Few soups can match the rich depth and natural sweetness of Roasted Tomato Soup. By roasting the tomatoes first, their flavor intensifies, becoming caramelized, slightly smoky, and beautifully sweet, creating a soup that’s far more complex than traditional tomato soup.
Perfect for cozy dinners, rainy days, family meals, or elegant starters, this soup delivers simple ingredients with gourmet-level flavor. Pair it with grilled cheese, and you have the ultimate comfort-food duo.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Soup
- Bold, rich roasted tomato flavor
- Naturally creamy without heavy cream
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Vegetarian and easily made vegan
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep ready
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- Perfect for pairing with sandwiches
This is tomato soup elevated to a whole new level.
🍅 Why Roasting Tomatoes Makes All the Difference
Roasting tomatoes transforms their flavor by:
- Concentrating natural sugars
- Reducing bitterness and acidity
- Adding subtle smoky depth
- Creating a richer, more complex base
Unlike boiled tomato soup, roasted tomato soup has a deeper, sweeter, more intense flavor profile that tastes slow-cooked and luxurious.
🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Soup
For Roasting
- 2½–3 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 whole head garlic, top sliced off
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 3–4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Creaminess (Optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of cream or olive oil
👩🍳 How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Roast for 35–40 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and caramelized.
Step 2: Squeeze the Garlic
Once roasted and cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Transfer roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a large pot or blender. Add broth, thyme (or basil), smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to deepen.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
Stir in cream or coconut milk if using. Heat gently—do not boil.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
🍲 Flavor & Texture Profile
- Texture: Silky, smooth, and velvety
- Flavor: Sweet roasted tomato, mellow garlic, gentle herbs
- Finish: Rich, comforting, and balanced
- Aroma: Warm, savory, and slightly smoky
This soup is bold yet comforting, simple yet sophisticated.
✅ Health Benefits of Roasted Tomato Soup
- High in vitamin C and lycopene
- Lycopene becomes more bioavailable after roasting
- Supports heart health and immunity
- Naturally low in calories
- High in antioxidants
- Can be dairy-free and gluten-free
- Hydrating and easy to digest
It’s a nutrient-rich soup that feels indulgent.
🔄 Delicious Variations to Try
1. Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Add fresh basil and extra cream for classic restaurant flavor.
2. Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup
Roast a red bell pepper with the tomatoes for extra sweetness.
3. Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup
Add cayenne, chili flakes, or harissa.
4. Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup
Use vegetable broth and coconut milk or cashew cream.
5. Roasted Tomato & Parmesan Soup
Add grated Parmesan for savory depth.
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup
- Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the roasting pan
- Roast until tomatoes have visible char
- Always blend thoroughly for silky texture
- Add cream only after simmering
- Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving
❄️ Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer
Freeze without cream for best texture. Keeps for 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add broth or cream if needed.
🥪 What to Serve with Roasted Tomato Soup
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Garlic bread or croutons
- Caprese salad
- Caesar salad
- Toasted sourdough
This soup pairs perfectly with crispy, cheesy, or fresh sides.
❤️ Why Roasted Tomato Soup Is So Popular
- Rich, deep flavor with simple ingredients
- Elegant enough for entertaining
- Budget-friendly
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Perfect all year round
- Freezer-friendly comfort food
It’s the ultimate upgraded version of classic tomato soup.
🧾 Quick Overview – Roasted Tomato Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Key Ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, broth
Best For: Cozy dinners, lunch, meal prep, light entertaining
✅ Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato Soup is everything classic tomato soup wishes it could be—deeper, richer, sweeter, and more luxurious, without sacrificing simplicity. With caramelized tomatoes, mellow garlic, and silky texture, this soup delivers true comfort with gourmet flair.
Whether you’re pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich or serving it as an elegant dinner starter, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Roasted Tomato Soup – Deeply Flavored, Comforting & Naturally Creamy
Ingredients
• 3 lbs ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (enhances sweetness)
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh, added at the end)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional richness boosters:
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (for depth)
• ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (swirled in at the end)
• Fresh basil oil or pesto for garnish
Garnish:
• Fresh basil leaves
• Croutons or grilled cheese croutons
• Drizzle of olive oil or basil oil
• Grated Parmesan or vegan Parm
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a rimmed baking sheet, toss tomatoes (cut-side up), onion, and garlic with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Roast 35–40 mins—until tomatoes collapse and edges caramelize.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins. Transfer everything (including juices) to a blender or pot.
- Add broth, basil, smoked paprika, and tomato paste (if using).
- Blend until ultra-smooth:
→ Immersion blender: Right in the pot.
→ Countertop blender: In batches, venting lid. - Pour into a clean pot; warm gently over medium-low (do not boil). Stir in fresh basil (if using) and cream (optional).
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Top with croutons, fresh basil, and a swirl of olive oil.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 40 mins, Total Time: 50 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 120 (without cream), 170 (with cream), Net Carbs: 16g, Fats: 7g, Protein: 4g
✅ Naturally vegan (skip cream or use coconut milk), gluten-free, and packed with lycopene & vitamin C.