Name: Tomato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes); 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped); 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk, optional, for creaminess; Salt and pepper, to taste

Warm up with this creamy homemade tomato soup! Made with simple ingredients, this classic comfort food is rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich!

Homemade tomato soup in a bowl with chopped fresh basil.

Pin this recipe now to save it for later

Tomato soup has been my favorite type of soup ever since I was a kid. I remember coming inside after playing in the snow to find the whole house smelling like warm, simmering garlic, onions, and fresh tomatoes. I also remember dunking my grilled cheese into that cozy bowl of soup and feeling instantly happy. A good bowl of homemade tomato soup is pure magic!

I wanted to share my family tomato soup recipe so you, too, can create that incredible, magical moment at home. I promise that this recipe is so easy that any beginner chef can easily make it in just a matter of minutes. My daughters have actually made this recipe on their own (and I was truly impressed!). Please give this delicious, simple, creamy tomato soup a try because I just know you will love it. Hopefully, it will become one of your favorite traditional family soup recipes for lunch, dinner, or just as a snack on a cold winter’s day!

Tomato soup in a white bowl with a spoon and croutons.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make: This simple tomato soup recipe comes together in just minutes using very basic steps that anyone will be able to master.
Simple ingredients: Tomato soup should never be complicated or crazy! Mine is made with delicious, fresh ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home.
Comforting flavors: There is something about tomato soup that makes you feel cozy and comforted. Just one sip of this soup, and you will feel happy and loved! This tomato soup is pretty powerful!

Recipe Ingredients

Olive oil or butter – I like to use olive oil since it is considered a healthier fat, but OMG does butter taste good in this soup.
Onion
Garlic cloves
Cans of diced tomatoes – I like to use Italian seasoned diced tomatoes for a little extra flavor. Fire roasted tomatoes also taste delicious.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth – Use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian tomato soup.
Sugar
Dried basil – You can also use fresh basil, but I always have dried basil on hand and ready to use!
Heavy cream – Whole milk also works as a lighter option.
Salt and pepper

Directions for How to Make Tomato Soup

Step 1. Gather your ingredients together

Step 2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, then saute the onions until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3. Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar and basil. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.

immersion blended in a pot of homemade soup.

Step 5. Stir in the heavy cream and add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6. Enjoy while warm with some grilled cheese, croutons, a drizzle of olive oil or some crusty bread!

Variations

Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Herbed Tomato Soup: Stir in a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme along with the basil for extra herby flavor.

Cheesy Tomato Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving. Top the warm bowl of soup with a little extra cheese, too.

Tips for Success

For a thicker soup, reduce the broth to 1 1/2 cups or add a tablespoon of tomato paste while simmering.

This recipe works well with fresh tomatoes during the summer. Use about 6 medium-sized tomatoes, roughly chopped, in place of canned.

To make a vegan tomato soup recipe, use vegetable broth and omit the cream, or substitute it with non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic pairing. I love grilled cheese made with fresh sourdough bread for a fancy, grown-up twist!
Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter meal.
Top with croutons, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
Serve the soup with a crusty bread on the side for a delicious combination.

Storage + Reheating

To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
To Freeze: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Heat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly.

I hope you enjoy this delicious Tomato Soup Recipe! If you give it a try, please share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media @allthingsmamma and use the hashtag #allthingsmamma.