Roasted Tomato Basil Soup brings together deep roasted flavors, fresh herbs, and creamy richness in a way that feels warm every single time. This recipe delivers that slow-roasted depth you want, and it comes together easily enough for weeknights. In this article, you’ll learn how roasted tomatoes create a fuller taste, how fresh basil boosts the aroma, and why this soup belongs next to a grilled cheese pairing. You’ll also pick up simple steps for making the soup creamy, storing it for winter nights, and serving it with confidence. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup shines when you want hearty comfort without fuss.
The Story Behind Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
A Memory That Started With Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup always takes me back to a small café I visited during my college years. The place sat on a corner near a bookstore, and every winter they served a creamy tomato soup that filled the whole room with the smell of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. The moment I tasted it, I knew I wanted to learn how to make something just as comforting at home. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup became my go-to dish whenever I needed warmth, and over the years, I’ve made countless versions. Each time I return to this recipe, I remember those winter afternoons when the steam fogged up the windows and the grilled cheese sandwiches arrived golden and crisp. Even now, every spoonful reminds me how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup remains one of my favorite meals because it feels nostalgic but also fresh each time I make it. When you roast the tomatoes until they’re slightly darkened, they release a richness that carries through every layer of the soup. That depth builds a flavor you can’t get from a basic simmered soup. As a result, this dish always tastes like it came from a cozy kitchen where someone took their time.
Why Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Becomes a Repeated Favorite
When you prepare Roasted Tomato Basil Soup at home, you taste more than tomatoes and herbs. You taste that mix of comfort, tradition, and simplicity. It’s the kind of soup you make for people you love because it always lands well. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. The smell alone sets the mood for a relaxing meal. That’s why this soup never leaves my rotation.
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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup delivers deep roasted flavor, creamy richness, and fresh herb aroma for a satisfying bowl every time.
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
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
1 tbsp sugar
2 cups chicken stock
2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove and set aside.
4. Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
5. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes.
8. Add stock and roasted tomatoes. Simmer 30 minutes.
9. Purée with immersion blender or in batches using a blender. Return to pot.
10. Stir in cream.
11. For croutons, bake cubed bread with oil, garlic, and basil at 400°F for 7 minutes.
12. Serve soup topped with croutons.
Notes
Roma tomatoes roast well, but most varieties work with thick slices.
Fresh herbs give the best flavor; reduce amounts if using dried.
Whole milk or half-and-half may replace cream for a lighter finish.
Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Stores up to 1 week refrigerated or 2 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Soup
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 30
What Makes This Version of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Stand Out
How Roasting Transforms the Flavor
Roasting tomatoes changes everything. When tomatoes sit in a hot oven, their natural sweetness intensifies and their juices thicken. You get caramelized edges, deeper color, and a richer taste that blends seamlessly with fresh basil. In Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, this step adds body that makes the final bowl taste fuller without adding a long list of ingredients. The goal is simple: let the oven concentrate the tomatoes so the soup tastes bold without effort. Once you mix roasted tomatoes with San Marzano tomatoes, onion, garlic, and thyme, you build a comforting base that balances acidity and sweetness in a satisfying way.
Why Creamy Tomato Soup Matters Here
Although some tomato soups taste thin, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup leans toward creamy tomato soup without being heavy. The cream adds smoothness and brings the tomatoes forward. When you blend everything, the texture turns velvety while still allowing the herbs to shine. This silky finish makes the soup feel complete and gives it that restaurant-style appeal at home. Even with the cream, the soup remains light enough to enjoy year-round.
Easy Techniques for the Best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Simple Steps That Build Better Flavor
Great soup doesn’t need complicated techniques. You can create an impressive Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with everyday steps: roast, sauté, simmer, and blend. The roasting builds complexity, the sautéing of onions and garlic adds warmth, and the simmering brings everything together. With each step, the flavors gently tighten into a smooth, rich mixture. Because the process stays straightforward, beginners and experienced cooks both get consistent results.
Why This Soup Fits a Healthy Winter Soup Plan
Winter meals don’t need to feel heavy, and Roasted Tomato Basil Soup supports that idea well. Oven-roasted tomatoes give the richness without needing extra fat. Fresh basil adds brightness, and chicken stock or vegetable stock keeps the soup balanced. You get comfort without losing freshness. A bowl delivers warmth on cold nights, yet the ingredients remain wholesome and clean. Many people even make large batches, freeze them, and reheat the soup throughout winter for quick, nourishing meals.
Pairings and Serving Ideas for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Grilled Cheese Pairing That Never Fails
Few combinations beat Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and grilled cheese. The soup’s rich, smooth texture works perfectly with crisp bread and melty cheese. Dip the sandwich straight into the bowl, and every bite feels complete. You can keep the pairing classic with cheddar or make it interesting with mozzarella, gouda, or provolone. Because this soup carries roasted depth, it supports many styles of grilled cheese without feeling too heavy.
Creative Toppings for Extra Flavor
If you want to elevate your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, add homemade mini croutons, fresh basil ribbons, or a small swirl of cream. Croutons bring texture, while basil lifts the aroma. Even a crack of pepper on top can shift the flavor in a great way. These additions stay simple, but they make every bowl feel like something special.
Practical Tips, Storage, and Variations
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup handles storage beautifully. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to two months. It reheats quickly and keeps its creamy texture when warmed gently. Many cooks prepare double batches so they have a steady supply of warm, delicious meals ready to go. Because the flavors continue to develop after a day in the fridge, the soup often tastes even better the next time you heat it.
Easy Ways to Adjust or Personalize the Soup
You can shift this recipe to fit your needs. Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. Use half-and-half or whole milk if you want something lighter than cream. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. You can also mix in roasted red peppers, add extra basil, or adjust the sweetness with less sugar. These variations keep the soup interesting without losing its original charm.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes. Roasted tomatoes add depth, but San Marzano tomatoes still bring a solid base. You can roast canned whole tomatoes for extra richness.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add a small spoonful of tomato paste. Both methods increase body without changing the flavor.
Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with cream?
Yes. This soup freezes well even with cream. Thaw slowly in the fridge and warm gently on the stove.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your stock is gluten-free. Only the croutons would need substitution.
Conclusion
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup offers comfort that fits any season. Its roasted flavor, creamy texture, and aromatic basil make it unforgettable. You can enjoy it with grilled cheese, serve it on cold nights, or freeze it for those moments when you want something soothing fast. With simple steps and reliable flavor, this soup easily becomes a dependable favorite in your kitchen.
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