About the Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with an abundance of fresh garden tomatoes, this easy homemade tomato basil soup is the answer. Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, while fresh basil, garlic, and onions create that classic comforting flavor we all love. Finished with a swirl of cream, this silky tomato soup recipe is cozy enough for fall but light enough to enjoy year-round. Pair it with a gooey grilled cheese on focaccia bread, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs fresh garden tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or a mix)
1–2 bell peppers (optional, for extra depth)
2–3 carrots (optional, for natural sweetness)
2 large sweet onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½–1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
Roast the veggies
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a large baking sheet, spread tomatoes, garlic cloves (unpeeled), and optional carrots/peppers. If you have minced garlic, you can just add the garlic to the onions.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 25–30 minutes, until caramelized and softened.
Cook the onions
In a Dutch oven or a pot, heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic if you are not oven roasting whole garlic.
Combine
Add the roasted tomatoes (peel garlic first), plus any juices from the pan, into the Dutch oven with the onions.
Pour in the vegetable broth. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Blend until smooth
Add the fresh basil.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. (A regular blender works too—just blend in batches.)
Make it creamy
Stir in heavy cream (start with ½ cup and adjust to your preference). Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Don’t forget the grilled cheese on focaccia for dipping!
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while blending.
Swap cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
Make ahead and freeze — this soup reheats beautifully.