Roasted Tomato Basil Cream Soup – A velvety, vibrant bowl bursting with deep roasted tomato flavor

Roasted Tomato Basil Cream Soup – A velvety, vibrant bowl bursting with deep roasted tomato flavor

Roasted Tomato Basil Cream Soup is everything a tomato soup dreams of being — rich, velvety, slightly smoky, and deeply aromatic. Slow-roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness while caramelizing their edges, giving the soup a fuller, richer flavor than any stovetop version. Blended with garlic, onion, fresh basil, and a swirl of cream, this cozy bowl becomes luxuriously smooth and irresistibly comforting. Perfect with a grilled cheese, warm bread, or simply enjoyed on its own, this soup is sunshine in a bowl — warm, bright, and beautifully fresh.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Roasted Tomatoes

2 pounds ripe tomatoes Roma, cherry, or vine, halved or quartered
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste for richness

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
4 cloves garlic minced
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½ teaspoon sugar balances acidity
Salt & pepper to taste

Creamy Finish

½ –1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 tablespoon butter optional for silkiness

Toppings

Fresh basil
Croutons
Parmesan or mozzarella optional
Drizzle of cream or olive oil

Equipment

Baking sheet
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Blender or immersion blender
Wooden spoon
Parchment paper (optional)
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Roast the tomatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Roast 25–30 minutes, until caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook 5–6 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the soup

Add roasted tomatoes (and juices from the pan) to the pot.
Stir in broth, basil leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: Blend until silky

Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
Blend longer for a velvety finish or leave slightly chunky for rustic texture.

Step 5: Add creamy finish

Lower heat and stir in cream and optional butter.
Simmer gently (do not boil) for 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil, croutons, cheese, or a swirl of cream.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for 4–5 days.

Reheat gently on low so cream stays silky.

Freezes beautifully for 3 months (freeze before adding cream and add after reheating).

🥄 Variations

Spicy Tomato Basil Soup
Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili when sautéing onion.

Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup
Add 1–2 roasted red peppers before blending.

Vegan Version
Use coconut cream and vegetable broth.

Herb-Forward
Add thyme, rosemary, or parsley along with basil.

Protein Boost
Add cooked shredded chicken or white beans before blending.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes — roast them briefly for a richer flavor.

Why add sugar?
Just a touch balances tomato acidity.

Can I leave out the cream?
Absolutely — it will be lighter but still delicious.

Is fresh basil necessary?
Yes — it adds essential aroma and flavor.

Can I blend the soup completely smooth?
Yes — blend longer for that café-style silky texture.

Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes — stir in cooked pasta or rice after blending.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Use coconut cream for richness without dairy.

Can I use dried basil?
Use fresh for best flavor; dried basil doesn't give the same brightness.

Why roast the tomatoes?
It increases sweetness, richness, and depth.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — flavors get even better the next day.

🏁 Conclusion

Roasted Tomato Basil Cream Soup is a warm, velvety, flavor-packed classic that elevates simple ingredients into something special. The roasting process deepens and sweetens the tomatoes, while fresh basil and gentle creaminess create a comforting bowl perfect for any season. Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese, and enjoy a meal that’s rich, vibrant, and irresistibly fresh.