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There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade Tomato Basil Soup on a chilly fall or winter day. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of cream, this delicious soup is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Pair it with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, and you have the perfect cozy meal!

If you have never made tomato soup from scratch, you are going to love how simple this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen.

Whether you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your summer garden or want to use canned tomatoes for a quick weeknight dinner, this homemade Tomato Basil Soup recipe is one you will want to make again and again.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

There are so many reasons to skip the canned tomato soup and make your own at home.

• Fresh, homemade flavor: Fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes create a delicious soup that tastes so much better than anything you can buy in a can.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make this comforting meal.
• Easy to customize: Make it creamy, leave it chunky, or add a little spice for extra flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes beautifully when you leave out the cream until reheating. Just store them in these freezer containers that are perfect for soup.

And, of course, Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect excuse to make a buttery, golden grilled cheese sandwich for dipping!

Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

You do not need a long list of ingredients to make an incredible bowl of tomato soup. The key is using good-quality tomatoes and plenty of fresh basil.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with their juices
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• ½ cup heavy cream, optional
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional
• Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! If you have a garden full of ripe tomatoes, this is a wonderful way to use them.

You will need approximately 3½ to 4 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the two cans of tomatoes in this recipe.

Roma tomatoes are a great choice because they have fewer seeds and less water than many other varieties. However, you can use whatever ripe tomatoes you have available.

For an even richer flavor, try roasting your fresh tomatoes before adding them to the soup.

Simply cut the tomatoes in half, arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast at 400°F for 30–40 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and begin to caramelize around the edges.

Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet to your soup pot.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives your homemade soup an incredible depth of flavor.

How to Make Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Making tomato soup from scratch is much easier than you might think. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

The combination of onion and garlic creates a flavorful base for your homemade tomato soup.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour the canned tomatoes and their juices into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to gently break the tomatoes into smaller pieces.

Add the vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.

Stir everything together until well combined.

The sugar is completely optional, but a small amount can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if your soup tastes a little too tart.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This gives the tomatoes, garlic, onions, and seasonings time to develop their flavors.

If you are using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, you may need to simmer the soup a little longer to allow the tomatoes to break down completely.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Basil

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

The residual heat will soften the basil and release its wonderful aroma.

Adding the basil toward the end of cooking helps preserve its fresh flavor.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

For a smooth and creamy tomato soup, use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup directly in the pot.

Blend until you reach your desired consistency.

If you do not have an immersion blender, you can use a regular countertop blender.

Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending. Work in small batches, following your blender manufacturer's instructions for hot liquids. Do not fill the blender too full or seal hot soup in a blender that is not designed for it.

If you prefer a chunkier tomato soup, blend only part of the mixture and leave some tomato pieces intact.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Return the blended soup to low heat.

Stir in the heavy cream and optional butter until completely incorporated.

Warm the soup gently for another 2–3 minutes without bringing it to a vigorous boil.

Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.

If the soup seems too thick, add a little extra broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or an extra drizzle of cream.

Serve immediately with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty homemade bread.

Tips for Making the Best Tomato Basil Soup

A few simple tricks can take your homemade soup from good to absolutely delicious.

Use good-quality tomatoes. Since tomatoes are the star of this recipe, choose ripe, flavorful fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes.

Do not skip the fresh basil. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but fresh basil gives this soup its signature flavor. Add it toward the end of cooking for the best results.

Simmer for maximum flavor. Allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors come together and creates a richer, more delicious result.

Blend to your preferred consistency. Some people love a completely smooth tomato soup, while others prefer a little texture. Both versions are delicious!

Add the cream at the end. Stirring in the heavy cream after blending gives the soup a silky texture and helps prevent the dairy from separating during cooking.

Taste before serving. Tomatoes vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste your finished soup and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

What to Serve With Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a sandwich, salad, or homemade bread turns it into a satisfying meal.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it.

Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing beats dipping a buttery, crispy grilled cheese sandwich into a warm bowl of tomato soup. Use sourdough bread and your favorite combination of cheeses for an extra-special lunch.

Homemade Crusty Bread

A thick slice of homemade sourdough bread, French bread, or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.

Fresh Green Salad

Pair your soup with a simple green salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and your favorite homemade dressing for a lighter meal.

Homemade Croutons

Cut leftover bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until golden brown to make homemade croutons. Sprinkle them over your soup for a delicious crunch.

For a cozy fall dinner, I love serving this soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich made with thick slices of homemade sourdough bread.

It is simple comfort food at its finest!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel fresh tomatoes before making soup?

No, you do not have to peel fresh tomatoes if you plan to blend the soup thoroughly.

However, if you want an extra-smooth texture, you can peel the tomatoes before cooking or strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining bits of skin and seeds.

Can I make Tomato Basil Soup without heavy cream?

Yes! This soup is delicious without cream.

Simply omit the heavy cream and butter for a lighter, tomato-forward version.

You can also add a splash of unsweetened plant-based cooking cream if you prefer a creamy texture without dairy.

How do I make tomato soup less acidic?

If your soup tastes too acidic, start by adding a small amount of sugar, about ½ teaspoon at a time.

A little heavy cream can also help soften the sharpness of the tomatoes.

Taste after each addition so you do not accidentally make the soup too sweet.

Can I make Tomato Basil Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add the onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional sugar to your slow cooker.

Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the fresh basil, carefully blend the soup, and add the heavy cream just before serving.

For the best flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

What is the difference between tomato soup and tomato basil soup?

Traditional tomato soup typically features tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, sometimes with milk or cream.

Tomato Basil Soup includes fresh or dried basil, which adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.

Both are delicious, but fresh basil gives this homemade version an extra layer of flavor.

More Homemade Soup Recipes to Try

If you love a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup, be sure to check out some of these other delicious recipes.

• Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
• Creamy Potato Soup
• Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• White Chicken Chili

These cozy recipes are perfect for chilly evenings, easy family dinners, and meal prepping throughout the week.