Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this creamy tomato basil soup – perfect for any cozy meal! This velvety roasted tomato basil soup blends the sweet, earthy flavors of freshly roasted tomatoes and garlic, all enhanced by the luxurious touch of heavy cream. As the tomatoes roast and their natural sugars caramelize, each spoonful becomes a warm hug for your taste buds, wrapping you in layers of deep, satisfying flavor. With every swirl of bright green basil, you’ll taste a burst of garden-fresh zing that beautifully balances the soup’s creamy texture. Whether you’re curled up with a good book or sharing a meal with loved ones, this soup promises to be a showstopper that warms both heart and home.
Not only is this recipe a breeze for kitchen beginners, it also brings restaurant-worthy depth to your dinner table. In just 15 minutes of prep, 40 minutes of cooking, and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll have a bowl of golden comfort ready to enjoy. At around 450 calories per serving, it makes a satisfying lunch, dinner, or anytime treat without any complicated techniques—just honest ingredients and simple steps. With a difficulty level rated as beginner and versatile enough for both vegetarian and meat-eater preferences (simply choose vegetable or chicken broth), this soup adapts to your pantry and palate. Imagine stirring cream into the vibrant puree, watching the color shift to a soft blush, then garnishing with fresh basil for a final flourish. Cozy, effortless, and packed with flavor, this creamy roasted tomato basil soup is destined to become your go-to on chilly afternoons and breezy evenings alike.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a specific role, building layers of flavor and creating that signature creamy, comforting bowl of soup you’ll crave all winter long.
- Ripe tomatoes
Juicy garden gems that, when roasted, develop a natural sweetness and depth. The soft, charred edges add subtle smokiness, forming the flavorful backbone of the soup.
- Garlic cloves
Aromatic powerhouses that mellow upon roasting. They infuse the broth with a gentle pungency and warm undertones, pulling every element together.
- Large onion
Adds natural sweetness and savory complexity. As it caramelizes under high heat, it enhances the overall richness and smoothness of the final puree.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Forms the liquid base and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist or chicken broth for extra savory notes.
- Heavy cream
Brings luscious creaminess and helps round out the bright tomato flavor. It transforms the soup into a velvety masterpiece with a silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh basil leaves
Offer a bright, herbaceous lift. Stirring in chopped basil at the end preserves its vivid color and adds fresh, peppery highlights.
- Olive oil
Creates a fragrant roasting medium and enriches the overall texture. The fruity, slightly grassy notes accentuate the tomato’s natural flavors.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings to sharpen flavors and achieve perfect balance. Adjust to taste for your ideal level of savory depth.
- Sugar (optional)
A small touch to tame any lingering acidity. It rounds out the soup with just a hint of sweetness without overpowering the tomato essence.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Let’s get everything ready for a smooth, stress-free cooking session. In this section, you’ll find all the details you need to transform simple ingredients into a luscious bowl of roasted tomato basil soup. From preheating your oven to adding the final swirl of cream, these steps will guide you through creating deep flavor and perfect consistency.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center so that the vegetables roast evenly and develop those beautiful charred edges.
2. Arrange the halved tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and quartered onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season everything with salt and pepper, making sure each piece has a light coating for optimal caramelization.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and lightly charred. You’re looking for a mixture of blistered skins and golden-brown bits on the garlic and onion for maximum flavor.
4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender) to puree the soup until completely smooth. Blend directly in the pot for ease, or use a blender for a silky finish—just be cautious with the hot liquid.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves, seasoning with additional salt and an optional sprinkle of sugar if you’d like a touch more sweetness. The basil should be vibrant and lightly wilted.
7. Allow the soup to heat through and thicken slightly over low heat for another 5 minutes. This resting period helps develop a cohesive, velvety texture and deepens the overall flavor.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves or a dollop of cream for a lovely presentation. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and fresh herb flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Making a beautiful bowl of soup is only half the fun—serving it in style elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a solo night in with a cozy blanket, these ideas will help you pair, garnish, and present your creamy roasted tomato basil soup in ways that delight all the senses. From crunchy accoutrements to playful pairings, let your creativity shine and make each serving feel like a special occasion. Here are four of our favorite ways to showcase this comforting classic:
- Classic grilled cheese pairing
Craft a gooey grilled cheese sandwich on thick-cut, buttery bread. Use sharp cheddar or a melty fontina for maximum stretch. Dip each bite into the warm soup for that unbeatable sweet-and-salty combo.
- Basil chiffonade drizzle
Stack fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons. Scatter the bright green chiffonade on top of each bowl for a fresh, eye-catching garnish that accentuates the soup’s herbaceous notes.
- Parmesan crisp topping
Spoon shredded Parmesan into small mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden. Top your soup with these delicate, crunchy crisps for a salty, savory counterpoint to the creamy base.
- Toasted artisan bread cubes
Cut day-old baguette into bite-size cubes, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake until golden crisp. Sprinkle the crunchy cubes over the soup to add texture and soak up every last drop of that luscious broth.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Planning ahead? This soup is a dream to store and reheat, so you can enjoy its comforting flavors days—or even months—after making it. Proper storage preserves that bright tomato flavor, silky texture, and fresh basil essence. Below are a few foolproof methods to keep your soup tasting as delightful as the day you made it.
- Refrigeration
Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid breaking the cream’s emulsion.
- Freezing
For longer storage, omit the heavy cream before freezing. Freeze the pureed tomato and broth base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream and basil.
- Portion control
Divide the soup into individual serving jars or containers before storing. This makes reheating quick and easy—no defrosting a giant pot. Plus, your weekend lunches or midweek dinners are sorted in a snap.
- Fresh herb boost
Store any leftover chopped basil separately in a small, sealed bag with a slightly damp paper towel. This keeps the leaves vibrant so you can add them fresh when you reheat the soup, preserving that aromatic pop.
CONCLUSION
From the very first mention of “Savor the rich, comforting flavors,” we’ve guided you through creating a bowl of creamy roasted tomato basil soup that feels as warm and inviting as a cozy kitchen chat with a friend. You’ve learned why each key ingredient—from juicy, caramelized tomatoes to a swirl of heavy cream—plays a vital role in building those layers of flavor. Our detailed instructions walk you through every step, from preheating the oven to simmering the pot, blending to perfection, and garnishing like a pro. With serving suggestions ranging from classic grilled cheese pairings to elegant Parmesan crisps, you have plenty of ideas to elevate your presentation. And in the storage guide, we shared smart tips for refrigeration, freezing, and maintaining fresh basil, so no delicious drop goes to waste.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe collection for easy reference. You’ll also find an FAQ section below to troubleshoot common questions and get extra cooking tips. If you try this recipe or have any comments, questions, or feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Did you add a unique twist? Did your family request seconds? Share your experiences, let us know how your soup turned out, or ask for help if you hit a snag. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, tomato-kissed spoonful!
Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Description
This velvety roasted tomato basil soup blends sweet, earthy flavors of fresh tomatoes and garlic, enhanced by creamy richness. Ideal for any occasion, it warms the heart.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange the halved tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and lightly charred.
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In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables with the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
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Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil, and season with more salt and sugar if needed.
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Allow the soup to heat through and thicken slightly over low heat for another 5 minutes.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves or a dollop of cream if desired.
Note
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the broth used is gluten-free.
- Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, giving a rich depth to the soup.
- This soup freezes well; just leave out the cream until reheating.
- Fresh basil is key for capturing the full essence of this soup.
- Consider pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo.
