Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Croutons is a classic comfort food with a modern twist. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor. Fresh basil and a touch of garlic create a fragrant, aromatic base, while crunchy homemade croutons provide the perfect textural contrast.

This soup is silky, vibrant, and deeply satisfying, perfect for cozy evenings, lunch with a sandwich, or as a starter for dinner parties. Every spoonful bursts with the natural flavor of fresh tomatoes and herbs, making it a timeless favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because roasting the tomatoes transforms them into a sweet, caramelized, and flavorful base that’s far superior to a standard boiled soup.

The fresh basil adds brightness and aromatic freshness, while the croutons give a delightful crunch. It’s comforting, healthy, and simple, yet elegant enough to impress guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Rich, flavorful, and naturally sweet from roasted tomatoes.
Fresh basil enhances the flavor without overpowering.
Crunchy croutons add texture and elevate the soup experience.
Healthy, light, and gluten-free if served without croutons.
Ideal for casual meals, lunchboxes, or as a starter for special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Course: Soup, Starter, Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional for creamier soup)

For the Croutons:

2 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Roast tomatoes, onion, and garlic until caramelized.
Blend roasted vegetables with broth until smooth.
Add basil and cream, then season to taste.
Make croutons by tossing bread cubes with oil, garlic, and seasoning, then bake until golden.
Serve soup hot with croutons on top.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast Vegetables

Place halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Roast for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and slightly shriveled.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender or use an immersion blender in a pot.
Add vegetable broth and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Add Basil and Cream

Stir in chopped fresh basil and optional cream.
Heat gently over medium heat and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Prepare Croutons

Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a separate baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with warm, crunchy croutons.
Optionally drizzle with extra cream or olive oil.

How to Serve

Serve warm as a main dish with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Garnish with extra fresh basil or a swirl of cream for presentation.
Perfect as an appetizer for dinner parties or a cozy family meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use the ripest tomatoes possible for maximum flavor.
Roasting garlic whole adds sweetness and reduces sharpness.
For a smoother soup, strain after blending.
Croutons can be flavored with Parmesan for extra richness.

Variations

Spicy Tomato Basil: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while roasting.
Creamy Version: Use more heavy cream or add mascarpone cheese.
Herb Variations: Add oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Tip: Add fresh basil after reheating for best flavor.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet and parchment paper
Blender or immersion blender
Soup pot
Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, use 2 cans (28 oz each) of whole peeled tomatoes. Skip roasting but roast garlic and onions.

Q2: Can I make croutons ahead of time?
Yes, store baked croutons in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I make the soup cream-free?
Absolutely! The roasted tomato flavor is rich enough on its own.

Q4: How do I make it extra smooth?
Blend thoroughly and strain through a fine mesh sieve before serving.

Conclusion

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Croutons is a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Its naturally sweet, caramelized tomatoes combined with aromatic basil and crunchy croutons create a classic soup experience elevated to gourmet quality. Easy to make, adaptable, and always satisfying, this soup is a must-try for anyone who loves the warmth of homemade comfort food.