There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheesy Toast. This timeless dish combines the soul-warming flavors of slow-roasted tomatoes with the indulgent crunch of golden, cheesy toast. The aroma of tomatoes caramelizing in the oven — mingling with garlic, herbs, and olive oil — fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

This soup isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl. The roasted tomatoes develop a deep, slightly smoky sweetness that transforms a simple soup into something extraordinary. Paired with crispy, gooey cheese-topped toast, it becomes a complete meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings, rainy afternoons, or any time you crave wholesome comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it captures everything I want in comfort food — warmth, depth, texture, and simplicity. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the garlic and herbs infuse a gentle, savory aroma. The soup is smooth yet hearty, light yet deeply flavorful.

The cheesy toast adds the perfect companion — crisp on the outside, melted and gooey on top, ready to dunk into the silky tomato soup. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make from scratch.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Deep, rich flavor: Roasting the tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, creating incredible depth.
• Simple ingredients, gourmet result: Everyday pantry staples transform into something restaurant-worthy.
• Cheesy comfort: The crispy toast with bubbling melted cheese is irresistible.
• Perfect any time: Great for lunch, dinner, or a light supper.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy comfort on demand.

If you love classic tomato soup but want it elevated, this recipe is a must-try.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving (including cheesy toast)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main / Soup / Light Dinner
• Cuisine: American / European Comfort

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomato Soup:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum), halved
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

For the Cheesy Toast:

• 4 slices of crusty bread (baguette, sourdough, or country loaf)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• A sprinkle of dried oregano or chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme, and toss well to coat.
4. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized at the edges.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Transfer the roasted vegetables (and all their juices) into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the tomato paste and about half of the broth.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the mixture into a pot and add the remaining broth.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Season and Finish

1. Taste the soup — add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
2. Stir in heavy cream or milk if you prefer a richer texture.
3. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Toast

1. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven broiler (or a toaster oven).
2. Place bread slices on a baking tray and brush lightly with butter or olive oil.
3. Top each slice with shredded cheese and sprinkle oregano or chili flakes if desired.
4. Broil for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
2. Top with fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve immediately with the warm, cheesy toast on the side (or dipped right in!).

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Add a swirl of cream or yogurt for a gourmet presentation.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or grilled cheese sandwich for a full meal.
• The cheesy toast can be served on the side or floated on top of the soup like a French onion soup.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor — the riper, the sweeter.
• If tomatoes are out of season, use canned whole tomatoes (roast them briefly for depth).
• Blend in batches if your blender is small, and always vent the lid to avoid steam buildup.
• Don’t skip roasting — it’s the key to that rich, smoky flavor.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Tomato Soup: Add red chili flakes or roasted red pepper for heat.
• Creamy Coconut Tomato Soup: Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Tomato-Basil Soup: Blend in a handful of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant classic.
• Parmesan Twist: Stir grated Parmesan into the soup before serving for a savory boost.
• Rustic Chunky Soup: Pulse-blend for a heartier, textured version.
• Vegetable Enrichment: Add roasted carrots or bell peppers for more depth.
• Upgrade the Toast: Use Gruyère or brie on the toast for a gourmet version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick.
• Cheesy Toast: Best served fresh; if stored, reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet (for roasting tomatoes)
• Blender or immersion blender
• Soup pot or saucepan
• Oven or toaster oven (for cheesy toast)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes — use one 28-ounce can of whole or fire-roasted tomatoes, drained slightly, and reduce roasting time to 10 minutes.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, skip the cream, and top your toast with vegan cheese.

Q3: What cheese works best for the toast?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella all melt beautifully.

Q4: How do I make the soup thicker?
Reduce the broth slightly or simmer longer to let it thicken naturally.

Q5: Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes — its mild, naturally sweet flavor makes it a great option for children.

Conclusion

Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheesy Toast is the ultimate comfort dish — wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the crunch of golden cheese toast come together to create pure bliss in every bite.

It’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity — proof that a few humble ingredients can create a meal that warms the heart and soothes the soul. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish promises comfort, coziness, and joy in every spoonful.