Best Ever Creamy Tomato Basil Soup You Need In Your Arsenal
Ever feel like you need a hug in a bowl? Sometimes, when it is cold outside, you just want something warm. A creamy tomato basil soup always hits the spot.
We all have bad days sometimes, and a basic soup just will not cut it.
Store-bought is never good, and you want a soup that is made with love, with fresh ingredients. You want that rich, homemade goodness. This is that soup.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This soup is great.
It is way better than anything you can get in a can.
Making this soup is super easy, and it tastes amazing, especially with simple ingredients you have at home.
This soup is perfect for when you want something yummy and comforting.
It is great for a quick weeknight dinner, and the whole family loves it. Kids love to eat it, too!
This soup is a fantastic way to get a taste of homemade goodness, but if you are looking for another great recipe to add to your repertoire, why not try our easy jar sauce chicken alfredo?
Ingredients for the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
The right ingredients make all the difference. Here is what goes in the pot, and trust us, it is all good stuff:
- Butter: This is where the flavor starts. Butter makes the onions and garlic taste good when they cook.
- Onion: We chop it up small. Onions add a sweet and savory base. The foundation of our soup’s flavor.
- Garlic: You gotta have garlic. It adds that kick we all love. Minced small, it cooks with the onion, adding depth.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: These tomatoes are the star, They bring a smoky flavor. Crushed and ready to go, they create the soup’s body.
- Tomato sauce: Keeps the tomato flavor strong, and this makes the soup’s base rich.
- Vegetable broth: Use this instead of water to add more flavor, or chicken broth makes it even richer. Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian.
- Sugar: Just a little bit helps balance out the tomato’s sour, a little sweetness balances the flavors.
- Dried oregano: This herb is important. It brings an earthy flavor to our soup.
- Dried thyme: Another herb that adds another layer. It makes the soup taste more complex.
- Red pepper flakes: These are for a tiny bit of heat. You don’t have to add these if you don’t like spice.
- Heavy cream: This makes the soup super creamy. It is what makes the soup feel like a treat. It makes it smooth and rich.
- Fresh basil: Added at the end, it gives a fresh, herby punch. Basil and tomato are best friends. It provides that fresh, herby kick.
- Salt and pepper: These make all the flavors pop. Season to your liking.
- Balsamic vinegar: This is our secret weapon. A dash at the end adds a special zing that makes this soup different from others.
For those who enjoy a little extra kick, you could use a touch of this calabrian chili oil recipe to spice things up instead of the pepper flakes in this recipe.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes for Your Soup
Tomatoes are very important for tomato soup.
Using canned tomatoes is easier and quicker than fresh ones.
Fire-roasted tomatoes are great because they add a smoky taste, that’s hard to get otherwise.
If you use regular canned tomatoes, it’s totally okay, but the smoky flavor from fire-roasted ones is a real game-changer.
Some people even like to mix different types of tomatoes for a unique taste.
Using San Marzano tomatoes can make the soup taste a little bit fancier, too.
If you are a fan of cooking with tomatoes, you might also enjoy exploring how to make a savory simple molcajete salsa recipe that uses fresh tomatoes.
Step-by-Step To Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch
First, get your pot and melt the butter in it. You add in the chopped onion and cook until it looks soft, which takes about five minutes.
Put in the garlic, stir it around, and cook until you can smell it, but do not let it turn brown.
Next, dump in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
You put the sugar, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes in there, too, if you like a little spice.
Stir it all together, and bring it to a simmer.
Then, turn down the heat and let it cook for about twenty minutes so all the flavors get to know each other.
After that, if you have a hand blender, you can use it to make the soup smooth right in the pot.
You could use a regular blender, too, but wait for the soup to cool a bit first, or it could get messy.
Mix it all up until it is as smooth as you like.
Finally, add the cream and basil, heat it through, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Stir, taste, and add salt and pepper until it is just right. Now it’s ready to eat.
Once you master this soup, you might want to try your hand at making a delicious bechamel sauce recipe that is another great basic.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a recipe for homemade creamy tomato basil soup that’s better than anything from a can! It’s made with simple ingredients but delivers a rich and flavorful experience. The perfect comfort food, this soup is delicious on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Unique element: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (added at the end for a touch of tangy sweetness)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Homemade croutons
- A swirl of heavy cream
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the soup base: Pour in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir in the sugar, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and develop flavors: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Blend for creaminess: Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency—either completely smooth or with a little texture remaining. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly and carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
- Stir in cream and basil: Place the pot back over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Heat through for a few minutes, but do not boil. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Final touch: Remove from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar. This adds a subtle depth and tanginess that elevates the overall flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, or a swirl of heavy cream, if desired.
Notes
- Why the Balsamic Vinegar is Unique: While some recipes might call for a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, the addition of balsamic vinegar at the end provides a more complex sweetness and a hint of tanginess that complements the richness of the cream and the freshness of the basil. It’s a subtle difference, but it creates a more nuanced and memorable flavor profile that sets this recipe apart. This makes it taste more “gourmet.”
- Tomato variations: You can use regular crushed tomatoes instead of fire-roasted, but the fire-roasted variety adds a slightly smoky depth.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder soup.
- Basil is best fresh: While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil provides the best flavor for this soup.
- Blending: For a completely smooth soup, blend thoroughly. For a slightly chunkier soup, pulse the blender a few times. Be very careful when blending hot liquids.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, but there may be texture changes after thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
For that perfect creamy texture, the secret’s in the blend.
Make sure to blend it well, but leave a little texture if that is how you like it.
A good immersion blender makes it easy to get it just right. Add the heavy cream at the end.
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half works, too. But heavy cream is best for the ultimate creamy soup.
Getting the texture right is super important in soups and sauces, and if you are interested in sauces, check out this authentic tzatziki sauce recipe.
Serving Suggestions And What to Enjoy with Your Soup
This soup is amazing all by itself, but you might want something extra.
You can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Crusty bread is great for dipping, too.
For something lighter, a nice salad goes well with the soup.
If you are really hungry, a side of roasted vegetables adds even more goodness to your meal.
Or, put croutons on top.
If you love the combination of soup and bread, you’ll want to learn how to make quick dinner rolls to impress your family and guests, too.
How to Garnish Your Tomato Basil Soup for Extra Flavor and Appeal
Garnishes make your soup look pretty and taste even better.
A swirl of cream or creme fraiche on top looks fancy.
Some fresh basil leaves make it look fresh.
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.
Homemade croutons add a nice crunch. Toasted pine nuts can be a nice touch, too.
Garnishes add that special touch, just like the right sauce can elevate a dish, and you might enjoy this flavorful authentic chimichurri recipe that is perfect for meats.
Make it Your Own? Variations of Tomato Basil Soup
You want to mix things up? Go for it.
Add some roasted red peppers when you are blending for a sweeter taste.
Throw in some spinach or kale when you add the cream to make it healthier.
If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
For a different flavor, try adding a little smoked paprika with the herbs.
Some folks like to add a splash of vodka when they add the cream; it gives the soup a unique flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Tomato Soup
If you have soup left over, let it cool down first.
You can keep it in the fridge in a container with a lid for about three days.
When you want to eat it again, just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.
The soup may thicken, and you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.
You can freeze it for later, too. It might change a little when you thaw it, but it will still taste good.
Nutritional Insights
Our soup is not just tasty; it is good for you, too. Tomatoes have something called lycopene. It is good for your heart. Basil has vitamins, and it is good for your health. Heavy cream adds calories, yes, but it also has calcium. A bowl of this soup is a treat. Here’s a look at the nutrition, based on each serving of our recipe:
- Calories: Around 350.
- Total Fat: About 25g, with 15g of that being saturated fat.
- Cholesterol: Roughly 75mg.
- Sodium: Around 800mg, but that can change based on what broth and how much salt you use.
- Total Carbohydrates: About 25g, including 5g of fiber and 10g of sugar.
- Protein: Around 8g.
These numbers are a ballpark. They can change depending on what ingredients you use. If you have special dietary concerns, always check with a healthcare professional.
Understanding the nutritional value of your meals is important, just like understanding what does yield mean in a recipe.
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes you can’t find an ingredient, or maybe you just want to try something different.
If you cannot find fire-roasted tomatoes, regular canned tomatoes work fine.
No heavy cream?
Try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup.
Coconut milk can work for a dairy-free option, and it will give a slightly different flavor.
If you are out of fresh basil, a teaspoon of dried basil can be used, but fresh is way better.
Instead of balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a nice brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Yes, but roast them in the oven first to get a similar smoky flavor.
Sure, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and make sure your broth is vegetable-based.
It is good for about three days in an airtight container.
Yes, you can, but the texture might change a bit after thawing. Still good, though.
Let the soup cool a bit, then blend it in batches in a regular blender. Be careful; it is hot.
Feel free to add carrots or celery when you cook the onions.
Yes, leave them out if you don’t want any heat.
If you have more questions about cooking techniques, you might find our guide on basic cooking terms explained helpful.
The Final Bite
There you have it – your guide to making the best creamy tomato basil soup. It is easy, it is tasty, and it is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. This soup brings warmth and happiness in every spoonful. Now, get cooking, and enjoy!
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.