The BEST Easy Tomato Soup (Luscious)

What To Love About This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

• Butter: The unsung hero that adds a rich and luscious quality to the soup. It forms the base, giving the tomatoes a silky texture and enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
• Yellow Onion: The sweetness of yellow onions complements the acidity of tomatoes, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Don’t skip this ingredient—it’s the secret to the soup’s depth.
• Cloves: A hint of cloves adds a subtle warmth to the soup, elevating it beyond the ordinary. Be cautious not to overpower; a little goes a long way.
• San Marzano Tomatoes (Whole or Crushed): Known for their sweetness, robust flavor, and low acidity, San Marzano tomatoes are the star of the show. Whether whole or crushed, their vibrant flavor intensifies the soup. If San Marzano tomatoes are unavailable, you can use regular canned tomatoes, but you might need to add more sugar and cream to counteract the acidity. These are the San Marzano Tomato I use.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Choose your base according to preference. Chicken stock adds a savory depth, while vegetable stock keeps it light and vegetarian-friendly.
• Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Granulated Sugar: The trio of seasonings balances the acidity, enhances the savory notes, and rounds out the sweetness. Adjust to taste for the perfect harmony.
• Heavy Cream: The final touch that imparts a luxurious creaminess to the soup. Don’t skimp on this—it transforms the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Process Overview: How To Make Easy Tomato Soup Step-by-Step

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Saute The Veggies

Heat a Dutch oven or any other nonreactive pot over medium heat. Add butter then add chopped onions; sauté 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lighly golden. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2 – Add The Rest of Ingredients & Simmer

Add the tomatoes, stock, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the pot; mix to combine. Bring it up to a low boil, then turn the heat to medium-low. Cover partially with a lid; let it simmer for 45 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.

Step 3 – Blend

Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more broth if needed. Blend up the soup until it’s as smooth as you want it. Then, return the blended soup to the pot over medium heat.

Step 4 – Add The Cream

Add the heavy cream; mix to incorporate and return to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer for 2 – 3 minutes.

Recipe Tips

Variations & Additions

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Grilled Cheese Croutons: Serve with bite-sized grilled cheese croutons for a delightful crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream and butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream and dairy-free butter.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh basil or thyme for an herbaceous kick.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance the experience of your velvety-smooth tomato soup with these delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or Crusty Garlic Bread (our fave ❤️): There’s something magical about dipping a warm slice of garlic-infused bread or a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of tomato soup. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the creamy soup, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
2. Parmesan Cheese Shavings: Shave some fresh Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving. The salty and nutty notes of Parmesan add a gourmet touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil, chives, or parsley on the soup for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. The aromatic herbs complement the rich tomato base, providing a visual and flavorful contrast.
4. Drizzle of Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil drizzle adds a luxurious sheen to your soup and imparts a fruity and peppery undertone, enhancing the taste.
5. Toasted Pine Nuts or Croutons: Toasted pine nuts or homemade croutons can add a delightful crunch to every spoonful. It’s a simple yet effective way to introduce a contrasting texture to the velvety soup.
6. Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. The cool and creamy element creates a beautiful balance, and the tanginess complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
7. Balsamic Reduction Swirl: Drizzle a balsamic reduction in a decorative swirl on the soup. The sweet and tangy balsamic reduction adds complexity to each bite, making it a gourmet experience.
8. Serve in Bread Bowls: Take your presentation to the next level by serving the tomato soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only does it look impressive, but the combination of flavors is unbeatable.
9. Side Salad: Accompany your tomato soup with a light side salad. A simple mix of greens with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and provides a satisfying contrast to the warmth of the soup.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Store: This Easy and Luscious Tomato Soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

Freeze: Tomato soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or saving leftovers for later. Allow the tomato soup to cool to room temperature before attempting to freeze it.

Thaw in the Refrigerator: The safest way to thaw tomato soup is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Slow thawing helps maintain the soup’s texture and flavor.

Reheat: Reheat in a pot over medium-low heat on the stove or microwave for 1–2 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir frequently, no matter which method you use, to avoid hot spots.

Pro-Tip: After reheating, you may notice a change in the soup’s consistency. If it has thickened, you can add a bit of water, broth, or cream to reach your desired texture. Also, freezing the soup can sometimes dull flavors, so a little extra salt or pepper might be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions