Gather round, my friends, because I’m about to share a recipe that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! 🥳 This creamy tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, with a bold and zesty twist that will have you craving it again and again. Get ready to ditch the canned stuff and dive into a bowl of homemade goodness that’s sure to become a new family favorite. 🍲
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This creamy tomato soup
Imagine a cozy, velvety soup that wraps you in a warm hug with every spoonful. 🤗 This creamy tomato soup is the epitome of comfort food, made with juicy, ripe tomatoes and a creamy, dreamy base that will have you swooning. 😍 The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria. 🇮🇹
If you love comfort soups with rich, slow-simmered flavor, you might also enjoy learning more about classic tomato soup techniques in this deep dive on tomato soup methods from Serious Eats.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this restaurant-worthy dish that you can whip up right at home. 👩🍳
Key Tips for the Best creamy tomato soup
The key to a truly amazing creamy tomato soup is to avoid overcooking the tomatoes. 🚫 This can lead to a bitter, acidic flavor that just won’t cut it. Instead, be gentle with your ingredients and let the flavors meld together naturally for a rich, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. 😋 The secret to a creamy, luscious tomato soup? Blending it to perfection! 🧑🍳 By using an immersion blender (or regular blender) to purée the soup, you’ll achieve a silky-smooth consistency that will have you diving in for spoonful after spoonful. 🥄 Plus, this trick helps to intensify the tomato flavor and create a velvety texture that’s simply out of this world. 🤩
- Biggest Mistake to Avoid — The key to a truly amazing creamy tomato soup is to avoid overcooking the tomatoes. 😋
- The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — The secret to a creamy, luscious tomato soup? Blending it to perfection! 🔥
- Ingredient Swaps Made Easy — Not a fan of heavy cream? No problem! You can use half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk to achieve that creamy, dreamy texture. 👍
What to Serve With creamy tomato soup
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your kitchen. 🧑🍳 Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil (if using). 🔪 This will make the cooking process a breeze and ensure you can enjoy every moment of the magic happening on the stovetop. 🔥
- Crusty Bread — Serve the creamy tomato soup with a crusty piece of bread for dipping – the perfect pairing for this cozy, comforting dish. 🥖
- Salad — Pair the soup with a fresh, crisp salad for a light and balanced meal. 🥗
- Grilled Cheese — The ultimate comfort food combo – creamy tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. 🧀
- Sparkling Water — A refreshing sparkling water or seltzer is the perfect accompaniment to this rich, velvety soup. 🥤
When to serve it: This creamy tomato soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, chilly fall days, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests. 🎉
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to stock up on some of the most delicious and versatile ingredients around! 🛒 This creamy tomato soup is made with a simple lineup of pantry staples, including juicy tomatoes, rich cream, and fragrant herbs and spices. 🌿 The best part? You can easily swap in your favorite ingredients to make it your own. 👩🍳
- 28 oz can — Whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 medium — Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves — Garlic, minced
- 2 cups — Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup — Heavy cream
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Heavy Cream → Half-and-half, milk, or plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth → Beef or mushroom broth (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make creamy tomato soup (Step-by-Step)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and tender. 👃 Then, add the tomatoes, broth, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. 🍅 Simmer the soup gently, letting the flavors meld together for about 20 minutes. 🕰️ The result? A rich, velvety base that’s just begging to be blended to perfection. 🧹
Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to bring it all together. 🙌 Carefully use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to purée the soup until it’s silky-smooth and oh-so-creamy. 🥣 Then, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. 🧂 If you love learning little tricks for extra-smooth, restaurant-style soups, you might enjoy these creamy soup techniques from Serious Eats.
The final step? Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a truly Instagram-worthy presentation. 📸
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your kitchen. 🧑🍳 Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil (if using). 🔪 This will make the cooking process a breeze and ensure you can enjoy every moment of the magic happening on the stovetop. 🔥
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and tender. 👃 Then, add the tomatoes, broth, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. 🍅 Simmer the soup gently, letting the flavors meld together for about 20 minutes. 🕰️ The result? A rich, velvety base that’s just begging to be blended to perfection. 🧹
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to bring it all together. 🙌 Carefully use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to purée the soup until it’s silky-smooth and oh-so-creamy. 🥣 Then, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. 🧂 The final step? Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a truly Instagram-worthy presentation. 📸
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, try topping your creamy tomato soup with crispy croutons, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of pesto. 🧀 These little finishing touches will take your soup from amazing to absolutely out-of-this-world. 🤯 And don’t forget to serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping – the perfect pairing for this cozy, comforting dish. 🥖
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Try Roasting the Tomatoes — Roasting the tomatoes before blending will give you a deeper, more intense flavor. 👍
- Add a Splash of Red Wine — For a rich, grown-up twist, try adding a splash of red wine to the soup. 🍷
- Experiment with Herbs & Spices — Try adding oregano, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika to create your own signature version of this classic comfort food. 🌶️
- Make It a Heartier Meal — Stir in some cooked pasta, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables for a soup that’s sure to satisfy. 🥣
Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or crispy croutons for a restaurant-worthy presentation. 🍽️ |
| Fridge Storage | Store any leftover creamy tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 🧊 |
| Freezer Storage | For longer-term storage, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. 🥶 Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to the freezer. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | When ready to enjoy, reheat the soup in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s hot and steaming. 🔥 |
Nutrition Notes
This creamy tomato soup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients that will nourish your body. 🍅 Each serving provides a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants, making it a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. 🥕 Plus, the creamy texture and bold flavors will leave you feeling satisfied and content, without any guilt. 😊 So go ahead, indulge in a bowl of this homemade goodness – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you. 🙌
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
creamy tomato soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream, it’s a delightful bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seasonal & Party Feasts 🎉
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Quick Questions People Always Ask
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great alternative if you don’t have access to fresh, ripe ones. Just be sure to use high-quality, whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. 🥫
How can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
To make this creamy tomato soup vegan or dairy-free, simply swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, like unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. 🥥 You can also use a cashew-based cream or a touch of olive oil to achieve that same rich, creamy texture. 🌱
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This creamy tomato soup is a great base for all sorts of veggie additions. Try stirring in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even some diced zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. 🥕 The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. 👩🍳
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your creamy tomato soup is a little too thin for your liking, don’t worry – there’s an easy fix! 🔧 Simply let the soup simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or try stirring in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or flour to help thicken it up. 🧑🍳 You can also blend in a few slices of bread or some cooked potatoes to create a heartier, more substantial texture. 🥖
Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Absolutely! This creamy tomato soup is super versatile and can be easily adapted to different cooking methods. 🍲 For the Instant Pot, simply sauté the onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for about 10 minutes. 🔽 For the slow cooker, just toss everything in and let it simmer away on low for 4-6 hours, blending it at the end for that silky-smooth finish. 🕰️ The choice is yours – just sit back and let the magic happen! 🧙♀️