Warm up with this homemade easy tomato basil soup recipe: creamy, fresh, and comforting. Simple ingredients, rich flavor, and pure nostalgia in every spoonful.

When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing that warms me up quite like a big bowl of tomato basil soup.

It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where a pot of soup was always simmering on the stove and the promise of a cozy meal was never far away.

I still remember the first time I made this version of tomato basil soup. It was a gray, rainy Sunday, and I was craving something comforting, like soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I had a bunch of fresh Roma tomatoes on the counter and a pot of basil that had seen better days, so I decided to give it a try. As soon as those tomatoes started roasting in the oven and the aroma of garlic and onion filled the kitchen, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special.

Now, this soup has become a regular in our home. It is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights or anytime you need a little bit of warmth and nostalgia. It’s simple, soul-soothing and bursting with fresh flavor. And best of all? It’s easier to make than you might think!

Why you’ll love this tomato basil soup

✅ Rich and creamy, yet light: Comforting without feeling heavy.
✅ Made with fresh ingredients: No cans here, just real, vibrant flavors.
✅ Perfect for meal prep: Stores well for lunches or quick dinners.
✅ Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love this!
✅ Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sides for a cozy meal.
✅ Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and fresh produce.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this soul-warming soup:

Roma tomatoes: Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.
Olive oil: For roasting and sautéing.
Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Vegetable broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer.
Half and half: For a silky, creamy texture.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a hint of tang.
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped for that fresh burst of flavor.
Salt + pepper: Don’t be shy; season to your liking!

Optional Garnishes:

Grated parmesan cheese
Croutons
Fresh basil leaves
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

How to make tomato basil soup

This soup comes together in a few easy steps. Let’s walk through it together.

1️⃣ Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the Roma tomatoes cut-side up on the prepared sheet.
Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Roast for one hour, until the edges start to caramelize and the tomatoes are tender and sweet.

👉 Tip: Roasting the tomatoes is the secret to building deep flavor in this soup. Don’t skip it!

2️⃣ Start the Soup Base

While the tomatoes are finishing up, heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about five to seven minutes.

3️⃣ Build the Soup

Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot along with any juices from the baking sheet.
Pour in the vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar and sugar.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

4️⃣ Blend It Smooth

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and velvety.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, and then pour it back into the pot.

5️⃣ Finish with Cream and Basil

Once blended, stir in the half-and-half and fresh basil.
Simmer for another five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld one last time.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

tomato basil soup process steps in photos.

Serving suggestions

This tomato basil soup is warm and cozy on its own, but here are a few ways to make it an even more satisfying meal:

🍞 Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich – The ultimate classic!
🥖 Serve alongside crusty bread – Perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop.
🧀 Top with parmesan or mozzarella – A cheesy finish is always a good idea.
🌿 Add a drizzle of good olive oil – For extra richness.
🥗 Serve with a simple green salad – Balances out the creamy soup.

Storage + Make-Ahead Tips

🍲 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🍲 Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
🍲 Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

👉 Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy weekday lunches!

Variations + substitutions

Want to make this soup your own? Here are some tasty ideas:

Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Make it vegan: Swap the half and half for coconut milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Use canned tomatoes: In a pinch, use two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Roast them the same way for added flavor!
Add veggies: Toss in some baby spinach or kale at the end for a nutrient boost.

Helpful tools

Here’s what makes prepping this soup a breeze:

Sharp chef’s knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and fresh basil.
Large stock pot: A sturdy pot is key for simmering and blending.
Immersion blender: Saves on dishes and makes blending safe and easy!
Freezer containers: For stashing leftovers for future meals.

tomatoes on a roasting pan with drizzle of olive oil.

Final thoughts: Why this recipe matters

This tomato basil soup is more than just a meal; it’s a little piece of comfort you can come back to again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home; one that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and brings everyone together around the table.

Whether you’re making it for a quiet lunch, a family dinner, or to warm up on a rainy day, this soup delivers every single time. It’s a gentle reminder that simple ingredients and a little love are all you need to create something truly special.

So go ahead, grab your tomatoes, pull out that pot, and let the aroma of roasting veggies and fresh basil fill your home. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl.

📌 Pin It + Print It
Save this recipe for your next cozy night in, or share it with a friend who could use a comforting bowl of homemade soup. And if you make it, I’d love to see how it turned out. So, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and let’s celebrate the simple joy of a homemade bowl of soup together!

More Grandma-approved recipes

If you like this recipe for tomato basil soup, I think you’ll love these other Grandma-approved, comforting soups:

Broccoli Cheese Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup