Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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There’s something magical about a bowl of roasted tomato basil soup. It captures the essence of comfort with each spoonful—a warm, velvety blend of slow-roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or seeking a light yet satisfying meal, this soup is your go-to recipe.

What makes this dish truly shine is its depth of flavor. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and imparts a rich, slightly smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the brightness of fresh basil. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons or served with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, it delivers the kind of soul-soothing satisfaction that only homemade soup can.


Why You’ll Love This Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

  • Incredible flavor depth from oven-roasted tomatoes.
  • Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.
  • Naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by swapping the cream.
  • Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
  • Customizable with toppings like parmesan, cream swirls, or grilled cheese dippers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the soup-making process, here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting tomatoes and garlic evenly, bringing out their natural sweetness.
  • Blender or Immersion Blender: To achieve that silky-smooth texture. Immersion blenders are great for less cleanup, while standard blenders work best for ultra-velvety finishes.
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer (optional): If you prefer a smoother, seed-free soup.
  • Ladle: For easy and mess-free serving.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

  • Fresh Tomatoes: The heart of the recipe. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and gives the soup its depth.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds a mellow, aromatic flavor once roasted.
  • Onion: Builds a savory base when sautéed.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Brings brightness and herbal freshness to balance the richness.
  • Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing, it adds body and flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, keeping it vegetarian.
  • Heavy Cream (optional): Adds a luscious finish for a creamier version.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

How To Make the Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place halved tomatoes, garlic cloves (skins on), and sliced onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast for 30-35 minutes until caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove roasted garlic from its skin and add to the pot along with the roasted onion and tomatoes. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully blend.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If desired, strain the soup through a mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth finish.

Step 5: Add Basil and Finish

Stir in fresh basil leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add cream if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper.


How to Serve and Store Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serve this soup hot, garnished with chopped basil and crispy croutons. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or a melty grilled cheese.

To store, let the soup cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat gently on the stove.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, though fresh roasted tomatoes offer more depth. If using canned, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for better flavor.

Is this soup vegan?

It can be! Simply skip the cream or use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully before freezing in a sealed container.

What are the best tomatoes to use?

Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they roast beautifully and have fewer seeds.

Can I add other vegetables?

Sure! Roasted red peppers or carrots can be added for more sweetness or a different flavor layer.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

No peeling required. Once roasted and blended, the skins add body and flavor.


Want More Soup Ideas?

If this roasted tomato basil soup hit the spot, here are more cozy bowls you’ll love:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swirl in cream or top it with parmesan? Maybe you paired it with your favorite sandwich?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one ladle at a time.

Follow me on Pinterest for more daily comfort food ideas from my kitchen to yours.


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Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting, flavorful blend of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, simmered into a velvety soup. This homemade soup recipe is vegetarian, freezer-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners. Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread.


Ingredients

3 pounds fresh tomatoes

1 head garlic

1 large onion

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the tomatoes, peel and slice the onion, and place them on a baking sheet with whole garlic cloves (leave skins on). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

2. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are soft and caramelized.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Remove skins from roasted garlic and add all roasted vegetables to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth. Strain for extra smoothness if desired.

6. Stir in fresh basil and simmer for 5 more minutes.

7. Add cream (optional), season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Notes

Roasting the vegetables is key to enhancing flavor—don’t skip this step.

Use an immersion blender for less mess, or a high-speed blender for a silkier texture.

Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your soup.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting, Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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