If you’re searching for the coziest bowl of comfort to warm both body and spirit, Homemade Tomato Soup is the answer. This classic soup is loaded with sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes, a whisper of herbs, and the silky finish of cream if you like it extra luscious. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly earns a permanent spot in your kitchen, whether you’re making it for a laid-back lunch or a comforting weeknight dinner. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of dipping a crisp sandwich into a velvety, steaming bowl — and once you try homemade, you may never go back to the store-bought version. Let’s make soup memories together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Tomato Soup comes together with accessible pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Each one has a purpose: to build layer upon layer of flavor, aroma, and the beautiful color that makes this classic so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Choose a good quality olive oil for a rich, fruity base that brings out the sweetness in the vegetables.
- Onion: A medium chopped onion creates a savory, aromatic foundation essential for depth.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds robust, savory notes that sing in each spoonful.
- Ripe tomatoes (or canned): Use the juiciest ripe tomatoes you can find, or reach for canned whole peeled tomatoes for year-round convenience and excellent flavor.
- Vegetable broth: This gives the soup its irresistible body and just the right balance of flavor.
- Tomato paste: It concentrates the tomato flavor and intensifies the color for that signature red.
- Sugar: Just a touch balances the tomatoes’ acidity, letting their natural sweetness shine through.
- Dried basil (or fresh): Basil’s fragrance is classic in tomato soup and can be customized with dried or fresh for a vibrant herbal lift.
- Dried oregano: Oregano layers in subtle earthiness for old-school flavor and aroma.
- Salt: Enhances every single ingredient and ties the soup together.
- Black pepper: Adds mild warmth and gentle spice.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional): Stir this in for a rich, creamy finish — totally up to your taste!
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: A final sprinkle of herbs brings color and an irresistible fresh pop.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Grab a large soup pot and set it over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss in your chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and just starting to soften, about 5 minutes. This first step infuses the oil and the whole kitchen with inviting aromas, building the base for our Homemade Tomato Soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Now, in goes the minced garlic. Stir it into the onions and let it cook for about a minute — just until you catch that unmistakable fragrance. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away! This step makes sure your soup carries savory, aromatic depth from the very beginning.
Step 3: Introduce Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add your chopped fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes right into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a careful stir. The mixture should look bright, chunky, and already smell incredible.
Step 4: Simmer
Let your soon-to-be Homemade Tomato Soup come to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, set the pot to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir now and then — this concentrates the flavors, softens the tomatoes until they just melt away, and brings all the aromatics together beautifully.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Take the pot off the heat. If you’re using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup right in the pot until it’s silky smooth. If you prefer a countertop blender, work in batches and blend until you reach your desired texture. (Just be careful with the hot liquid!)
Step 6: Add Cream (Optional) and Adjust Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half if you’d like that extra creamy touch. Taste and tweak the seasonings as you please — maybe a bit more salt, pepper, or another sprinkle of basil.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your Homemade Tomato Soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for that restaurant-quality flourish. Now it’s ready for cozying up and enjoying!
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup
Garnishes
The right garnish can take each bowl to the next level. Aside from a shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil, try a swirl of cream for dramatic effect, a handful of homemade croutons for crunch, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an irresistible savory finish. Sprouting microgreens or a drizzle of herby olive oil add both beauty and flavor.
Side Dishes
The classic partnership is a gooey grilled cheese sandwich — golden and crisp outside, melty in the center. Sliced baguette, cheesy garlic bread, or even a simple mixed salad round out the meal. When Homemade Tomato Soup meets a side that’s perfect for dunking, every bite becomes an experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, bakery-style feast. For dinner parties, offer small mugs or shot glasses with mini grilled cheese sticks perched on top. You can even ladle a little soup into tiny jars for a fun appetizer at gatherings. Don’t forget to get playful with drizzles, sprinkles, or herby toppings — it’s all part of the charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Tomato Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely, then pour into an airtight container. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to four days, making quick lunches and easy dinners a breeze all week long.
Freezing
If you want to stash away portions, this soup is a freezer champion! Allow it to cool fully, ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight or set the container in a bowl of warm water for a speedier defrost.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can reheat right from frozen in a pinch — just use extra low heat and stir often for even warming. Add a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great pantry staple and provide consistently delicious results in Homemade Tomato Soup, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season.
Is this soup vegan if I skip the cream?
Yes, it is! Using vegetable broth and leaving out the cream (or swapping in a plant-based alternative) makes this soup entirely vegan without sacrificing any of that comforting flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For a smoky twist, try adding half a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other seasonings. You can also experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or roast your tomatoes before adding for even deeper, caramelized notes.
Can I make Homemade Tomato Soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This soup actually improves as it sits, letting the flavors mingle and deepen. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving. It’s meal prep magic!
How do I make it extra creamy?
For the creamiest texture, blend the soup thoroughly and add a generous splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. You can also swirl in coconut cream for a dairy-free version — both make Homemade Tomato Soup luxuriously smooth!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so timeless about a pot of simmering Homemade Tomato Soup bubbling away on the stove. Whether you keep it simple or play with toppings and sides, you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to make your own. Grab your favorite mug or bowl and give this heartwarming classic a try — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and classic recipe for homemade tomato soup that is easy to make and perfect for any time of year. This creamy soup is bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of cream for added richness.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped (or two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Saute Aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
- Finish Soup: Return soup to the pot, stir in cream if using, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with parsley or basil.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
