Green Tomato Soup is one of those unexpected comfort foods that offers a delightful twist on the more common tomato-based soups we all know and love. The unique thing about this soup is, well, the tomatoes! Using green tomatoes instead of ripe red ones gives the soup a fresh, tangy flavor that is both vibrant and surprisingly savory. And when we talk about the Cracker Barrel Green Tomato Soup, it takes this southern classic to a whole new level. It’s one of those dishes that feels familiar but also like a little hidden gem on the menu.
This recipe is great for anyone who’s looking for a taste of something a little different, but still comfortably familiar. Whether you’ve got a bounty of green tomatoes sitting around (maybe even from your garden), or you simply want to try something new, this soup will become a favorite in no time. Let’s dive into the delicious details of making this soup from scratch with the signature Cracker Barrel flavor!
Green Tomato Soup Cracker Barrel Recipe
The Cracker Barrel Green Tomato Soup recipe is a perfect blend of southern charm and hearty comfort food. The soup is creamy, slightly tangy, and rich with the savory depth of slow-cooked vegetables and spices.
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of what you’ll need to create this iconic soup:
Ingredients Needed
To get started, you’ll need the following:
- Green tomatoes: 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes (about 3 cups), peeled and chopped into small chunks
- Yellow onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Carrot: 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- Celery stalks: 2 stalks, chopped
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups (or more if you want a thinner consistency)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (for that creamy richness)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (adds a nice smooth finish)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (helps balance the tanginess of the green tomatoes)
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (for thickening the soup)
- Salt & pepper: To taste
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a subtle earthy flavor)
- Bay leaf: 1 leaf for infusing flavor during the simmering process
- Croutons or crackers: For topping and extra crunch!
Cooking Instructions
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get into the process. This soup requires a little patience, but it’s totally worth it!
- Prepare the tomatoes: Start by peeling and chopping the green tomatoes into small chunks. If you want a smoother soup, you can blend them later, but for now, set them aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Garlic time: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. It will give off a lovely aroma!
- Add the tomatoes: Now, add in the green tomatoes. Stir everything to combine. They’ll start to break down and release some of their juice, which is exactly what you want.
- Create the base: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in. This helps to thicken the soup. Continue cooking for another minute.
- Broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Add in the sugar, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, uncovered. The tomatoes should break down completely, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): If you like your soup creamy and smooth, now’s the time to use an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) to puree the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave it a bit chunky if that’s more your style.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or some crispy croutons for an extra texture contrast. If you have any extra crackers, now’s the time to throw them on top for a crunch!
Ingredient Insights
- Green Tomatoes: These tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes. They have a firmer texture and a tart flavor that makes them perfect for soups. They hold their shape better than ripe tomatoes when cooked and bring a delightful tang to the dish.
- Carrots & Celery: These two vegetables, often found in a classic mirepoix (a mixture of onion, carrot, and celery), add sweetness and depth to the soup. They balance the acidity of the green tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Thyme & Bay Leaf: Both herbs bring an earthy, aromatic quality to the soup, with thyme lending a subtle peppery note and the bay leaf giving a mild bitterness that rounds out the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: This is key for achieving that luxurious, velvety finish. It softens the tanginess of the tomatoes and adds richness to the soup. You can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter version.
Expert Tips
- Taste as you go: Green tomatoes can vary in their level of tartness, so be sure to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. A little extra sugar might be necessary to balance out the acidity, depending on how tangy your tomatoes are.
- Slow cook for flavor: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Don’t rush the process!
- Use fresh tomatoes if you can: While green tomatoes are a must for this recipe, using fresh, in-season tomatoes will give your soup a fresher, more vibrant taste. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you could try using unripe heirloom tomatoes or even green peppers as substitutes.
- Make it vegan: To make the soup dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Green Tomato Soup: For a kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. If you want more heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top just before serving.
- Bacon & Cheese: Crumbled crispy bacon or shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup adds smoky richness and indulgence.
- Green Tomato Basil Soup: Add a handful of fresh basil during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a fresh, herbaceous twist. Basil pairs beautifully with the tang of green tomatoes.
- Roasted Green Tomato Soup: For deeper, caramelized flavors, roast your green tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup. This adds a lovely roasted sweetness to the soup and is perfect for those who love a bit of charred flavor.
Final Words
Making Cracker Barrel’s Green Tomato Soup is an incredibly satisfying experience. The balance of tangy green tomatoes, creamy richness, and savory spices creates a flavor profile that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those green tomatoes that might otherwise go to waste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a crisp fall evening or serving it up as a starter for a family gathering, this soup is sure to impress.