If you are craving a comforting bowl that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is just what you need. It takes humble ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, then elevates them with the savory goodness of bacon and a touch of cream for rich silkiness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this tomato soup recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, delivering cozy satisfaction and a taste that’s timelessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role—from the smoky bacon that adds depth, to the fresh basil that breathes life into the soup’s bright tomato base.
- Bacon (3 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible smoky flavor and richness to the base of the soup.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, roughly chopped): Provide a natural sweetness when caramelized, building layers of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Introduces a fragrant punch that enhances every spoonful.
- Carrot (1 large, peeled and chopped): Balances acidity with subtle sweetness and improves texture.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the soup slightly and bind the flavors together.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A simple herb blend that complements the tomato and basil perfectly.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The savory liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28-oz. each): San Marzano preferred for their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fresh basil (1 bunch, divided): Adds that iconic tomato soup aroma and freshness both during cooking and as garnish.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup, optional): Unmatched richness and creaminess when stirred in right at the end.
- Salt & cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by crisping the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This step renders out all the flavorful fat, creating a luscious base that will infuse the whole soup with smoky goodness. Once browned, the bacon bits also add a delightful texture if you choose to keep them in the soup or save a few for topping.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and cook these together, stirring occasionally until the onions begin to soften and caramelize, around 5 to 8 minutes. This slow softening releases natural sweetness, creating a rich canvas for the tomatoes. Sprinkle in the flour and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine and cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture will thicken your soup slightly and deepen the flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together to make a unified base. Tuck a whole stalk of fresh basil into the pot to steep while the soup simmers gently. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the lid off if you like a thicker soup or on for a lighter consistency. This simmering melds the flavors, softening the tomatoes and enriching the broth with herbaceous notes.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
After simmering, let the soup cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then fish out and discard the cooked basil stalk. Blend the soup carefully in batches until smooth and velvety. Finally, stir in half a cup of heavy cream for that luscious, silky texture—this step is optional but highly recommended if you love a richer soup. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to make every spoonful sing. Serve garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of cream if desired.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes is one of the easiest ways to elevate your tomato soup experience. Freshly chopped basil adds a pop of herbal freshness and vibrant green color. A swirl of extra heavy cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche introduces a creamy coolness that balances the acidity perfectly. For a bit of crunch, crispy bacon bits or toasted croutons work wonders.
Side Dishes
Tomato soup shines when paired with classic sides that complement its flavors and textures. A grilled cheese sandwich with melty cheddar or fontina is the ultimate cozy pairing, perfect for dipping. Crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks are also great options for sopping up every last drop. For a lighter twist, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can brighten the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy Tomato Soup Recipe into a showstopper by serving it in rustic bread bowls or mini mason jars for individual portions. You could also try topping the soup with a few roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add visual appeal and an extra flavor dimension. For dinner parties, offer several garnishing options so everyone can customize their own bowl — it’s fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover tomato soup should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 4 days without losing its vibrant flavor. The soup’s texture may thicken a bit in the fridge, which is easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Allow the soup to cool fully and pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure an even temperature. If the soup has thickened after storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling it again, as this can dull the fresh flavors. A quick whisk-in of a bit more cream or fresh basil once warmed will revive its restaurant-quality taste.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke if you want to mimic that smoky flavor bacon provides.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is optional but highly recommended for that extra silky richness. If you prefer, you can leave it out for a lighter soup, or substitute with a splash of coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes are the best choice for their natural sweetness, low acidity, and vibrant color, but any good-quality crushed tomatoes will work well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the bacon and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the tomatoes and broth. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then blend and finish as described.
How can I adjust the thickness of this soup?
If you prefer your soup thicker, simmer it uncovered to reduce liquid content. For a thinner soup, simmer with the lid on or add more broth or water as you blend.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm embrace on any day. With its combination of fresh herbs, smoky bacon, and creamy finish, it brings heartwarming comfort to your table with minimal fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple that’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends with your homemade touch.
Print
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy tomato soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful classic made from simple ingredients. It features crispy bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and carrots simmered with crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh basil. The soup is blended until smooth and enriched with optional heavy cream for a luscious finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty soup serves six and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 bunch fresh basil (divided)
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, no substitutes)
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it is browned and the fat has rendered out, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize, about 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to combine, allowing the flour to cook slightly.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring thoroughly. Add a large stalk of fresh basil by submerging it in the liquid to infuse the soup with herby flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered; for a thinner broth, keep the lid on.
- Blend the soup: Remove the basil stalk and allow the soup to cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully blend the soup in batches according to your blender’s instructions for hot liquids until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the optional heavy cream for added richness. Taste and season with salt and cracked black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped fresh basil and an optional drizzle of cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using San Marzano tomatoes enhances the soup’s rich tomato flavor but any good quality crushed tomatoes will work.
- Do not substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half as it affects the texture and creaminess.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For thinner soup, keep the lid on while simmering; for thicker soup, simmer uncovered.
- Be cautious when blending hot liquids; blend in small batches to avoid splattering.
- Fresh basil should be divided: one stalk for simmering, remaining chopped for garnish.
