Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Tomato Basil Soup, a timeless classic that is easy to make, perfect for any season, and sure to become your go-to recipe. This vibrant soup blends fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil into a silky, warming bowl that satisfies with every spoonful. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a light, refreshing meal in warmer months, Tomato Basil Soup fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find but create an incredible flavor profile.
Fresh and Healthy: Packed with fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Versatile Meal: Ideal as a light lunch, comforting dinner, or even an appetizer for special gatherings.
Quick to Prepare: Comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy days when you crave home-cooked comfort.
Year-Round Appeal: Whether you want something cooling in summer or warming in winter, Tomato Basil Soup works all year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Tomato Basil Soup starts with simple yet essential ingredients, each adding unique depth to the final dish. Fresh tomatoes provide the sweet and tangy base, while basil brings a bright, herbal freshness. Garlic and onions add savory warmth, and a touch of cream or olive oil rounds out the texture and richness.

Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a fragrant, peppery note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Garlic Cloves: Infuse the soup with a warm, aromatic complexity.
Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base for a smooth, comforting consistency.
Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the soup.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk (optional): For a creamy texture, choose your favorite based on dietary preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
Crusty Bread (optional): Perfect for dipping and makes the meal more filling and satisfying.

Variations for Tomato Basil Soup

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want to cater to dietary restrictions, experiment with new flavors, or boost nutrition, these variations are easy and delicious.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for warmth and depth.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based creamy soup.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Roast the tomatoes and garlic beforehand for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
Herbal Boost: Toss in fresh thyme or oregano for a subtle, earthy layer of flavor.
Chunky Style: Reserve some diced tomatoes before blending for a heartier texture.

Why Tomato Basil Soup Is Your New Favorite Recipe

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by roughly chopping the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Picking fresh basil leaves and rinsing them well ensures vibrant flavor later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and tomatoes break down.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Remove from heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches for that silky consistency.

Step 5: Stir in Basil and Cream

Add chopped fresh basil leaves and stir in cream or your dairy-free alternative. Warm gently on low heat for a few minutes to infuse the basil flavor.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give your Tomato Basil Soup a final taste, adding salt, pepper, or more basil as needed to perfect the flavor before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Basil Soup

Use Ripe Tomatoes: The fresher and riper the tomatoes, the richer and sweeter your soup will be.
Don’t Skip the Basil: Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright aroma and flavor.
Careful with Heat: Avoid boiling once the cream is added to prevent curdling.
Blend in Batches: For a perfectly smooth texture and to avoid spills, blend in small portions.
Enhance with Roasting: Roasting tomatoes adds depth and a touch of sweetness if time allows.
Adjust Thickness: Add more broth for a lighter soup or reduce for a thicker, heartier consistency.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Soup

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of good olive oil or cream, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper brighten up the soup and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair with a warm, crusty baguette or grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comforting meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a swirl of pesto on top or alongside a charcuterie board featuring fresh bread, cheeses, and olives for a special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This soup freezes well—pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick, comforting meal later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to maintain the creamy texture and avoid scorching.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, high-quality canned tomatoes are a great alternative and make the soup more accessible year-round without sacrificing much flavor.

Is Tomato Basil Soup suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely! Simply skip the cream or substitute with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk to keep it delicious and vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare the soup in advance?

Definitely. Tomato Basil Soup can be made a day ahead and reheated gently, allowing the flavors to develop even more.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup longer to evaporate some liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency.

What is the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender is ideal for blending directly in the pot, but a regular blender works well too—just blend in batches carefully.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and irresistibly delicious, it’s a recipe worth keeping close. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor each flavorful spoonful!

Tomato Basil Soup

Print Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup is a rich and comforting classic that blends fresh ripe tomatoes with aromatic basil into a smooth, warming bowl of goodness. Quick and simple to prepare with pantry staples, this versatile soup is perfect year-round as a light lunch, appetizer, or cozy dinner. Creamy or dairy-free options make it adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering and Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for Serving

Crusty bread or baguette, for dipping
Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Drizzle of olive oil or cream
Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by roughly chopping the tomatoes, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. Rinse and pick fresh basil leaves to ensure a vibrant flavor later.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and tomatoes to break down.
Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender for a silky consistency.
Stir in Basil and Cream: Add chopped fresh basil leaves and stir in the heavy cream or your chosen dairy-free alternative. Warm gently over low heat for a few minutes to infuse the basil flavor without boiling.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt, pepper, or basil as needed to perfect the flavor before serving.

Notes

Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes available to maximize natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Add fresh basil at the very end to preserve its bright aroma and vibrant taste.
Avoid boiling the soup once cream is added to prevent curdling.
Blend the soup in small batches to achieve a perfectly smooth texture and avoid spills.
Roasting the tomatoes and garlic beforehand enhances the flavor with smoky, caramelized notes.
Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for a lighter consistency or simmering longer for a heartier texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Tomato Basil Soup, tomato soup, basil soup, easy tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, dairy-free tomato soup, comfort food, healthy soup