If you’re searching for a soup that wraps you in warmth and brings the sweet, tangy essence of fresh tomatoes straight to your bowl, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, velvety soup boasting layers of flavor from caramelized roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy Parmesan. Whether you need a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers every single time, with a perfect balance of acidity, creaminess, and herbaceous brightness that will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe is like meeting old friends who each bring their own special touch. These simple yet carefully selected items ensure the soup’s vibrant color, luscious texture, and incredible depth of flavor shine through in every spoonful.
- 3 lbs ripe tomatoes: Choose the ripest tomatoes you can find for maximum sweetness and juiciness, which are the heart of the soup.
- 1 large yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and backbone flavor once roasted and softened.
- 8 garlic cloves: Roasting mellow garlic tones enhances overall richness without any sharp bite.
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: This coats the veggies for roasting, infusing a fruity aroma and crisp caramelization.
- 2 tsp fine sea salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances acidity.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle, warming spice to elevate the soup’s complexity.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock: Forms the flavorful liquid base that blends all ingredients seamlessly.
- 4 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsp dried): Introduces a fresh, herbal note that’s essential to the recipe’s character.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy mouthfeel that comforts and satisfies.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory umami boost with every bite.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and deepens the color of the soup.
- 2 tsp sugar: Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly rounded taste.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Arrange the halved or quartered tomatoes, quartered onions, and peeled garlic cloves on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt and the freshly ground black pepper. Roasting for 45 to 50 minutes allows the tomatoes and onions to caramelize beautifully, concentrating all those natural flavors until their edges turn golden brown. This step is where the foundation of your Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe truly develops its rich, deep taste.
Step 2: Blend Half the Roasted Mixture
Once the vegetables have cooled slightly, add half of them along with one cup of stock and two tablespoons of chopped basil into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. This puree forms the base of your soup and ensures that every spoonful is creamy and luxurious. Pour this mixture into a large soup pot or Dutch oven as you get ready for the next blend.
Step 3: Blend the Remaining Roasted Veggies
Repeat the previous blending step with the remaining roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic, adding the rest of the stock and basil. Be sure to include any flavorful juices left on the pan to capture every bit of that roasted goodness. Transfer the second batch of puree to the pot, joining the first batch for a perfectly balanced soup blend.
Step 4: Simmer and Enrich the Soup
Place the soup pot over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, and the rest of the salt. Keep stirring to melt the cheese evenly and create that silky smooth texture we all crave in a creamy soup. Taste as you go because this is your chance to add a little more cream, sugar, salt, or pepper to tailor it exactly to your liking. This finishing step transforms the dish into the luscious Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves right before serving. A swirl of extra cream can add a beautiful touch and extra richness. These simple toppings not only make the soup look irresistible but also magnify the herbal and cheesy notes that make the Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe so special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs famously with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, creating a nostalgic, comfort-food combo that’s hard to beat. For a lighter side, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy tomato goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls or rustic mugs. You can also garnish with a drizzle of basil oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little kick. Serving the soup with Parmesan crisps made from baked cheese adds a delightful crunch and a gourmet twist to the classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Flavors tend to deepen after a day, so leftovers can be just as enjoyable, if not more, than freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for later, it freezes well too. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to leave some room for expansion to prevent cracks or spills.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the cream from separating. You might find that adding a splash of stock or cream helps revive the soup’s luscious texture after freezing. Avoid boiling, as that can affect the texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the Parmesan, try a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that savory bite.
Do I have to peel the tomatoes before roasting?
No need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe. Roasting softens the skins, and blending the soup makes everything silky smooth without any bitterness from the skins.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh ripe tomatoes give the best flavor and sweetness, you can use high-quality canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just skip the roasting step and adjust seasoning accordingly for the best results.
How do I store leftover soup with cream in it?
The soup with cream should be refrigerated promptly in a sealed container. Consume within three days for the best flavor and to maintain food safety.
What is the best way to adjust the soup’s thickness?
If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more stock or cream while simmering. For a thicker consistency, cook the soup a little longer to reduce, or blend in less stock during the initial steps.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe truly captures the magic of simple ingredients transformed through roasting and blending into a dish that’s cozy, elegant, and endlessly satisfying. I can’t recommend enough making a big pot to enjoy now and savor later because every spoonful feels like a warm hug from the inside. Give it a try, invite a few friends over, and watch how this soup becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Tomato Soup is a creamy, warm, and comforting dish bursting with fresh tomato flavor enhanced by the caramelization of roasted vegetables. It features a smooth blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic, enriched with cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect served alongside grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s an ideal hearty meal for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved lengthwise if small/medium, or quartered if large
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered and separated into smaller pieces
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled and ends trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tsp sugar, plus more to taste
Liquids & Broth
- 2 cups chicken stock, or vegetable stock for vegetarian option
- ½ cup heavy cream, plus more to taste
Herbs & Cheese
- 4 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving, or 2 tsp dried basil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the cut tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges of the tomatoes and onions begin to brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Blend First Half: Add half of the roasted tomato mixture along with 1 cup of broth and 2 tablespoons of chopped basil to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then transfer the puree to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and set aside.
- Blend Second Half: Add the remaining roasted tomato mixture and any accumulated juices from the baking sheet to the blender. Add the remaining 1 cup of broth and 2 tablespoons of basil. Blend until smooth and transfer to the pot with the first batch.
- Simmer Soup: Heat the combined soup over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, tomato paste, sugar, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt. Keep stirring to melt the cheese evenly into the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional cream, sugar, salt, or pepper as desired. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with your choice of sides, ideally grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic pairing.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make this recipe vegetarian.
- The roasting step is crucial to develop deep, caramelized flavors in the soup.
- Adjust the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes according to taste.
- For a vegan version, omit the cream and Parmesan and use plant-based alternatives.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for an indulgent comfort meal.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American