Introduction

Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Garlic and Herbs is a rich, comforting, and flavorful soup that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes paired with aromatic garlic and a blend of fresh herbs. Roasting the tomatoes deepens their flavor, giving the soup a slightly caramelized, savory taste that elevates a classic favorite.

This soup is velvety smooth, lightly seasoned, and bursting with freshness from herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. Cream or a touch of milk adds luxurious richness, making it perfect for cozy lunches, dinner starters, or a comforting evening meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly flavorful. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out a depth of flavor that canned soups can’t match. It’s creamy without being heavy, herbaceous without overpowering, and perfectly balanced with a touch of garlic sweetness.

It’s also versatile — you can serve it as a light starter or pair it with sandwiches, croutons, or a grilled cheese for a satisfying meal. Every spoonful is warming, comforting, and vibrant, making it a go-to recipe for any tomato lover.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it transforms ordinary tomatoes into a gourmet, restaurant-quality dish at home. The roasted garlic and herbs add aromatic complexity, and the creamy texture makes it indulgent yet light.

Perfect for cozy evenings, lunch with friends, or family dinners, this soup is approachable, easy to make, and endlessly comforting. Its vibrant color, enticing aroma, and rich flavor make it a standout recipe that will quickly become a favorite.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
• Course: Soup / Starter
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano or 1 tsp fresh oregano
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Croutons or toasted bread
• Drizzle of cream

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast Tomatoes and Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place halved tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Allow garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze out roasted garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Onion

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Add roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and broth to the pot.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Stir in sugar (if using) and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
   • Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
2. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil.
3. Reheat gently if needed, but do not boil once cream is added.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil, croutons, or a drizzle of cream.
3. Serve hot with toasted bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

How to Serve

• Serve as a starter or main course.
• Pair with sandwiches, garlic bread, or salad.
• Optional toppings include croutons, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a swirl of cream for visual appeal.

Recipe Tips

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for natural sweetness.
• Roasting: Roasting intensifies flavor — don’t skip this step.
• Blending: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain soup through a fine sieve.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor; add basil at the end for brightness.
• Cream: Adjust cream to taste for a lighter or richer soup.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Tomato Soup: Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes during roasting.
2. Vegan Version: Omit cream or use coconut or oat milk.
3. Cheesy Twist: Top with grated Parmesan or cheddar.
4. Roasted Vegetable Addition: Add roasted red bell peppers or carrots for depth.
5. Herb Variation: Swap thyme and oregano for rosemary or parsley.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet for roasting
• Large pot or soup pot
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes — use 2 (28 oz) cans of whole peeled tomatoes, drained and roasted or sautéed.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes — substitute cream with coconut, oat, or soy milk.

Q3: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes — make and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Add cream just before serving.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes — roasted red peppers, carrots, or fennel add depth of flavor.

Q5: How do I get a smoother texture?
Blend thoroughly and optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Conclusion

Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Garlic and Herbs is a comforting, flavorful, and versatile soup that elevates a classic favorite to a gourmet level. The roasted tomatoes and garlic create a deep, rich flavor, while fresh herbs and cream add brightness and richness.

Perfect for cozy dinners, lunches, or entertaining guests, this soup is satisfying, aromatic, and easy to prepare. Serve with crusty bread, croutons, or a grilled cheese sandwich to complete the ultimate comfort meal.