If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl of warmth that’s both rich and bright, you need to dive into this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the sunny sweetness of ripe tomatoes balanced with savory bacon, aromatic garlic, and the fresh zest of basil. With just a handful of humble pantry ingredients and under 30 minutes, this soup becomes your new go-to when you want something nourishing, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe are simple, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the smoky crunch of bacon to the creamy finish of heavy cream, every component contributes to making this soup truly unforgettable.
- Bacon (3 slices, chopped): Adds a smoky richness and depth that elevates the soup’s flavor beautifully.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, roughly chopped): Bring sweetness and a savory base with their natural caramelization.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Infuses the broth with a subtle punch of aromatic flavor.
- Large carrot (1, peeled and roughly chopped): Adds natural sweetness and helps balance tomato acidity.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Works as a gentle thickener that gives the soup body and smooth texture.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Enhances the soup with a fragrant blend of herbs for a classic Italian touch.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides a savory liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28-oz. each, San Marzano preferred): The star ingredient offering that luscious tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- Fresh basil (1 bunch, divided): Freshens the soup with bright, herbaceous notes both in cooking and as garnish.
- Heavy cream (½ cup, optional): Gives the soup a silky richness that rounds out the acidity.
- Salt & cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that bring balance and layer the flavors.
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. Toss in the chopped bacon slices and cook until they’re browned and the fat has fully rendered. This not only provides that irresistible smoky flavor but also leaves you with flavorful bacon grease to sauté the vegetables in, making every bite super savory.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, add the roughly chopped yellow onions, crushed garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and cook these until the onions soften and begin to caramelize, about 5 to 8 minutes. This step builds a rich, sweet foundation for the soup. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning over the vegetables and stir well so the flour can help thicken the soup later on.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and the star ingredients: two large cans of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, then submerge a large stalk of fresh basil into the mixture. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes if you prefer a thicker texture. If you like it thinner, covering the pot will keep more moisture in. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Allow the soup to cool for about 5 minutes, then remove the cooked basil stalk and blend the soup in batches, following your blender’s instructions for hot liquids. Blend until perfectly smooth and velvety. For an extra touch of creaminess, stir in the heavy cream. Finally, season with salt and cracked black pepper to your liking. You’re ready to serve this heartwarming bowl topped with fresh chopped basil and a drizzle of cream if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves finely chopped bring a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the deep red soup. A swirl of heavy cream not only mellows the acidity but also adds a gorgeous visual touch that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with crunchy grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread to soak up every last bit. A fresh green salad on the side can also lighten the meal and add a refreshing crunch to complement the silky soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic mugs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or add a drizzle of basil pesto on top. You can even garnish with crispy bacon bits for an extra savory punch. Presentation truly enhances the cozy experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully—just store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Freeze for up to three months, perfect for busy days when you need a quick, comforting meal ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick after thawing, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. For vegan creaminess, coconut milk or cashew cream works nicely instead of heavy cream.
What type of tomatoes work best?
San Marzano crushed tomatoes are the gold standard for this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe. They’re naturally sweeter and less acidic, which makes for a naturally balanced soup.
Why is heavy cream recommended with no substitutes?
Heavy cream adds a silky texture and richness that other creams or dairy alternatives can’t quite replicate. It helps mellow the acidity while enhancing the soup’s luxurious mouthfeel.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but it requires more prep and cooking time. Fresh, ripe tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and cooked down until soft before blending. Canned crushed tomatoes make this recipe fast and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending is what gives this soup its signature smooth and velvety texture. If you prefer a chunkier style, you can skip blending or blend only half the soup for a heartier finish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving something satisfying on a cozy night in, it delivers every time. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy tomato soup recipe combines crispy bacon, sautéed aromatics, and rich crushed tomatoes to create a comforting and flavorful soup. Finished with fresh basil and optional heavy cream, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1 bunch fresh basil (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (no substitutes; optional)
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and fat has rendered, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic cloves, 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 the flour and Italian seasoning over the mixture, stirring well to combine and cook for another minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring well to incorporate. Add a large stalk of fresh basil, submerging it fully in the liquid. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency, or covered if you want thinner soup.
- Blend: Remove the soup from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Discard the cooked basil stalk. Blend the soup in batches in a blender designed for hot liquids until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream if using, and season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of heavy cream if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use San Marzano canned tomatoes for the best depth of flavor.
- Do not substitute heavy cream with milk or other alternatives to maintain soup richness.
- Cooking uncovered thickens the soup, while covering keeps it thinner.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Blend in batches carefully and follow your blender’s instructions for hot liquids to avoid accidents.
