There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup to make any day feel cozier. This beloved classic is a timeless favorite for good reason! Our easy tomato soup recipe delivers that rich, creamy flavor you crave with straightforward steps perfect for beginners. Get ready to create a truly delicious dish that tastes homemade in the best way possible.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
This incredible tomato soup recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why it will become a go-to in your kitchen:
- Incredibly comforting and flavorful: Experience pure warmth in every spoonful.
- Simple ingredients, straightforward steps: You don’t need fancy skills to make this.
- Perfect for all seasons: Enjoy it on a chilly evening or as a light summer meal.
- Easily customizable: Adjust flavors and textures to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prepping: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for our delicious tomato soup recipe. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect flavor profile and creamy texture.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing aromatics and adding richness.
- 2 yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped): Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced): Adds crucial aromatic depth and warmth.
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two, 28-oz cans) with their juice, preferably San Marzano: The heart of this soup, offering the best natural sweetness and acidity.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Adds liquid and a savory umami backbone.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Delivers a bright, fragrant, and aromatic finish.
- 1 Tbsp sugar: Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides seasoning and a subtle hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture and rich taste.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a salty, umami kick and extra depth.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this creamy tomato soup recipe to fit your pantry or dietary needs.
- Butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Onions: Shallots work well for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch; start with ½ teaspoon.
- Tomatoes: Any high-quality crushed tomatoes will work if San Marzano are unavailable.
- Chicken stock: Vegetable broth makes this a vegetarian-friendly tomato soup recipe.
- Fresh basil: Use 1 tablespoon of dried basil, adding it with the tomatoes.
- Sugar: Honey or maple syrup are good natural alternatives.
- Cream: Full-fat coconut milk creates a lovely dairy-free, creamy texture.
- Parmesan: Nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor, or simply omit it.
Equipment
You don’t need a lot of special tools for this easy tomato soup recipe. Here’s what will help:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering your soup evenly.
- Immersion blender (or regular blender): For achieving that silky smooth consistency.
- Sharp knife: To easily chop your aromatics.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while prepping.
- Ladle: For serving your delicious soup.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Creamy Tomato Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect creamy tomato soup recipe. This process is beginner-friendly and ensures a delicious outcome every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Start by finely chopping your yellow onions and mincing the garlic cloves. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a nonreactive pot or enameled Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter, then add the chopped onions. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and beautifully golden. Don’t rush this step; it builds flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, chopped fresh basil, sugar (or add sugar to taste), and black pepper to the pot.
- Simmer: Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for our creamy tomato soup recipe.
- Blend Soup: You can enjoy your soup with a chunky consistency if you prefer. However, for a creamy soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, transfer the soup in batches, being careful not to overfill with hot liquid. Blend until smooth, then return the blended soup to the pot over medium heat.
- Stir in Cream & Parmesan: Add ½ cup heavy cream and ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the blended soup. Stir gently until well combined.
- Heat Through: Return the soup to a simmer briefly, just to heat through the cream and cheese. Do not boil once cream is added.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the heat. This final adjustment ensures your perfect creamy tomato soup.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot creamy tomato soup into warm bowls. Top with more freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for garnish.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Soup
Making a fantastic tomato soup recipe is easy with these simple pointers. These tips help enhance flavor and ensure a perfect texture.
- Choose quality San Marzano tomatoes: Their sweetness and lower acidity are ideal for this creamy tomato soup recipe.
- Don’t rush onion sautéing: Sautéing onions until golden caramelizes them, adding depth to your soup.
- Blend carefully: If using a regular blender, fill it only halfway with hot liquid and vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
- Adjust sugar/cream to taste: Depending on your tomatoes’ acidity, you might need a little more or less to balance the flavor.
- Always taste and season: Adjust salt and pepper at the end for the perfect balance.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese enhance both the flavor and presentation before serving.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile tomato soup recipe shines in many ways, from pairing with classic sandwiches to being a freezer-friendly meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled cheese: The ultimate comfort food combo. Dip your sandwich right into the warm soup!
- Offer crusty bread: A good crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this creamy tomato soup.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze well: This tomato soup recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Gently warm: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick in your tomato soup recipe.
- Herb: Experiment with other dried herbs like oregano or thyme when adding the tomatoes.
- Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or white beans after blending for a more substantial meal.
- Roasted: For an even deeper flavor, roast your tomatoes (halved cherry tomatoes or diced Roma) with olive oil and garlic before adding them to the pot.
Nutrition Information
This homemade creamy tomato soup recipe offers a comforting meal with wholesome ingredients. While values can vary based on exact brands and portion sizes, here’s a general idea for one 1-cup serving.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Total Fat | 18-22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12g |
| Cholesterol | 40-50mg |
| Sodium | 400-500mg |
| Total Carbs | 18-22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4g |
| Total Sugars | 10-12g |
| Protein | 6-8g |
Homemade dishes like this tomato soup recipe allow you to control ingredients, often leading to fresher, less processed options. Please note, these are estimated values; always check specific ingredient labels for precise information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with olive oil, chicken stock with vegetable broth, and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How to fix acidic soup?
If your tomato soup recipe tastes too acidic, add a tiny bit more sugar or a splash more heavy cream to balance the flavors. Always add gradually and taste as you go.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can! You’ll need about 4-5 pounds of ripe fresh tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped. You might need to simmer them a bit longer to break down, and you can roast them first for deeper flavor.
Why San Marzano tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their balanced sweetness, lower acidity, and delicate flavor. They create a smoother, richer base for this creamy tomato soup.
Understanding the unique qualities of San Marzano tomatoes can elevate your homemade dishes.
How thick should it be?
The consistency is a personal preference. If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken or vegetable stock. If it’s too thin, simmer it gently without a lid for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato soup recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. It’s incredibly comforting, easy to make, and a perfect example of how delicious homemade meals can be. Whether you’re a busy parent or a beginner in the kitchen, this versatile recipe promises a warm, satisfying bowl every time. Give it a try and share your experience with us – we can’t wait to hear how much you loved it!
