Few dishes are as soul-soothing as a bowl of tomato soup — especially when it’s roasted to perfection with garlic and onions in one single pot. This version upgrades the childhood classic with deep, savory flavors brought out by oven-roasting and just the right touch of creaminess from a swirl of heavy cream.
Ideal for cozy evenings or a rainy weekend in, this soup pairs flawlessly with a gooey grilled cheese or a warm, buttered baguette. The fact that it’s all made in a single oven-safe pot means minimal mess and maximum flavor. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you’re ready to serve comfort by the spoonful.
Full Recipe:
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28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes (with juices)
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1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
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6 cloves garlic, peeled
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2 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large, oven-safe pot, add the canned tomatoes and their juices. Crush the tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.
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Add the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Place the pot in the oven and roast the mixture, stirring once halfway through, for about 30 minutes or until the garlic is tender.
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Remove the pot from the oven and break down the softened garlic and tomatoes further with a spoon.
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Transfer the pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth (or blend in batches using a regular blender).
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Stir in the heavy cream for richness.
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Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 5 servings
The Warm Embrace of Homemade Tomato Soup
There’s a certain nostalgic charm to tomato soup that transcends generations. Whether you remember dipping grilled cheese into a warm bowl as a child or savoring it during cozy nights at home, tomato soup has always held a comforting place at the dinner table. The One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup recipe elevates this classic comfort food to gourmet status while maintaining the simplicity and warmth that make it so beloved.
This version stands out not just for its flavor, but for its process—roasting the core ingredients in the oven first to enhance depth and richness, followed by a quick stove-top simmer. With minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, this soup is the ideal dish for busy weeknights, family meals, or quiet evenings in.
Why Roasting Makes All the Difference
The cornerstone of this soup’s irresistible flavor lies in the roasting technique. Unlike traditional tomato soups that rely solely on simmering, this recipe calls for roasting tomatoes, garlic, and onions together in one oven-safe pot. This approach caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes and garlic, intensifying their flavor and reducing any acidity.
The onions soften and become subtly sweet, while the garlic mellows out, providing a fragrant, nutty backbone to the soup. By keeping everything in one pot, the recipe captures all the flavor without requiring extra dishes—making cleanup a breeze.
Roasting also concentrates the tomato flavor. Even when using canned tomatoes, the heat from the oven allows them to break down and deepen in flavor, adding complexity to the final soup.
The One-Pot Advantage
For home cooks, the idea of using one pot for an entire dish is pure gold. It means less mess, fewer dishes to wash, and a streamlined cooking experience. This tomato soup recipe is designed with that principle in mind. From oven to stovetop, everything is done in one pot—preferably a cast-iron Dutch oven or any heavy, oven-safe cookware.
After roasting the aromatics, the same pot transitions seamlessly to the stove. Chicken broth is added to deglaze and develop further flavor, and an immersion blender (or traditional blender, if necessary) is used to puree the ingredients to a smooth consistency. This integration of tools and cooking methods makes the dish approachable for all levels of home chefs.
Balancing Richness and Freshness
One of the most pleasant surprises in this recipe is the final touch of heavy cream. It transforms the roasted tomato base into a velvety, luxurious soup without overwhelming its inherent brightness. Just a quarter cup is enough to add richness and body, making every spoonful creamy and satisfying.
To finish, the soup is topped with fresh basil. This herb isn’t just a garnish—it cuts through the richness with its fresh, peppery aroma and ties the dish together beautifully. The combination of roasted vegetables, smooth cream, and basil makes this a full-bodied, restaurant-worthy soup that still feels completely homemade.
Customization Options for Every Kitchen
This roasted tomato soup is incredibly versatile. While the recipe includes chicken broth, vegetarians can easily substitute vegetable broth without sacrificing flavor. Want it vegan? Skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or oat cream for a similarly creamy texture.
You can also bulk up the soup by adding cooked rice, quinoa, or even tortellini. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of pesto can also transform it into something new entirely. For spice lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes added before blending gives it a gentle kick.
The soup is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to suit keto or paleo diets with simple swaps. This adaptability makes it a go-to meal for a variety of dietary needs.
Perfect Pairings to Complete the Meal
As classic as the soup is, it becomes iconic when paired with the right side. The go-to companion, of course, is grilled cheese. Whether made with sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, or even brie and apple slices for a gourmet twist, grilled cheese sandwiches make the perfect dunking partner.
Other pairing ideas include:
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A crusty baguette or sourdough toast
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Garlic butter croutons sprinkled on top
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A green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for balance
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A side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome touch
These pairings can elevate the dish from a simple soup to a satisfying meal.
Meal Prep Friendly and Freezer-Ready
Another reason this soup is a kitchen staple is its excellent shelf life. Once cooled, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be frozen for up to three months. Simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
This makes it an ideal recipe to double and save for future meals. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, having this soup on hand means you’re always just minutes away from a comforting bowl of warmth.
Health Benefits of Tomato Soup
Beyond taste and comfort, this tomato soup delivers a host of health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, improved vision, and reduced inflammation. Roasting enhances lycopene absorption, making this method not just delicious but also nutritious.
Garlic and onions provide immune-boosting compounds, while the fresh basil adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When made with minimal cream and paired with whole food ingredients, this soup is both satisfying and good for you.
A Seasonal Favorite That Never Gets Old
While this soup is delightful year-round, it’s especially perfect for fall and winter. The warmth of the roasted tomatoes, the fragrant herbs, and the creamy texture all lend themselves to cold-weather cravings.
It’s also a great way to enjoy fresh produce during tomato season or use pantry staples when fresh tomatoes are out of reach. Whether you’re making it in August with peak-season produce or in January with canned tomatoes, it always delivers comfort.
Great for Gifting or Hosting
One often overlooked benefit of soups like this is how well they work for sharing. Hosting friends for a casual dinner? Serve it in mugs as a starter. Want to comfort a friend who’s sick or just had a baby? Deliver it in a mason jar with a note and a loaf of crusty bread.
Its nostalgic quality makes it a thoughtful and heartfelt meal for gifting, while the ease of preparation makes it ideal for entertaining.
Conclusion: A Soup for the Soul
The One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It invites you to slow down, savor the aroma of garlic and onions roasting in the oven, and indulge in the simple pleasure of a homemade meal. It checks all the boxes: minimal ingredients, easy technique, comforting flavor, and room for creativity.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or serving guests during the holidays, this soup delivers on all fronts. It proves that comfort food can be both nostalgic and elevated, simple and sophisticated. It’s the kind of dish that warms your body and your heart—exactly what good food should do.