When the seasons shift and the air cools, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of roasted tomato soup.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s creamy, rich, full of flavor, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Whether you use garden-fresh tomatoes in summer or store-bought ones in winter, this roasted tomato soup brings comfort year-round.
What makes it stand out? Roast the tomatoes first. That little extra step takes ordinary tomatoes and transforms them into a sweet, caramelized, flavor-packed base for your soup.
Add in garlic, onion, olive oil, and a touch of fresh basil, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen.
In this guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to make roasted tomato soup and share pro tips to customize it.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Soup

This roasted tomato soup isn’t just another tomato soup; it’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever opened a can. Here are the most significant reasons this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
1. Only Six Simple Ingredients
You don’t need a pantry full of spices or fancy stock. With just tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper, you can whip up a soup that’s bursting with flavor.
The minimal ingredient list also makes this recipe budget-friendly and approachable for beginner cooks.
2. Roasting Transforms the Flavor
The secret lies in roasting the tomatoes, onion, and garlic together. This step caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifies the sweetness, and adds a depth of flavor you’ll never get from boiling raw tomatoes.
It’s what makes this soup creamy and rich without the need for added sugar or carrots to cut acidity.
3. Creamy Without Cream
Thanks to the natural texture of roasted tomatoes and the smoothness you get from blending, this soup turns out velvety and comforting without heavy cream. That makes it a lighter, healthier option that’s still indulgent in taste and texture.
4. Fresh Basil for Brightness
No tomato soup is complete without fresh basil. Just a handful added at the end lifts the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes with fresh, herbaceous notes. It’s simple, but it transforms every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple breakdown of the ingredients, including notes so you can easily swap or customize:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Substitutions |
---|---|---|
Fresh tomatoes | 3 lbs | Amish paste or Roma work best; any ripe plum tomato will do. If using larger varieties, quarter them; smaller ones can be halved. |
Yellow onion | 1 small (or ⅔ of a large one) | Adds sweetness and depth. Slice into ½-inch pieces for even roasting. |
Garlic cloves | 3, whole | Roasted whole for mellow flavor. No need to chop before roasting. |
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Helps caramelize and enrich the soup. Use a good-quality cooking olive oil. |
Salt | ¼ teaspoon (to start) | Season during roasting, then adjust to taste after blending. |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly cracked black pepper brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes. |
Fresh basil | 1–2 tablespoons, chopped | Stirred in at the end for brightness and flavor. Add more if you’re a basil lover. |
👉 Optional additions: A pinch of garlic powder for layered flavor, red pepper flakes for spice, or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup

Making roasted tomato soup from scratch isn’t just satisfying, it’s incredibly easy. Each step helps develop a rich, velvety texture and layered flavor that store-bought soups can’t match.
From slicing ripe tomatoes to stirring in fresh basil at the end, here’s your complete guide to mastering the best roasted tomato soup you’ll ever make.
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
The heart of any tomato soup is, of course, the tomatoes. In this recipe, we’re using 3 pounds of fresh Amish paste tomatoes, a variety known for its sweetness and low moisture content. These are ideal for roasting because they deliver bold tomato flavor without turning watery.
If you don’t have access to Amish paste tomatoes, don’t worry. Roma tomatoes or any other plum variety will do just fine. You want something meaty, not overly juicy, and ripe with a deep red color.
Here’s how to prep them:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Slice more petite tomatoes in half and larger ones into quarters.
- If any tomato has a rigid stem core, use a paring knife to remove it.
- Place all the cut tomatoes onto a large sheet pan or roasting pan.
🍅 Why this step matters: Roasting works best when your tomatoes are evenly sized and uncrowded. Cutting them evenly ensures they roast at the same pace and deliver a consistent depth of flavor.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
Next comes the all-important flavor base: onion and garlic.
You’ll need one small yellow onion. If your onion is on the larger side, use about two-thirds of it. Yellow onions offer a mild, slightly sweet taste that plays well with roasted tomatoes.
Slice it into half-inch thick pieces, not paper-thin, but not overly chunky either. Spread the onion slices over the tomatoes on the sheet pan, distributing them evenly so they roast along with the fruit.
Then take three garlic cloves, leave them whole, and place them around the pan. Don’t mince or chop them. Roasting garlic whole allows it to become buttery, soft, and mellow, with no bitterness, no burning.
🧅 Why this step matters: These ingredients won’t just flavor the soup—they become part of its body. Onion adds natural sweetness and depth, while garlic creates that rich, comforting aroma and flavor you expect from a good soup.
3. Season and Toss
Time to season everything and prep for the roast. Even a few ingredients go a long way when handled with care.
Here’s what to do:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. This helps everything caramelize and creates a luxurious base once blended.
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt over the pan.
- Add a generous crack of black pepper for balance.
Now comes the hands-on part. Use your hands to toss everything together right in the pan. The goal is to coat every piece with the oil and seasoning so they roast evenly.
🌿 Why this step matters: Don’t skip tossing it, as it ensures the seasoning doesn’t just sit on top. A light coating of oil and salt helps draw out moisture, intensify the flavors, and create golden roasted edges.
4. Roast to Perfection
Now comes the transformational step, roasting. This is where the real flavor magic happens.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slide the sheet pan onto the middle rack and roast for 30–35 minutes.
During this time:
- Tomatoes will soften and shrivel slightly.
- Onion slices will turn golden and caramelized.
- Garlic cloves will roast inside their skins, turning soft and sweet.
- You’ll see juices start to pool on the pan, don’t throw these away; they’re full of flavor!
🔥 Why roasting works: Roasting concentrates the tomatoes’ natural sugars, giving you that rich, slightly sweet taste without adding any sugar or broth. It also develops deeper, more savory notes from the onions and garlic, which raw or simmered ingredients can’t match.
Pro Tip: If you like a slightly smokier soup, let the edges of the tomatoes char just a little.
5. Blend Until Creamy
Once your tray is out of the oven and everything is soft and caramelized, it’s time to blend.
Carefully transfer the roasted ingredients to your blender. Be sure to include:
- All the tomatoes, onions, and garlic (you can squeeze the garlic out of its skin now).
- The juices left in the pan are essential since this soup uses no broth.
Depending on how juicy your tomatoes are, you might want to leave behind a bit of liquid and add it gradually. Every tomato behaves differently, so it’s always okay to adjust.
Now, for a little extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder to the blender. This blends beautifully with the roasted garlic already in the pan and brings a touch of umami.
Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is silky smooth.
🌀 Why this step matters: The blending stage is where all your roasting work pays off. The oil, juices, and softened veggies emulsify into a creamy, luxurious soup; no need for cream, milk, or butter.
6. Taste and Adjust
With your soup now beautifully blended, it’s time to refine it.
Start with a taste test. Use a clean spoon and note the flavor:
- Does it need more salt?
- Could it use a pinch more pepper?
- Want to boost the garlic with another dash of garlic powder?
Season slowly. Stir, taste, adjust, and repeat until the flavor is just right.
🌶 Optional add-ins at this point:
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Parmesan cheese for umami.
- A swirl of cream, if you want it extra indulgent.
🥄 Why this step matters: This soup is “salt to taste” because every tomato variety has its personality. Some are naturally sweet, others are more acidic. A quick seasoning adjustment gives you complete control of flavor.
7. Add Fresh Basil
Basil and tomato are a classic duo for a reason. The moment you stir it in, your kitchen will smell like summer.
Chop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, more if you love that vibrant herbal note. Stir it gently into the soup.
If you want a bold basil flavor throughout the soup, blend some of the basil directly into the soup. Otherwise, add it fresh right before serving.
🌿 Why fresh basil matters: It adds brightness, freshness, and a little peppery bite that balances the rich roasted flavors. Without it, the soup feels incomplete.
Pro Tip: Save a few whole leaves to float on top as a garnish. It looks beautiful and gives a preview of the flavors in each spoonful.
8. Serve and Enjoy
The soup is hot and ready the moment it comes out of the blender. Pour it directly into bowls and serve with your favorite sides.
Some delicious ways to serve include:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
- Crusty bread or baguette slices.
- A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or croutons on top.
- Swirl of olive oil or cream for presentation.
If your soup has cooled slightly, transfer it to a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat.
🧡 Why this step matters: Serving tomato soup while it’s still warm maximizes its comforting, creamy texture. Paired with something crispy or cheesy, this soup becomes a complete and cozy meal.
What to Serve with Roasted Tomato Soup

Tomato soup on its own is warm and comforting, but let’s be honest, it shines brightest when paired with something else.
This roasted tomato soup is silky, light, and slightly sweet, which makes it the perfect base for pairing with heartier or crispy sides.
Here are some delicious serving ideas to turn your soup into a complete meal:
- Classic Grilled Cheese: The ultimate partner to tomato soup. A gooey, melty cheese sandwiched between buttery, toasted bread dipped into creamy roasted tomato soup is comfort food at its finest. Cheddar is classic, but try mozzarella, Havarti, or even a mix for variety.
- Garlic Bread or Crostini: Crunchy bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up every last bit of soup. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.
- Pizza Night Companion: Tomato soup and pizza might sound like tomato overload, but they balance each other beautifully. A cheesy slice dipped in creamy soup creates a match made in heaven.
- Fresh Green Salad: Pairing soup with salad is a great way to make a lighter meal more filling. Try a crisp Caesar, an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even a cucumber and feta salad for freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Double up on your veggie intake by serving roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus on the side. They add more texture while keeping the meal wholesome.
Variations to Try

One of the best things about roasted tomato soup is its versatility. With just a few tweaks, you can make it spicier, creamier, or even protein-packed. Here’s a quick table of variation ideas to inspire your next batch:
Variation | What to Do | Flavor Boost |
---|---|---|
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup | Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk after blending. | Extra richness and silky texture without changing the base flavor. |
Spicy Roasted Tomato Soup | Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or blend in one roasted red chili pepper. | A gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the soup’s natural sweetness. |
Herb-Infused Soup | Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary sprigs during roasting, then remove before blending. | Layers of earthy, aromatic flavor. |
Parmesan Tomato Soup | Blend in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or sprinkle on top before serving. | Adds salty umami and makes the soup taste indulgent. |
Protein-Packed Version | Stir in cooked white beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. | Turns the soup into a filling main dish with extra protein. |
Vegan-Friendly | Skip cheese, use olive oil and coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. | 100% plant-based while keeping the creamy texture. |
Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup | Add a pinch of smoked paprika or roast over a grill instead of oven. | Deep, smoky undertones that mimic fire-roasted tomatoes. |
Winter Comfort Twist | Add a pinch of smoked paprika or roast over a grill instead of the oven. | Adds natural sweetness and warmth for colder months. |
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless and soul-soothing about a bowl of homemade roasted tomato soup. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back to childhood, warms you on the coldest nights, and brings out the best in humble ingredients.
By roasting your tomatoes, onions, and garlic first, you unlock deep, rich flavors that no canned soup could ever match.
Whether you’re making it in the heart of summer with fresh garden tomatoes or pulling a frozen batch from the freezer on a snowy day, this recipe is here to bring comfort year-round. Don’t forget the fresh basil, a generous pinch of salt, and, of course, your favorite grilled cheese on the side.
So next time you’re craving something cozy, easy, and deeply satisfying, remember this roasted tomato soup. It’s simple, nourishing, and made with love.
Comfort in Every Spoonful
Looking for more cozy soup recipes to warm up your week? Here are a few favorites to try next:
🥦 10-Min Prep Broccoli Soup Recipe You’ll Crave
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, this quick broccoli soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
🥕 Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Families
Loaded with hearty vegetables, tender beef, and savory broth, this one-pot wonder is a classic your whole family will love.
🌿 Best Split Pea Soup Recipe for Fall Nights
Cozy up with this thick, flavorful soup made with yellow split peas, garlic, and your choice of ham or a vegetarian twist, ideal for chilly evenings.


Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.