Name: Best Homemade Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can whole or crushed tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp dried basil or thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional); Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Best homemade tomato soup is a warm, silky, and deeply flavorful bowl of comfort made from simple pantry ingredients. It’s rich in tomato flavor, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with herbs and cream. I love how easy it is to make from scratch—and how much better it tastes than anything from a can. This is the kind of soup I crave when I want something cozy and classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings out the best in tomatoes—bold, bright, and comforting. It’s easy to make in one pot, and I can adjust it to be as creamy or as rustic as I want. Whether I’m pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich or eating it on its own, this soup always hits the spot. It’s also freezer-friendly and perfect for batch cooking. Best Homemade Tomato Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil or butter
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Canned whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes (high quality)
Tomato paste (for richness)
Vegetable or chicken broth
Sugar (just a pinch, to balance acidity)
Dried basil or thyme
Salt and pepper
Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the canned tomatoes (with juice), broth, sugar, and herbs. I bring everything to a simmer.
I let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes to develop flavor.
I use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot, or I transfer it to a blender in batches until smooth.
I stir in the cream, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
I serve it hot, optionally topped with fresh basil or a drizzle of cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes me 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 35 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist, or stir in a bit of parmesan cheese for a deeper, savory flavor. If I want a spicy version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the soup simmers. For a dairy-free version, I skip the cream or replace it with coconut milk—it still turns out rich and comforting.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or microwave until hot. It also freezes beautifully—once cooled, I freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen over low heat. Best Homemade Tomato Soup

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, I use about 2 pounds of peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes. I roast them first for more depth of flavor, or simmer them longer to break them down.

How can I make it thicker?

I let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add a cooked, blended potato or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra body.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely. I use olive oil and skip the cream—or use a plant-based cream or coconut milk to keep it rich without dairy.

What’s the best way to blend the soup?

I use an immersion blender for less mess, but a countertop blender works too—just blend in batches and let the soup cool slightly first.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double it all the time for meal prep or freezing. Just make sure your pot is big enough and allow a little extra simmering time.

Conclusion

Best homemade tomato soup is simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting. I love how easy it is to make with just a few pantry staples, and how versatile it can be depending on what I have on hand. Whether I’m dipping grilled cheese or sipping it from a mug, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again.