Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the kind of comforting dish that never goes out of style. With its velvety texture, deep roasted tomato flavor, and fresh basil aroma, this soup brings warmth and richness to every spoonful. Unlike canned tomato soup, this homemade version is layered, vibrant, and naturally sweet thanks to oven-roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic, and herbs. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a starter for a dinner party, this recipe offers a gourmet touch with minimal effort.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best creamy roasted tomato basil soup, what ingredients matter most, expert techniques for maximum depth of flavor, serving suggestions, storage tips, and variations—everything you need for a perfect, restaurant-quality soup at home.

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⭐ Why Roast the Tomatoes?

Roasting is the secret to unlocking rich, concentrated tomato flavor. When tomatoes cook in a hot oven, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a deeper sweetness and eliminating acidity. This enhances the soup’s smooth, creamy finish.

Roasting tomatoes:

• Intensifies flavor
• Reduces bitterness
• Adds a smoky, caramelized taste
• Makes the soup naturally sweeter without added sugar

The result is a comforting, vibrant soup that tastes fresher and richer than anything from a can.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For Roasting the Tomatoes

• 3 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma, vine, or plum)
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper

For the Soup

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
• ½–1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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⭐ How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut tomatoes in halves or quarters and spread them on a baking sheet with garlic and onion. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35–45 minutes until caramelized and lightly charred.

Roasting directly transforms the soup from simple to spectacular.

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Step 2: Build the Soup Base

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Add oregano and cook another minute to release flavor.

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Step 3: Blend the Mixture

Add roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of broth and use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.

For an ultra-silky texture, blend in a countertop blender in batches.

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Step 4: Add Basil and Cream

Add basil leaves, more broth if needed, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk). Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or sugar.

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Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and finish with extra basil, a drizzle of cream, or homemade croutons.

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⭐ Texture and Flavor Notes

Flavor Profile

• Bright and sweet from the tomatoes
• Herbaceous from the basil
• Slightly smoky from roasting
• Rich and velvety from cream

Texture

• Smooth, creamy, restaurant-quality
• Thick enough to coat a spoon
• Silky but not heavy

This soup strikes a perfect balance between freshness and indulgence.

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⭐ Expert Tips for the BEST Tomato Basil Soup

✔ Choose high-quality tomatoes

Ripe, juicy tomatoes deliver sweeter, more flavorful roasted soup.

✔ Don’t skip roasting

It adds unmatched depth, sweetness, and character.

✔ Fresh basil is essential

Dried basil won’t give the same fresh, fragrant finish.

✔ Adjust the thickness

Use more broth for a lighter soup or less for a thicker bisque-style texture.

✔ Finish with butter or cream

Fat enhances tomato flavor and makes the soup luxurious.

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⭐ Delicious Variations

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque

Add 1–2 more tablespoons of butter and extra cream for a decadent, silky bisque.

2. Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Basil Soup

Add 2 roasted red peppers when blending. Enhances sweetness and smoky notes.

3. Spicy Tomato Basil Soup

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a fresh chili before roasting.

4. Dairy-Free & Vegan Version

Replace heavy cream with:

• Coconut milk
• Cashew cream
• Almond cooking cream

5. Protein-Packed Variation

Stir in cooked chicken, white beans, or tortellini.

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⭐ What to Serve With Tomato Basil Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with comforting sides and classic combinations. Excellent options include:

Grilled Cheese (The Classic Pairing)

Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone melts perfectly.

Garlic Bread or Crostini

Perfect for dipping.

Fresh Salads

• Caesar
• Caprese
• Arugula with balsamic

Sandwiches

• Turkey pesto panini
• Ham and Swiss melt
• Veggie focaccia

Toppings

• Parmesan
• Fresh basil
• Homemade croutons
• Drizzle of pesto

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⭐ Storage & Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store for 4–5 days in airtight containers.

Freezer:

Freeze up to 3 months.
Tip: Freeze before adding dairy. Add cream when reheating.

Reheating:

Warm gently on the stove. Add broth or cream as needed.

This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

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⭐ Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 250–350
• Carbs: 20–25g
• Protein: 4–6g
• Fat: 15–20g
• Fiber: 4–6g

Using coconut milk or reducing cream lowers calories.

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⭐ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes—roast them with onion and garlic for better flavor.

2. How do I make the soup thicker?

Use less broth or simmer uncovered.

3. Can I freeze it with cream?

It’s best to freeze before adding cream.

4. What if my soup tastes too acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream.

5. Can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil is preferred, but dried can work in small amounts.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, freshness, and gourmet flavor. With roasted tomatoes, fragrant basil, and smooth creaminess, every bowl tastes like something from a cozy café or a high-end restaurant. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.

Whether you enjoy it with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or on its own, this soup will quickly become a staple recipe in your kitchen.

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