Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup offers a rich and comforting flavor, perfect for cozy days. Roasting the tomatoes deepens their sweetness, while fresh basil and cream add a lovely aromatic and smooth finish.

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 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 1 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Arrange the tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Roast the tomatoes for 1 hour. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
- Step 4: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 5: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute to release their aroma.
- Step 7: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, add the chopped basil and sugar, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Step 8: Add chicken stock and the roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 9: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender or food processor. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Step 10: Stir in the heavy cream and warm through without boiling.
- Step 11: For mini croutons, cut small bread cubes, toss with a bit of oil, diced garlic, and basil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes until crisp.
- Step 12: Serve the soup hot, garnished with the freshly baked croutons for extra texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a slight kick.
- Use a blender with a vented lid to safely blend hot soup in batches.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make a dairy-free option with a subtle twist.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but canned San Marzano tomatoes add a consistent, rich flavor and texture that enhances the soup.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer time to reduce liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste during cooking to thicken and intensify flavor.
Print
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup blends the rich, deep flavors of oven-roasted Roma tomatoes with fresh basil and a touch of cream for a velvety, comforting dish. Enhanced by caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of thyme, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or elegant starters. Homemade mini croutons add a delightful crunch and a burst of garlic-basil aroma, making every spoonful irresistible.
Ingredients
Soup 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 (28 oz.) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Mini Croutons
- Small pieces of bread, cut into small cubes
- Olive oil (enough to lightly coat bread cubes)
- Diced garlic (to taste)
- Basil (fresh, chopped, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 1 hour until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue to sauté for another minute to release the aromas.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Basil: Add the canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Stock and Roasted Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to enhance flavor blending.
- Purée Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender or food processor, then return to the pot.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream to the puréed soup to create a rich, velvety texture. Heat gently but do not boil.
- Make Mini Croutons: Toss the small bread cubes with olive oil, diced garlic, and chopped basil. Spread on a baking sheet and bake in a 400°F (204°C) oven for about 7 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly baked mini croutons. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock to make this soup vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and low acidity but canned plum tomatoes work as well.
- Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor—do not skip this step.
- To make the soup spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and thyme.
- The mini croutons add a wonderful texture contrast and can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: roasted tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, Italian tomato soup, homemade tomato soup, roasted tomato soup, basil soup recipe

