Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever tasted a rich, velvety homemade roasted tomato soup, you’ll know exactly why it’s a go-to comfort food for so many. The combination of slow-roasted tomatoes with a bit of seasoning and a touch of cream creates a perfectly balanced bowl of warmth. It’s not just food; it’s an experience-especially when served with a side of grilled cheese or crusty bread.

There’s something so satisfying about making your own soup from scratch. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you also get to infuse your own personal touch. Plus, roasting the tomatoes first adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s missing in store-bought varieties.

Let’s dive into this homemade roasted tomato soup recipe, which I promise will soon become a household favorite!

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between freshness, earthiness, and creaminess, all while being simple to prepare. The star of the show? Ripe, juicy tomatoes that, when roasted, concentrate in flavor, giving the soup an irresistible smoky undertone. If you’re someone who loves to elevate basic dishes, this one will tick all the boxes.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade roasted tomato soup:

Fresh ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds)
Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
Garlic cloves (4-5, minced)
Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
Carrot (1 medium, chopped)
Vegetable broth (4 cups) – you can also use chicken broth if you prefer
Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional – helps balance the acidity of tomatoes)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil (a handful, chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make this incredibly flavorful roasted tomato soup, step-by-step:

Prepare The Tomatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut your tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Toss to coat evenly. Roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized, with some edges slightly charred.
Sauté Your Vegetables
- While the tomatoes roast, heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Blend The Soup
- Once your tomatoes are roasted, transfer them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the vegetable broth and bring it all to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Using an immersion blender (or transferring everything to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you prefer a bit of texture, pulse the blender a few times to leave some chunks.
Finish The Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream, fresh basil, and any additional seasonings (salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if you like). Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil, and drizzle with a little extra cream if you like a richer texture.
- Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread to dip into your perfect bowl of warmth.

Ingredient Insights

Tomatoes: The foundation of any great tomato soup. When roasted, tomatoes concentrate their natural sugars, which brings out an amazing sweetness. The caramelization that happens during roasting also gives a smoky, savory undertone, so you don’t need to rely on a ton of extra spices.
Garlic and Onion: These two ingredients work as a flavor base. The garlic gives the soup a depth of flavor, while the onions bring sweetness once caramelized.
Carrot: A surprisingly important addition! Carrots lend natural sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making the soup feel fuller and more complex.
Cream: The heavy cream adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the soup, mellowing out the acidity of the tomatoes and rounding the flavors.
Basil: Fresh basil brightens up the soup and gives it that herbaceous lift. It’s like a burst of summer in every spoonful.

Expert Tips

Use the ripest tomatoes you can find: The key to making a flavorful soup lies in using sweet, ripe tomatoes. The better the tomatoes, the better your soup will taste. If you’re using store-bought tomatoes, look for vine-ripened ones.
Roast your tomatoes well: Don’t be afraid of the charred edges on your tomatoes. They add a smoky, intense flavor that will make the soup taste way more complex. It’s worth the extra time in the oven.
Adjust creaminess to taste: If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or even half-and-half for a similar effect but with fewer calories.
Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-smooth soup, make sure to blend everything thoroughly. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender will work just fine; just be cautious when transferring hot liquids.
Add a pinch of sugar: Depending on the acidity of your tomatoes, you might want to add a tiny bit of sugar (just a teaspoon). It will counterbalance any tartness from the tomatoes and help round out the flavors.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup
- Add a few red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic. If you like heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.
Vegan Version
- Omit the heavy cream and substitute it with coconut milk or cashew cream. This will still give you the creamy texture but with a dairy-free twist.
Cheese Lovers’ Roasted Tomato Soup
- Stir in some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar for a richer, more decadent flavor. You can even melt some cheese directly into the soup to create gooey, cheesy pockets.
Herb-Infused
- Instead of just basil, try adding a sprig of thyme, oregano, or rosemary during the roasting process. Remove the herbs before blending, and you’ll add a fantastic aromatic layer to your soup.
Tomato And Red Pepper
- Roasting red bell peppers alongside the tomatoes will add another layer of sweetness and smokiness. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor profile.

Final Words

There’s something magical about homemade soup. This roasted tomato version is not just simple-it’s complex in flavor, deeply comforting, and flexible to suit your tastes. Whether you’re craving something mild and creamy or you want to kick it up with spice, this recipe will give you a solid base to experiment with.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is some time to roast those juicy tomatoes, sauté a few veggies, and then blend everything together into the perfect creamy bowl of goodness.

Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe