Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Name: Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 3 pounds roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half; 8 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced; ½ cup packed basil leaves; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup; Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

Published: September 29, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, this soup bursts with flavor.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, anyone can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the thickness and creaminess based on your preference.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutrients, this soup is a guilt-free indulgence.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or as a main course paired with grilled cheese.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your cooking process and enhance your culinary experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor or high-powered blender
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large pot
Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor or high-powered blender: This tool helps achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for your soup.
Large baking sheet: Ideal for roasting tomatoes evenly without overcrowding.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after roasting.
Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup and combining all ingredients effectively.

Ingredients

For the roasted tomatoes

3 pounds roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half
8 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the caramelized onions:

½ tablespoon olive oil
2 yellow onions, thinly sliced

Additions to the soup:

½ cup packed basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins:

Light/Regular coconut milk, for a creamy vegan soup
Whole dairy milk/heavy cream, for a creamy texture
Parmesan cheese, for tangy flavor enhancement
A tablespoon or two of butter, for richer flavor

How to Make Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast Tomatoes and Garlic

Place halved tomatoes and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes until they are caramelized.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

While the tomatoes are roasting, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, stirring to coat them in olive oil. Cook while stirring occasionally, checking every 5-10 minutes until they are golden brown—this usually takes about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Ingredients

Once tomatoes and garlic have finished roasting, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a food processor or high-powered blender, blending until smooth. Add basil and caramelized onions to the mixture, blending again until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Transfer the blended mixture back into the pot over medium-low heat. Stir in dried oregano, vegetarian broth, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want any optional add-ins (like coconut milk or cheese), add them now. Allow everything to simmer together for about 10 minutes before serving.

This Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup serves four people and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Homemade roasted tomato basil soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate the meal, there are plenty of serving options to consider.

With Grilled Cheese

A classic pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches provide a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the soup. Use your favorite bread and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Croutons or Toast

Add crispy croutons or toasted bread on top of the soup for an extra crunch. You can make homemade croutons by seasoning and baking leftover bread.

Fresh Basil Garnish

For a burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top of your soup just before serving. This adds freshness and enhances the aromatic notes of the basil in the soup.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top can enrich the flavor profile and give a beautiful finish to your bowl of soup.

Side Salad

Pairing your soup with a refreshing side salad makes for a balanced meal. Opt for a light vinaigrette dressing to keep it complementary.

How to Perfect Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Perfecting homemade roasted tomato basil soup involves careful attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

Choose ripe tomatoes: Select fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes will elevate your soup significantly.
Don’t rush caramelizing onions: Take your time caramelizing onions until they are golden brown; this process adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
Adjust thickness with broth: Control the consistency by adding more or less vegetarian broth. Start with less and add gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick and dimension.
Blend thoroughly: Ensure that you blend the ingredients until completely smooth for a silky texture that enhances each spoonful.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving homemade roasted tomato basil soup is even better when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A gooey, melty grilled cheese is the perfect companion to balance out the acidity of the tomato soup.
Caprese Salad
This fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a light contrast and highlights similar flavors found in the soup.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy garlic bread is excellent for dipping into your soup, adding flavor and texture with every bite.
Vegetable Crudités
Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast and are great for snacking alongside your warm bowl of soup.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa create a hearty option that complements the soup without overpowering it.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette makes for a nutritious side that pairs well without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the roasting step: Roasting tomatoes and garlic enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step for a more vibrant soup.
Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many tomatoes on one baking sheet can lead to uneven roasting. Make sure they have space to caramelize properly.
Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season at every stage can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Using low-quality tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to a delicious soup. Avoid overripe or mealy tomatoes for the best results.
Ignoring texture preferences: If you prefer a creamy soup, don’t forget to add your choice of milk or cream after blending. Adjust the consistency to your liking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish, covered, for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot (about 2-3 minutes).
Stovetop: Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

You can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. However, roasting them is still recommended for additional flavor.

How do I make my soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, add less broth or water during cooking. You can also blend in more roasted tomatoes or use a thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with water.

What herbs can I add besides basil?

Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor complexity without overpowering the basil.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply use coconut milk or another plant-based milk as an alternative to dairy cream.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for using up garden-fresh tomatoes and offers plenty of customization options. Whether you want it creamy or chunky, feel free to personalize it with your favorite add-ins. Try it today!

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