My roasted tomato soup recipe is a fresh, flavorful take on the classic, made with roasted tomatoes, garlic, basil, and onions for a rich depth of flavor. This homemade tomato basil soup is the perfect way to use fresh tomatoes, delivering a comforting and delicious bowl that's far better than anything from a can.
If you like my roasted tomato soup recipe, you might also enjoy these other comforting soups like my Tuscan White Bean Soup and my Zuppa di Fagioli (Italian Bean Soup).
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- 💖Why we love this homemade tomato soup:
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for soup?
- 🛒 Ingredients for tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes:
- Equipment you need to make tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes:
- 🍽️ How to make tomato soup from fresh tomatoes:
- What to serve with tomato soup from scratch:
- 🫙 Leftover and Storing fresh tomato soup recipe:
- 📃 Substitutions & Variations cream of tomato soup with fresh tomatoes:
- ☑️ Our Top Tips for homemade tomato soup recipe:
- ❓ FAQ'S
- Some other tomato recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Easy Roasted Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes
This homemade tomato soup with fresh tomatoes is naturally gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, dairy-free and paleo, Whole30, and keto friendly.
This roasted tomato basil soup is one of my favorite tomato soup recipes, bursting with the rich flavors of garden-fresh tomatoes, fresh basil leaves (or fresh thyme), and caramelized onions and garlic. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that canned tomato soup just can't match.
Whether you're making tomato soup for a cozy night in or pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches, this recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat or swirl in cream for a creamy tomato soup twist.
If you like your soup even hotter, once you've blended it, heat everything in a sauce pan over medium heat, and you'll have a fresh tomato soup that's as satisfying as it is easy to make. This homemade tomato soup is perfect for showcasing summer's best ingredients and making the most of those garden-fresh tomatoes!
💖Why we love this homemade tomato soup:
- Intensified flavor through roasting: Roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions caramelizes them, creating a deeper, richer taste that's far more flavorful than traditional methods.
- Incredibly fresh and vibrant: Using garden-fresh tomatoes and fresh basil leaves gives this soup a natural, bright flavor that truly stands out.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily adapt it by adding red pepper flakes for heat or swirling in cream for a more creamy tomato soup texture.
- Healthier and wholesome: This fresh tomato soup is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought or canned tomato soup.
- Perfect pairing with grilled cheese: The rich, roasted flavor complements a grilled cheese sandwich perfectly, elevating a classic comfort food combo.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for soup?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for making this soup. I used fresh tomatoes and I prefer them because they offer a brighter, more robust flavor. Just make sure they're fully ripe to get the best taste.
Ina Garten has a recipe where she makes the soup with fresh and canned plum tomatoes. I never tried it, but I'm sure it's also very tasty!
🛒 Ingredients for tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes:
- Tomatoes: I recommend using Roma tomatoes or any variety of plum you like. You can also do a combination of plum and cherry, as I've tested this myself with my garden tomatoes.
- Onion: I used a sweet onion, but use a Vidalia, or a yellow onion. You could even use a shallot if you like.
- Garlic: Use 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, depending on how big your cloves are.
- Fresh herbs: I like to use fresh basil or fresh thyme. You could roast the tomatoes with the fresh thyme, but if you use fresh basil, add it in when you're blending the roasted tomatoes.
- Sea salt: A little bit of salt is needed to season it. Add more to your taste, as you like.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A few grinds of black pepper brings a touch of spice.
- Olive oil: I like to always use a very good quality extra-virgin olive oil. You don't need a lot and it adds a lovely flavor to the soup.
Equipment you need to make tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes:
- Cutting Board: I like to use a bamboo cutting board, but any cutting board works.
- Knife: You'll need any sharp knife to cut the tomatoes and onions.
- Blender: A blender or any thing you use to make smoothies to pulse the ingredients together.
- Immersion blender: It's nice to have an immersion blender on hand. They're great to use for so many soups and sauces.
🍽️ How to make tomato soup from fresh tomatoes:
Here is how to make this very easy soup (the full recipe is below!):
- Step 1: Prep the ingredients and line them up on your baking tray.
- Step 2: Roast them until they are soft and the onions and garlic caramelize a bit. Could take 30-35 minutes.
- Step 3: Carefully transfer to your blender and pulse to make the soup.
- Step 4: If the soup is not hot enough, you could heat it up in a sauce pan. Serve and enjoy! Add on croutons and grated Parmigiano Reggiano, if you like.
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
What to serve with tomato soup from scratch:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich >>>A classic pairing! The gooey cheese complements the tangy, creamy soup perfectly.
- Crusty Bread >>> Ideal for dipping, a good crusty bread like psomi spitiko (Greek bread) helps soak up all the delicious soup.
- Garlic Bread >>>Adds a flavorful, buttery crunch that pairs well with the rich tomato flavor.
- Cheese Toast >>> A slice of toasted bread topped with melted cheese provides a crispy, cheesy contrast.
- Caprese Salad >>>Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a light, fresh element.
- Caesar Salad >>>A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and Parmesan offers a complementary crunch.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio >>> This quick and flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with the heartiness of tomato soup.
- Insalata Mista >>> For a lighter side, this simple Italian mixed greens salad is the perfect refreshing complement.
- Panzanella Toscana >>> This robust Tuscan bread salad enhances any soup meal.
- Rosemary Breadsticks >>> Flavorful and aromatic, these breadsticks add a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Pasta Salad >>>A light, cold pasta salad with vinaigrette balances the warm, hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetable >>> Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or carrots add a hearty side dish that echoes the roasted flavors in the soup.
- Crackers or Breadsticks >>>Simple crackers or breadsticks for dipping make a great snack with the soup.
- Quiche >>>A savory quiche, like zucchini, spinach or ham and cheese, pairs beautifully with tomato soup for a more substantial meal.
- Zucchini Noodle >>> A low-carb option that pairs well with the tomato flavors and adds a healthy touch.
🫙 Leftover and Storing fresh tomato soup recipe:
- Refrigerate: As soon as it's cooled completely, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to get to the perfect consistency.
📃 Substitutions & Variations cream of tomato soup with fresh tomatoes:
Roasting and blending the fresh tomatoes creates the creamiest soup, without adding any cream! Here are some other ideas on how to make this soup:
- Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can use canned tomatoes, though roasting fresh ones adds more flavor. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for the best results.
- Basil: If you're out of fresh basil, substitute with dried basil (use about ⅓ the amount), or try adding fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal twist.
- Garlic and Onions: For a sweeter soup, consider swapping out yellow onions for shallots, or using roasted red onions for a deeper flavor
- Creaminess: For a creamy tomato soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or cashew cream towards the end. Greek yogurt can also be used as a healthier, tangy option.
- Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian/vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but to make it vegan, avoid adding cream or use plant-based milk for creaminess.
- Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb variation, avoid adding any sweeteners or starchy sides, and consider serving with zucchini noodles instead of bread.
☑️ Our Top Tips for homemade tomato soup recipe:
1. Use Ripe Tomatoes
Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes like Roma, cherry, or heirloom varieties for the best flavor. Overripe tomatoes work great for soups. I used Plum tomatoes that were very ripe and the soup was very flavorful.
2. Roast for Depth of Flavor
Roasting the tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing the sweetness and depth of flavor. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Garlic and Onion
Roast garlic cloves and onions along with the tomatoes for a more robust, savory taste. Their sweetness intensifies when roasted. You could use any kind of onion, but I used Sweet onions.
4. Use Fresh Herbs
Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for added freshness. Roast some with the tomatoes. I really love the flavor of fresh thyme when it roasts with the tomatoes.
5. Balance Acidity
If the soup tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar, a splash of cream, or even a small amount of butter to balance the flavors.
6. Use Vegetable or Chicken Stock
If you like your soup a little thinner, use vegetable or chicken stock to thin it out and to make the soup richer and more flavorful.
7. Blend for Smoothness
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to achieve a smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend just part of it and leave the rest as is. I pulsed it all in the blender for a couple seconds and left it a little thicker.
8. Strain for Extra Smoothness
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup after blending to remove tomato skins and seeds.
9. Finish with Cream
Stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy, silky finish.
10. Garnish for Extra Flavor
Top your soup with fresh basil, or thyme, a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, or croutons for added flavor and texture.
11. Serve with Complementary Sides
Pair with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or garlic bread for the perfect comforting meal.
❓ FAQ'S
No, you don't need to peel tomatoes for soup. The peels roast up in the oven and then get blended to make the soup either with a blende or a handheld immersion blender.
It could be due to the tomatoes being underripe or from the seeds. Simmering the soup slowly can help reduce bitterness.
Adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream can help neutralize any bitterness.
Yes, you can make tomato soup with fresh tomatoes. Follow my recipe below to make delicious and flavorful tomato soup.
Cook your soup, then process it in a water bath canner according to safe canning guidelines to preserve it.
Yes, many recipes for tomato soup use fresh tomatoes for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Some recipes use canned fresh tomatoes to make the soup. If you can find fresh, in season tomatoes, use them!
Some other tomato recipes you'll love:
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📖 Recipe
Easy Roasted Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 lbs plum tomatoes ends cut up and sliced into quarters
- 1 small onion thinly sliced (I used sweet, but use yellow or Vidalia)
- 1-2 large garlic cloves peeled and left whole
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- fresh basil leaves or fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and line a large baking sheet or casserole with a sheet of foil paper or parchment paper.
Roast the vegetables:
- On a large sheet pan, arrange the tomatoes, sliced onions, and whole garlic cloves. If you're using fresh thyme, add a few sprigs to the pan. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure an even coat, then spread it out in a single layer. Roast for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and nicely caramelized.
Blend to perfection:
- When they are roasted, carefully transfer the tomatoes, onions, and garlic (including all the flavorful juices from the pan) to a blender. Pulse a few times until the soup is smooth and creamy. I left mine a little thicker. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, seasoning to your preference.
Serve:
- If the soup isn't hot enough, heat in a saucepan. Spoon soup into a bowl. If you are using basil, you could add some chopped fresh basil to serve with some crunchy croutons. Enjoy!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Tomatoes: I used plum tomatoes, but you could use Heirloom, Campari or even cherry tomatoes.
- Onions: I like to use Sweet onion, but use whatever onions you have.
- Garlic: I used 2 cloves garlic, you could add less or even a couple more cloves, to your taste.
- Herbs: I like to roast tomatoes with fresh thyme, but use fresh basil if you have some on hand. Do not roast the tomatoes with the basil. Add in after it's roasted.
- Toppings: Crunchy croutons are perfect with this soup. You could grate on some Parmigiano Reggiano, or serve with some crusty bread.
This soup was so easy to make. Cozy and delicious. My kids loved it!
This tomato soup recipe is definitely a keeper! It's the perfect cozy recipe and I ALWAYS have my tomato soup with grilled cheese. Best combo!
I had no idea tomato soup was so easy to make. Perfect with a grilled cheese!
I served with a sourdough grilled cheese and it was perfect!
SO yummy!!! I think roasting the tomatoes first made a huge difference!
This tomato soup is highly versatile and delicious I have enjoyed making it,
This tomato soup is so comforting! Love that it uses fresh tomatoes.
This tomato soup is amazing! Such a yummy and comforting meal.
This tomato soup was so cozy and delicious! Perfect for a rainy day. My family loved it!
I’ve never made soup from scratch before, and I can’t believe how good this came out. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Homemade roasted tomato soup is always such a treat, and yours sounds amazing! I love that you use fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic! So much flavor and definitely miles better than anything canned.
This is August for me! I live all year for garden ripe tomatoes, warm from the sun. Yeah, I can a lot of sauce against the cold Midwest winters, but roasted tomato soup is what I look forward to after a long day of work.
A dollop of cool panna acida (sour cream) only makes this soup better! Thanks for sharing!
Ciao Mollyann...thank you for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed my roasted tomato soup. It is really good! Great idea to add some panna acida on top!!! ENJOY!!
Made this for my lunch meal prep for work and spiced it up. Real good!
I had a bowl with some very ripe tomatoes that I honestly didn't know what to do with them. I roasted them up to make this soup...and I LOVE it. It's so easy to make. Don't even need any cream and I enjoyed it with some crackers. Great recipe!