Few things capture coziness and heartwarming comfort as perfectly as a bowl of Classic Tomato Soup. Imagine a silky blend of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and just the right touch of cream, all simmered together to create a nostalgic and utterly irresistible meal. This recipe celebrates the beloved flavors of childhood while adding subtle upgrades, making it perfect for quiet nights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave that timeless combination of tangy tomatoes and mellow, rich broth. Whether you’re serving it with a golden, crispy grilled cheese or enjoying it all on its own, Classic Tomato Soup is an eternally satisfying dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Tomato Soup doesn’t require a mile-long list—just a handful of thoughtful, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component, from aromatic onions to the vibrant pop of basil, brings depth, creaminess, or brightness to this simple yet unforgettable soup.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a round, luscious base that helps soften the onions and boost the soup’s overall richness.
- Medium onion, diced (1): A vital aromatic that brings gentle sweetness and savory undertones to the flavor profile.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers an irresistible aroma and depth that makes the tomatoes shine.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a bit of umami complexity.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the soup with classic, herbal notes for that signature Italian touch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors, drawing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild, warm kick that rounds out the profile nicely.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a hint of heat; use as much (or as little) as you like to spice things up.
- Canned whole peeled tomatoes (1, 28-ounce can): The heart of Classic Tomato Soup—choose quality for the brightest, most robust tomato flavor.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups): Lends extra body and transforms this from a tomato sauce to a luscious, sippable soup.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Gently offsets the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they’re more tart than sweet.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1/4 cup, optional): Swirled in at the end for creamy richness—totally optional but downright irresistible.
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional): The final flourish that brings a fresh, peppery pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Classic Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion turns soft and translucent—about five minutes. This is where the foundation for your Classic Tomato Soup really begins, building body and sweet undertones that anchor the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Let them cook together for a minute or two, just until fragrant and slightly caramelized. This moment allows mellow garlic to deepen and tomato paste to intensify in flavor, which creates an extra layer of richness you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Step 3: Season the Base
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir well to let the spices bloom in the oil and aromatics—this infuses every drop of soup with warmth, savoriness, and a touch of gentle heat.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned tomatoes—juice included—and gently break them apart with a spoon. Add the vegetable broth, then increase the heat to bring everything to a lively simmer. This is the phase where your house starts smelling amazing and anticipation begins to build.
Step 5: Simmer and Blend
Let the soup bubble away, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes so the flavors intensify and meld beautifully. Once time’s up, use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend the mixture until velvety smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches, taking care not to overfill.
Step 6: Finish and Adjust
Return the blended soup to low heat, stir in sugar and cream if using, and let it simmer gently for another five minutes. This final step is where you can taste and tweak, adding more salt or pepper if needed. The result? A glorious Classic Tomato Soup ready to be ladled into bowls and tucked into.
How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a gorgeous green color and refreshing brightness right before serving. If you want even more flair, a swirl of extra cream or a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper can make your Classic Tomato Soup look and taste extra inviting.
Side Dishes
There’s almost nothing more comforting than pairing Classic Tomato Soup with buttery, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches. For a lighter fare, try slices of crusty baguette or herby croutons. Or, go all-in on nostalgia with buttery saltine crackers on the side—you honestly can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a touch of elegance by serving the soup in mugs for sipping, especially at gatherings or movie nights. For entertaining, pour Classic Tomato Soup into shooter glasses for charming appetizer-style servings. Don’t be shy about using fun toppings like parmesan crisps or tiny basil leaves to make each bowl uniquely eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Classic Tomato Soup to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it will happily keep for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so the next-day bowl may taste even better!
Freezing
For long-term storing, Classic Tomato Soup freezes beautifully—just leave out the cream until reheating for best texture. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months and is perfect for those busy nights when you’re craving something homemade.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If you held back the cream, add it in after the soup is steaming but not boiling. A quick stir and a few minutes is all it takes to bring the soup back to its full, creamy glory.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have access to sweet, ripe tomatoes, feel free to use them—about 2½ pounds, peeled and chopped, should do the trick. Just remember to simmer the soup a bit longer to fully develop the flavors and help break down the fresh tomatoes.
How can I make Classic Tomato Soup vegan?
Making this soup vegan is as easy as omitting the cream or swapping it for a splash of creamy coconut milk or a barista-style oat milk. Choose a plant-based broth, and you’ll have a delicious, dairy-free version in minutes.
Is the sugar really necessary?
The sugar is purely optional; it’s there to help balance out any acidity from the tomatoes. Taste your soup before adding it, and only include the sugar if you find the soup a little too tart for your liking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Classic Tomato Soup doubles (or even triples) without a hitch. It’s fantastic for meal prep, big family dinners, or giving away a comforting meal to a friend in need. Just use a larger pot and adjust your seasonings as you go.
What’s the best way to blend the soup safely?
An immersion blender is the safest and easiest tool since it lets you blend the soup right in the pot. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly, work in small batches, and hold the lid on with a towel to avoid hot splashes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about making and sharing a pot of Classic Tomato Soup. It’s simple, vibrant, and endlessly customizable—perfect for cooks of every skill level. Give it a try in your own kitchen and see how this beloved classic can turn even an ordinary day into something special and memorable.
Print
Classic Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic tomato soup recipe that is comforting and flavorful, perfect for a cozy meal. This easy-to-make soup is rich, creamy, and bursting with the goodness of tomatoes and herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Optional for Serving:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Finish Soup: Stir in sugar and cream, simmer for 5 more minutes, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with basil.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the cream or use coconut milk.
- Pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
