There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Classic Tomato Soup to warm your soul and transport you straight back to cozy childhood memories. This recipe is comfort at its purest—velvety-smooth, bursting with sweet-tart tomato flavor, and finished with a touch of creaminess that makes every spoonful feel like a luxurious treat. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic on a rainy day or want an easy yet satisfying homemade lunch, Classic Tomato Soup always delivers big flavor for very little effort.

Classic Tomato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Classic Tomato Soup is just how simple and honest the ingredients are. Each item plays a starring role in creating that rich, balanced flavor we all adore, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky base and adds lovely depth to the sautéed aromatics.
Yellow onion, chopped (1 small): Brings gentle sweetness and softly rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Perfumes the soup with irresistible aroma and extra flavor punch.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies that iconic tomato richness and enhances color.
Whole peeled tomatoes with juices (1 can, 28 oz): The superstar ingredient—look for high-quality brands for the best flavor.
Vegetable broth (1 cup): Delivers savory backbone and just the right consistency.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): A tiny amount mellows acidity and heightens natural tomato sweetness.
Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses those herby, classic Italian notes that make tomato soup sing.
Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Adds earthy complexity and complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors—don’t be shy with seasoning.
Heavy cream or whole milk (1/2 cup, optional): For dreamy creaminess; skip or swap in plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional): A pop of color and fresh garden flavor to finish everything off.

How to Make Classic Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped onion and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes until it’s nice and soft. The goal here is to bring out the onion’s natural sweetness without letting it brown—think gentle, fragrant, and golden. Next, toss in that minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until its delicious aroma fills the kitchen. This foundation is what infuses the Classic Tomato Soup with that unmistakably homemade flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Tomato Paste

Stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste and let it cook with the onions and garlic for a full minute. This little step wakes up the tomato flavor, caramelizing the paste and deepening the soup’s gorgeous color. Don’t skip this—it’s a chef’s trick for adding extra richness with almost no effort!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

It’s time to pour in the whole peeled tomatoes along with all their juices. Use a wooden spoon to gently break them up a bit—don’t worry about it being perfect since you’ll blend later. Stir in the vegetable broth, sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, dried thyme, and then finish with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and let it come up to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor

Once the soup is bubbling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens—all the flavors meld, the tomatoes soften even more, and the broth becomes infused with herby, savory goodness. If you find your soup gets too thick, a splash more broth or water will loosen it up.

Step 5: Blend Until Velvety

Take the pot off the heat. Now, blend the soup until silky-smooth either right in the pot with an immersion blender (my favorite tool for soup days!) or carefully in batches using a countertop blender. Watch the steam when blending—hot liquids expand, so vent that lid a bit and work slowly.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Finish

If you’re craving that classic creaminess, stir in heavy cream or a generous splash of whole milk. Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you like. One last stir, and you’re ready to ladle up the most luscious Classic Tomato Soup imaginable.

How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Shower your bowl with freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbal freshness, or crack a little more black pepper over the top for subtle heat. If you want to get fancy, swirl in a drizzle of cream or olive oil for an artistic touch—little details make the Classic Tomato Soup feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Nothing spells comfort like serving your Classic Tomato Soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. But don’t stop there—try crusty garlic bread, simple cheese toast, or a hearty green salad to round out the meal. This soup also pairs beautifully with roasted veggie paninis or even buttery crackers for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mugs for “sipping soup” at casual gatherings, or offer mini portions in shot glasses as a party appetizer. You can even pour the soup over cooked pasta shapes or cheesy tortellini for a kid-friendly, satisfying dinner—get creative, and let Classic Tomato Soup steal the show in new ways!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Tomato Soup is a lifesaver for busy weekdays. Once cooled, simply pour the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, so leftovers often taste even richer the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Classic Tomato Soup, leave out the cream or milk during cooking. Let the soup cool fully and transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and stir in the cream or milk just before serving for that signature silky finish.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup seems thick (which can happen after chilling), add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid rapidly boiling after adding dairy to keep the soup perfectly smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, juicy tomatoes in season, roughly chop about 2 pounds and use them in place of the canned variety. You may need to simmer a bit longer to fully soften them, but the fresh flavor is totally worth it.

How do I make Classic Tomato Soup dairy-free?

Just skip the cream or milk at the end, or swap in full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk for a creamy finish without any dairy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Classic Tomato Soup tastes even better after spending a night in the fridge, as the flavors develop further. Just store it without the cream or milk and add that right before serving for best results.

What’s the best way to blend hot soup safely?

If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and work in small batches. Keep the blender lid slightly ajar with a towel over the top to let steam escape—this prevents pressure buildup and spills. Or use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy blending and less mess!

Why add sugar to Classic Tomato Soup?

A little sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor and bringing forward more of their sweetness. The result is a smoother, more mellow soup that’s not overtly sweet—just perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy, delicious way to bring comfort and joy to your table, Classic Tomato Soup is truly unbeatable. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to for chilly nights, weekend lunches, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up in a bowl!

Classic Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

A classic tomato soup recipe that is simple to make, comforting, and perfect for a cozy meal. This creamy soup is bursting with rich tomato flavor and seasoned with aromatic herbs, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes with juices
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for creaminess)
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in tomatoes with juices, broth, sugar, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Purée Soup: Blend the soup until smooth. Add cream or milk for creaminess. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished with basil.