If you have ever longed for a comforting bowl of homemade goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is here to brighten your kitchen and your spirits. Bursting with fresh flavors from caramelized vegetables, crispy bacon, and the unmistakable sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes, this soup combines hearty texture, vibrant color, and a velvety finish that makes it a timeless classic. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe hits every note with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor—from the savory crunch of bacon to the aromatic burst of fresh basil. These staples not only create depth but also a perfect balance of taste and texture in your bowl.
- Bacon (3 slices, chopped): Adds a smoky, salty depth that enhances the overall richness of the soup.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, roughly chopped): Provide a sweet, caramelized base that forms the heart of the flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Imparts a subtle sharpness and warmth, elevating every spoonful.
- Carrot (1 large, peeled and roughly chopped): Lends natural sweetness and body to enrich the texture.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps to gently thicken the soup, giving it a luscious consistency.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of herbaceous complexity that ties all ingredients together.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Acts as the savory liquid base, enhancing flavors without overpowering.
- Crushed San Marzano tomatoes (2 cans, 28-oz. each): The soul of this recipe, their bright acidity and vibrant color are unmatched.
- Fresh basil (1 bunch, divided): Adds fresh, aromatic notes that brighten each bite.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup, optional): Creates a silky, indulgent finish – no substitutes, please!
- Salt & cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor in the pot.
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, then toss in the chopped bacon. Allow it to cook until it’s beautifully browned and the fat has rendered sufficiently. This step not only creates a delightful base flavor but also adds a touch of crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, lower the heat to medium and add your roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and carrot pieces into the pot. Cooking these until soft and caramelized—about 5 to 8 minutes—builds that irresistible sweetness and depth of flavor. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning in, stirring well to combine; this creates a subtle thickening agent and enhances the herbal profile of your soup.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and canned crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together to meld the flavors. Tuck a large stalk of basil into the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember, for a thicker soup texture, cook uncovered, but if you prefer it looser and more broth-like, leave the lid on to trap moisture.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
After letting the soup cool for about five minutes, remove the cooked basil stalk and carefully blend the soup in batches—following your blender’s directions for hot liquids—to achieve a silky smooth consistency. For the ultimate velvety finish, stir in the optional heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking, then ladle into bowls.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Easy Tomato Soup Recipe with simple yet impactful garnishes like freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness and a subtle drizzle of heavy cream that creates beautiful swirls and adds indulgent richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few crispy bacon bits can also amp up both flavor and texture, making every spoonful a little more exciting.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup is half the fun. Classic grilled cheese sandwiches with perfectly toasted bread and melted cheese or warm, buttered crusty breadsticks are timeless companions. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, which offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s silky texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Easy Tomato Soup Recipe in rustic mini bread bowls for a charming touch or swirl in a pesto drizzle for an herby pop of color. Another idea is topping the soup with a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone cheese before serving—it melts just enough to blend creamy and fresh flavors. Presentation can turn this simple dish into a centerpiece for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tomato soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, let it cool to room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent condensation, which can affect texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave a little space at the top as the soup slightly expands when it freezes.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Tomato Soup Recipe gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add depth, you might sauté mushrooms or use smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor bacon brings.
Is it necessary to use San Marzano tomatoes?
While you can use other crushed tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes are preferred because of their naturally sweet flavor and lower acidity, which really make this soup shine.
Can I skip the heavy cream?
Yes, the heavy cream is optional but highly recommended for that smooth, luscious texture. Without it, the soup will be a bit more tangy and less rich but still delicious.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics or drizzle in some hot sauce just before serving for a bit of heat without overpowering the tomato flavor.
What if I don’t have a blender?
No blender? No problem! Use a hand masher to gently break down the cooked vegetables in the pot for a chunkier, rustic-style soup. Alternatively, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot if you have one.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like it was made just for you, whether on a busy weekday or a slow weekend afternoon. It’s flavorful, simple, and surprisingly versatile, making it a must-keep recipe in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead—whip up a batch, savor that first warm spoonful, and share the joy with those you love.
Print
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy tomato soup recipe combines crispy bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh basil with rich crushed tomatoes and chicken broth for a comforting, flavorful soup. Finished with a touch of heavy cream for smoothness and served with fresh basil, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 bunch fresh basil (divided, for cooking and garnish)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, no substitutes)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- 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 it is browned and the fat has rendered, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot with the bacon. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Add a large stalk of fresh basil, submerging it in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. For a thicker soup, leave the lid off while simmering. For a thinner consistency, cover the pot with a lid.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool for about 5 minutes. Take out and discard the cooked basil stalk. Transfer the soup to a blender in batches, following your blender’s instructions for handling hot liquids, and blend until smooth.
- Finish and serve: Pour the blended soup back into the pot, if desired. Stir in the optional heavy cream to add richness and creaminess. Taste and season with salt and cracked black pepper according to your preference. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of cream if you like.
Notes
- San Marzano tomatoes give a sweeter, richer flavor but canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- Do not substitute heavy cream with alternatives for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust simmer time and lid position to control the soup’s thickness.
- Be cautious when blending hot liquids; blend in small batches to avoid splattering.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
