Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting and irresistibly flavorful dish, look no further than Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup. This classic recipe delivers layers of rich, velvety goodness, blending juicy oven-roasted tomatoes and mellow, aromatic garlic with a dash of cream for the ultimate bite. It’s the sort of soup that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and makes every meal — whether it’s a sit-down dinner or a quick lunch — feel just a little bit special. Grab some fresh tomatoes, cozy up, and prepare a batch that might just outshine the fanciest restaurant version!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup comes together with just a handful of straightforward yet powerful ingredients, each one carefully chosen to create an unbeatable depth of flavor and the ultimate creamy texture. Every item plays an essential role, so be sure to use the best you can find for maximum deliciousness!

• Fresh Tomatoes (2 lbs, Roma or vine-ripened): These build the soul of your soup with their natural sweetness and bright color.
• Whole Head of Garlic: Roasting tames the sharpness and infuses the soup with a mellow, almost sweet flavor you’ll crave.
• Small Onion (chopped): Sautéed for depth and a subtle touch of savory goodness that supports the tomato’s bright notes.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps caramelize the veggies in the oven, unlocking their fullest flavor.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth (2 cups): Adds body and an extra dimension of savory flavor.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup) or Coconut Milk: Swirled in for that luxurious creamy consistency — coconut milk offers a dairy-free twist.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (¼ cup): Brings garden-fresh aroma and a pop of vibrant, herbaceous flavor right at the end.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for sweet-talking all the flavors into perfect harmony.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Just a hint wakes up the whole soup if you like a touch of heat!

How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve your tomatoes, place them cut side up on the sheet, and give them a loving drizzle of olive oil plus a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Slice the top off an entire head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and snuggle it onto the tray with your tomatoes. Slide the tray into the oven and roast everything for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes caramelize and the garlic turns golden and wonderfully fragrant. Let everything cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

While the tomatoes and garlic are transforming in the oven, heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook gently, stirring often, for about five minutes, just until it softens and sweetens. This step is all about coaxing out sweet, mellow flavors that set the stage for the rest of your Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup.

Step 3: Combine, Blend, and Simmer

Once the roasted veggies are ready and the onions are soft, it’s time for the magic. Squeeze every last bit of roasted garlic goodness from the cloves into the pot, then add your roasted tomatoes. Pour in the broth and toss in the fresh basil. Now, using an immersion blender (or transferring in batches to a standard blender), blend the soup until silky and smooth. Return the pot to the stove, pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option), and give everything a gentle stir. Simmer the soup over low heat for another five to ten minutes so all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little zing. Ladle the Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup into bowls while piping hot, ready for your favorite garnishes and sides — the best part is yet to come!

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Garnishes

This soup absolutely loves to be dressed up! Try freshly torn basil leaves, a swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even crunchy croutons. For something special, add a shower of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil, letting each bowl look and taste just a bit different.

Side Dishes

Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is practically begging to be paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich — that combination never gets old. It’s also fantastic served alongside buttery garlic bread, crisp green salads, or even a simple charcuterie spread for sharing at gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress or have a little fun, serve the soup in small mugs as an appetizer, top with parmesan crisps for a gourmet touch, or pour it into mini cups for an elegant starter at dinner parties. Swirl in a bit of pesto or chili oil right before serving for a pop of color and flavor that guests will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover soup cool to room temperature, then pour it into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup will taste terrific for up to four days. The flavors deepen and improve as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

To make your soup last even longer, freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best texture, freeze before adding the cream, then stir it in after reheating. Properly stored, it will keep beautifully for up to three months, making cozy comfort just a quick thaw away.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If the soup thickens a bit in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or a little more cream to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh tomatoes create the brightest flavor, high-quality canned whole tomatoes work well in a pinch, especially when tomatoes aren’t at their seasonal peak. Just drain them first, and roast as you would fresh for maximum flavor.

Is there a vegan version of Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup?

Yes, simply substitute coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream for the dairy, and use vegetable broth. The soup remains every bit as rich and satisfying, with a lovely hint of coconut if you go that route.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you’d like a thicker soup, just simmer it uncovered a little longer to let some liquid evaporate or stir in a bit more roasted tomato. For a silkier, thinner soup, add extra broth or a splash more cream as you blend to achieve your desired consistency.

Does Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup freeze well?

It freezes beautifully, especially if you hold off on adding the cream until you reheat. This prevents any textural changes and keeps the soup ultra-creamy and delicious after thawing.

What herbs or extra flavors can I try with this soup?

Fresh basil is a classic, but thyme, oregano, or chives are all wonderful additions. For something unique, try a swirl of pesto, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a little smoked paprika for a subtle twist.

Final Thoughts

All that’s left is to dig in and enjoy — I promise, once you make this Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less! Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or as a special starter for guests, it’s always a hit. Give it a try and let it warm you from the inside out!

Print