Enjoy every last drop—this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you perfect your dish!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using ripe, fresh tomatoes will enhance the flavor significantly. Look for tomatoes that are deep red and slightly soft to the touch for the best results.

• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor. This step is essential for achieving that comforting taste in your soup.

• Blend thoroughly: For a silky-smooth texture, ensure you blend the soup well. An immersion blender is perfect for this as it allows you to blend directly in the pot without any mess.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every tomato can vary in sweetness and acidity. Taste your soup before serving and feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar if needed.

• Experiment with herbs: While basil is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to add other herbs like oregano or parsley for an added layer of flavor. Just remember to use fresh herbs wherever possible!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your meal into something truly special. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, presentation matters!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves placed on top not only look beautiful but also add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the soup’s vibrant color.
• Parmesan cheese shavings (optional): If you’re not avoiding dairy, some shaved cheese can create a delightful contrast with the soup’s acidity.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic companion! Use your favorite bread and cheese combination for that gooey goodness that pairs perfectly with the warm soup.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. It adds texture and complements the flavors wonderfully.
• Simple Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers freshness and balances out the richness of the soup.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Toasted bread smothered in garlic butter and melted cheese makes for an indulgent side that everyone loves!

Enjoy creating this heartwarming Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! It’s sure to become a family favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for cozy dinners throughout the week or even freeze some for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date it was made for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For individual portions, consider using ice cube trays or muffin tins before transferring to larger containers.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Absolutely! You can use fresh Roma tomatoes; just be sure to roast them well to bring out their flavor. The roasting process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your soup.

What makes Roasted Tomato Basil Soup so comforting?

The combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich, flavorful base that warms you from the inside out. Plus, pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches elevates the comfort factor even more!

How can I make my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

To make a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with olive oil and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps all that creamy goodness without any animal-derived ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings joy on chilly days. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with your favorite bread, this soup never disappoints. Enjoy making it and sharing it with loved ones – happy cooking!