Creamy Tomato Soup - Comfort Food Classic

Bilal Mansouri
5 min read
Bowl of creamy tomato soup with herbs and cream swirl

Creamy Tomato Soup - Comfort Food Classic

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of rich, creamy tomato soup on a chilly day. This homemade version is infinitely better than canned - it’s velvety smooth, perfectly seasoned, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Why Make Homemade Tomato Soup?

  • Better flavor - Fresh herbs and quality ingredients shine through
  • No preservatives - You control exactly what goes in
  • Customizable - Adjust seasoning and consistency to your taste
  • Cost effective - Much cheaper than restaurant or premium canned versions

What You’ll Need

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

The Simple Method

Step 1: Build the Base Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches.

Step 4: Add Cream and Season Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently - don’t boil after adding cream.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

  • Don’t skip the sugar - It balances the acidity of tomatoes
  • Blend well - Smooth texture is key to restaurant-quality soup
  • Taste and adjust - Every batch of tomatoes is different
  • Add cream at the end - This prevents curdling

Make It Your Own

Lighter Version:

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
  • Add Greek yogurt for tang and protein

Richer Flavor:

  • Roast fresh tomatoes first for deeper flavor
  • Add a parmesan rind while simmering

Spice It Up:

  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Perfect Pairings

This soup is delicious on its own, but even better with:

  • Grilled cheese sandwich - The ultimate comfort combo
  • Crusty bread - Perfect for dipping
  • Croutons - Add texture and crunch
  • Fresh herbs - Basil, chives, or parsley

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months (before adding cream)
  • Reheat gently - Don’t boil or the cream may curdle
  • Thin with broth if needed after storing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy - Ready in 30 minutes
  • Pantry-friendly - Uses common ingredients
  • Kid-approved - Mild, creamy, and delicious
  • Meal prep friendly - Makes great leftovers

This creamy tomato soup proves that the best comfort food is often the simplest. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a soup that rivals any restaurant version.

Enjoy your bowl of comfort!

About the Author

Bilal Mansouri - Author

Bilal Mansouri

Passionate food blogger and recipe developer who loves exploring global cuisines and creating delicious, accessible recipes for home cooks.