Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

There is nothing more comforting than a warm, vibrant bowl of homemade soup. This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a true classic, elevated by roasting the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness. Finished with a luxurious swirl of heavy cream and paired with golden, herb-crusted croutons, it is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy evening or a sophisticated starter.

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By roasting your ingredients before blending, you transform simple tomatoes and onions into a gourmet masterpiece. The addition of smoked paprika and fresh basil adds layers of aromatic depth, while the heavy cream provides a silky finish that makes every spoonful feel special.

Ingredients

• For the Soup
• 1.5 lbs (700 g) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to adjust acidity)
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• For the Homemade Croutons
• 2 cups (100 g) day-old bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Arrange tomatoes (cut side up), onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

Step 3

Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes are caramelized and tender.

Step 4

Meanwhile, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Spread on a separate baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Step 5

Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add basil leaves, then blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).

Step 7

Return soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Heat gently, do not boil.

Step 8

Ladle soup into bowls. Swirl with extra cream, sprinkle with croutons, and garnish with fresh basil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For deeper flavor, you can use a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes. To ensure the smoothest consistency possible, consider passing the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds or bits of tomato skin.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this soup vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free bread to prepare your homemade croutons.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is a classic when paired with a hot, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. You can also serve it with a light side salad or a piece of crusty sourdough bread to soak up every last drop of the velvety broth.

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Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant starter for your next gathering, this creamy roasted tomato soup is sure to impress. Its balance of fresh herbs, rich cream, and roasted sweetness makes it a timeless favorite that warms the heart with every bowl.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors actually develop and improve when refrigerated overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.

→ What's the best way to achieve the smoothest texture?

Roasting the tomatoes first breaks down their fibers naturally. Using an immersion blender directly in the pot works well, though a high-speed blender creates an ultra-silky finish if you prefer an even smoother consistency.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze before adding cream for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, then stir in fresh cream when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

→ What pairs well with this soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches create the ultimate classic combination. crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette also complement the rich, creamy flavors beautifully.

→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream, cashew cream, or your favorite plant-based alternative. The result remains velvety and satisfying while being completely dairy-free.

→ What if I don't have fresh tomatoes?

Canned whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes work perfectly fine. You may need to adjust roasting time slightly since they're already quite soft, but the flavor will still be delicious.