If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dish that never fails to impress, this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is here to steal the show. Bursting with rich, creamy tomato goodness combined with the smoky depth of bacon and a hint of fresh basil, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just crave something warm and soothing, this recipe brings that perfect homemade touch without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building a layered flavor profile—richness from bacon, sweetness from carrots and onions, and that fresh brightness from basil. You won’t need any fancy items, just familiar staples ready to come together.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory base that elevates the soup’s flavor dramatically.
- Yellow onions: Provide sweetness and depth as they caramelize.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances the overall richness.
- Carrot: Sweetness and natural thickness for that perfect texture.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup gently without heaviness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give a well-rounded herbal undertone.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory liquid body and balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient, providing vibrant tomato flavor and color.
- Fresh basil: Adds bright, fragrant notes to both cooking and garnishing.
- Heavy cream (optional): Gives the soup a silky, luxurious finish.
- Salt & cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it’s beautifully browned and the fat has rendered out. This step locks in a wonderful smoky undertone that’s the foundation of your soup’s complex flavor. Once done, leave the bacon fat in the pot—it’s liquid gold for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce your heat to medium and toss in the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and peeled carrot. Cook them slowly to pull out their natural sweetness and let the onions begin to caramelize, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. When the vegetables are nicely softened, sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning over everything and stir well to marry those flavors and set the stage for your soup’s texture and herbal notes.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring the mixture to combine. Nestle a large stalk of fresh basil right into the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat and let it all simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a hearty, thick soup, or with a lid on for a lighter consistency. This simmer gives time for the flavors to meld perfectly while you prepare for blending.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
After turning off the heat, let the soup cool for a few minutes, then fish out and discard the cooked basil stalk. Blend the soup in batches, following your blender’s guidelines for hot liquids to make it beautifully smooth. If creamy indulgence is your thing, stir in the half cup of heavy cream now. Season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper to taste. Pour yourself a bowl, topping it with chopped fresh basil and an optional cream drizzle for that inviting touch.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil adds a fresh, herbal pop that brightens every spoonful. For a touch of elegance and creaminess, a gentle swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream can transform this humble soup into a real treat. Cracked black pepper to finish adds that little zing that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe quite like a crispy grilled cheese sandwich—melty, buttery, and perfect for dipping. For lighter options, try garlic bread, a crusty baguette, or even a fresh green salad to balance the warmth of the soup with some crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your tomato soup in charming bread bowls for a rustic presentation that guests will love. Another fun idea is individual ramekins with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese on top, broiled briefly to add a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup underneath. Little touches like these make your homemade soup feel restaurant-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick meals throughout the week. The flavors often deepen with a little time, so leftovers can be even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw if frozen and gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a splash of olive oil when cooking the aromatics to keep that richness.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
This recipe shines with high-quality crushed tomatoes, with San Marzano tomatoes being the gold standard for their sweet yet tangy flavor and smooth texture.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream is optional but highly recommended for that silky, luxurious texture and mellowed acidity. If you want to skip it, the soup is still delicious but slightly more robust in flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to peel and cook them down until soft, which takes more time. Canned crushed tomatoes give consistent flavor and convenience for this quick recipe.
How thick should the soup be?
This depends on your preference. Simmering uncovered will reduce the liquid and create a thicker soup, while cooking with the lid on keeps it lighter and more broth-like.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe quickly becomes a go-to comfort classic once you’ve made it. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of fresh flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try soon—you’ll be surprised how simple ingredients and a little love can turn into such a delicious meal that everyone will adore.
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 features a rich and creamy blend of crushed tomatoes, sautéed bacon and vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting classic made with simple ingredients like fresh basil and optional heavy cream for a luscious finish. Perfect as a cozy starter or a light meal for 6 servings.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
Dry Ingredients & Seasoning
- 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 (no substitutes; optional)
Herbs
- 1 bunch fresh basil (divided for cooking and garnish)
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and the fat has rendered, 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 until the vegetables start to soften and caramelize, about 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine and cook the flour out.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Submerge a large stalk of fresh basil into the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. To thicken the soup, cook uncovered; for a thinner consistency, keep the lid on.
- Blend: Allow the soup to cool for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the cooked basil stalk. Blend the soup in batches according to your blender’s instructions for hot liquids until smooth and creamy. If desired, stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper as needed. Serve the soup garnished with chopped fresh basil and an optional drizzle of cream.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes if possible for a richer tomato flavor.
- Do not substitute heavy cream if you want the creaminess; it adds a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Blending in batches prevents splashing with hot soup—use a blender safe for hot liquids or an immersion blender cautiously.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust thickness by simmering with or without the lid, depending on your preference.
