Roasted Tomato Soup
A Rich, Creamy, and Comforting Homemade Soup with Sweet Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic
Nothing compares to the comforting aroma of homemade roasted tomato soup simmering in the kitchen. This classic soup transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a rich and velvety bowl of comfort. Roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic caramelises their natural sugars, creating a deeper, sweeter flavour that canned tomatoes simply can’t match. Blended until silky smooth and finished with a touch of cream (optional), this soup is perfect for cosy dinners, chilly evenings, or as a light yet satisfying lunch.
Whether served with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad, roasted tomato soup is a timeless favourite that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s naturally packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fresh garden flavour while remaining incredibly easy to prepare.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a restaurant-quality soup that tastes comforting, wholesome, and full of homemade goodness. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight meals.
Recipe Information
Recipe Name: Roasted Tomato Soup
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
Course: Soup
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Roasting Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
6 large ripe tomatoes, halved
1 large red onion, quartered
1 whole garlic bulb (or 8 peeled garlic cloves)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Optional Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves
Fresh parsley
Croutons
Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked black pepper
Extra drizzle of olive oil
Red pepper flakes
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Blender or immersion blender
Large soup pot
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice each tomato in half.
Quarter the red onion.
Slice the top off the garlic bulb, exposing the cloves.
Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on the prepared baking tray.
Drizzle everything with olive oil.
Sprinkle evenly with:
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Toss gently to coat.
Place the tomatoes cut-side up for better caramelisation.
Step 3: Roast
Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes until:
Tomatoes become soft
Onion is caramelized
Garlic becomes golden and fragrant
Tomato edges begin to brown slightly
Allow everything to cool for about 10 minutes.
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic into a blender.
Add 1 cup broth.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add more broth until you reach your desired texture.
Step 5: Simmer
Pour the blended soup into a large pot.
Heat over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 6: Add Cream (Optional)
For a richer soup, stir in the heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Do not boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, or croutons.
Serve hot with your favourite bread or sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with:
Grilled cheese sandwich
Garlic bread
Crusty artisan bread
Caesar salad
Caprese salad
Roasted vegetables
Cheese toast
Focaccia
Grilled chicken sandwich
Avocado toast
Recipe Notes
Roma tomatoes create a thicker soup, while vine-ripened tomatoes offer a sweeter flavour.
Roasting enhances the natural sweetness and reduces acidity.
Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a richer, savoury flavour.
Heavy cream is optional but creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
Fresh basil is one of the best finishing touches for this soup.
Helpful Tips
1. Choose Ripe Tomatoes
The sweeter the tomatoes, the more flavourful your soup will be.
2. Don’t Skip Roasting
Roasting develops deep, caramelised flavours that make this soup stand out.
3. Blend Carefully
If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape safely.
4. Adjust Thickness
Add broth gradually until you achieve your preferred consistency.
5. Add Fresh Herbs at the End
Fresh basil or parsley stirred in just before serving provides the brightest flavour.
6. Make It Dairy-Free
Skip the cream or use an unsweetened plant-based cream alternative.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Allow the soup to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 145
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g (with cream)
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g (naturally occurring)
Sodium: 360 mg
Potassium: 620 mg
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 35% DV
Vitamin K: 12% DV
Lycopene: High (from cooked tomatoes)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and serving size.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from oxidative stress and support heart health.
2. Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Tomatoes provide vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen production, and healthy skin.
3. Supports Heart Health
Olive oil contains heart-friendly monounsaturated fats that can be part of a balanced diet.
4. Good Source of Antioxidants
Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs all contribute beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds.
5. Naturally Low in Calories
Without heavy cream, this soup is relatively low in calories while still being satisfying and flavourful.
6. Hydrating
Tomatoes have a naturally high water content, helping contribute to daily hydration.
7. Contains Fiber
Tomatoes and onions provide dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and promotes fullness.
8. Easy to Customize
You can add roasted red peppers, carrots, basil, spinach, or beans to boost flavour and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use high-quality canned whole or crushed tomatoes. Roasting them with onions and garlic can still enhance their flavour.
Q2. Do I have to peel the tomatoes?
No. The skins blend smoothly after roasting, especially when using a high-speed blender.
Q3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Omit the cream or substitute it with unsweetened oat, cashew, or coconut cream.
Q4. How do I make the soup thicker?
Use less broth, roast the tomatoes a little longer to evaporate more moisture, or simmer the blended soup until it reduces.
Q5. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra heat.
Q6. What herbs work best?
Fresh basil is the classic choice, but thyme, oregano, rosemary, or parsley also pair beautifully with roasted tomatoes.
Q7. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool the soup completely before freezing. If using cream, the texture may change slightly after thawing, but gentle reheating while stirring usually restores a smooth consistency.
Q8. What can I serve with roasted tomato soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, garlic toast, focaccia, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a turkey sandwich all make excellent pairings.
Q9. Can I add protein?
Certainly. Stir in shredded chicken, cooked white beans, lentils, or chickpeas to make the soup more filling.
Q10. Why does roasting improve the flavour?
Roasting caramelises the natural sugars in the tomatoes, onions, and garlic while reducing moisture. This creates a sweeter, richer, and more complex flavour than boiling alone.
Final Thoughts
This roasted tomato soup is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. Sweet roasted tomatoes, caramelised onions, mellow roasted garlic, fragrant herbs, and a silky smooth texture come together to create a comforting soup that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, enjoying it as a light lunch, or preparing it ahead for busy weekdays, this homemade recipe delivers rich flavour, wholesome ingredients, and timeless comfort in every spoonful. It’s a soup you’ll find yourself making again and again throughout the year.