Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

There’s just something about the first crisp chill of autumn that makes me reach for my Dutch oven and crave something warm, comforting, and soul-hugging. This roasted tomato basil soup has been in my seasonal rotation for years—ever since a leaf-crunching stroll through a Wisconsin farmer’s market led me to a basket of heirloom Romas. I roasted them that evening, tossed in some basil from my windowsill pot, and the magic happened. Rich, creamy, tangy-sweet—it felt like a hug in a bowl. And let me tell you, nothing pairs better with grilled cheese and wool socks.

Whether you’re prepping for cozy Sunday dinners, meal prepping for the week, or simply want to lean into delicious fall food ideas, this soup brings the flavors of the season in the most heartwarming way.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a shining star among fall food ideas because it’s packed with bold flavor but couldn’t be simpler to make. Roasting the tomatoes deepens their sweetness, giving every spoonful a lush, smoky depth.

The addition of garlic, onion, and fresh basil brings familiar comfort, while the heavy cream rounds out the richness. It’s an easy recipe that tastes like it simmered for hours—ready in about 90 minutes total (much of that hands-off roasting time).

It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking healthy-ish comfort food. Want to make it vegetarian or lighter? You’ll love the flexible options. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or those adorable garlic croutons, it always satisfies.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this one’s a fall favorite you’ll crave again and again. Truly, it’s one of the best fall food ideas you can bring to your kitchen this season.

Print

Ingredient Overview

This roasted tomato basil soup is autumn in a bowl—velvety, fragrant, and nourishing. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re planning your weeknight meals or building your list of go-to fall food ideas, this soup should be high on your list.

• Roma Tomatoes: Roasting these intensifies their sweetness and adds a toasty, earthy note that’s essential to the soup’s base.

• Olive Oil & Butter: The dynamic fat duo—olive oil for heart-healthy depth, butter for comforting richness.

• Yellow Onion: Offers mellow sweetness once sautéed, grounding the brightness of the tomatoes.

• Garlic Cloves: Don’t skip these—four cloves deepen the flavor beautifully.

• Fresh Thyme: A whisper of woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with roasted tomatoes.

• San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes: These premium canned tomatoes reinforce that deep tomato flavor and smooth texture.

• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous and bright, basil brings life to the entire dish.

• Sugar: Just a touch helps balance out acidity without making the soup sweet.

• Chicken Stock: Adds body and savory undertone; use veggie stock if keeping it vegetarian.

• Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy finish—your spoon will glide through it like silk.

Food styling tip: Top each bowl with golden homemade garlic croutons and a swirl of cream for a stunning presentation.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Roma Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lay your halved Roma tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked pepper. Roast for 1 hour—this caramelizes the sugars and unlocks that deep, smoky flavor that makes this one of the best fall food ideas out there.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, letting it all sizzle together for 1 more minute. That aroma? Pure comfort.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, add the sugar, and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to bloom and meld. You’re creating a foundation that defines cozy fall food ideas.

Step 4: Add Roasted Tomatoes and Stock

Carefully pour the roasted tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Tip: Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom—it’s a lazy simmer, not a boil.

Step 5: Blend Until Velvety

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup right in the pot until silky smooth. No immersion blender? Blend in batches using a traditional blender—but work cautiously with hot liquid. Return the puréed soup to the pot when done.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Now stir in the heavy cream. You’ll see the soup transform into a velvety, elegant bowl of joy. Simmer for 5 more minutes, and taste for seasoning—you might want a pinch more salt or basil.

Step 7: Make Quick Garlic Croutons (Optional but Magical)

Toss cubed bread with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Bake at 400°F for 7 minutes until crisp and golden. These little toasty bites are the crown jewel of many great fall food ideas.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Top with a swirl of cream, a few croutons, and a touch of fresh basil if you like. You’ve just created a dish that wraps fall around a spoon.

Pro Tips

For truly unforgettable fall food ideas, roast your tomatoes until their edges caramelize and slightly char. This adds smoky depth that canned tomatoes alone can’t match. Roasting is hands-off, but it makes all the difference in taste.

Always use fresh basil if possible. It lifts the soup with a burst of herbaceous brightness. If you must use dried, reduce the quantity—dried herbs are more concentrated and can overpower the gentle balance of this dish.

Blend carefully! Use an immersion blender for safety and ease, but if using a regular blender, purée in batches and always vent the lid. Hot soup expands quickly and we don’t want kitchen explosions—only delicious results.

To enhance richness without heavy cream, stir in full-fat coconut milk. It creates a luxurious texture while keeping things dairy-free. This is one of those little kitchen swaps that turns standard fall food ideas into creative, crowd-pleasing dishes.

Don’t forget your garnish game. A drizzle of olive oil, cracked black pepper, or even a few pumpkin seeds on top adds contrast and crunch. And if you love soups, check out our fall soups recipe for more cozy inspiration.

Variations

To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken stock for a rich vegetable broth. It still offers a deep, savory flavor and keeps the soup plant-based without compromising the seasonal appeal of great fall food ideas.

Want to make it heartier? Add cooked white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken to the finished soup. These protein boosts turn your warm bowl into a more filling meal.

For a smoky twist, try using fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano. They bring an extra layer of rustic, autumn-ready flavor that enhances the base beautifully.

If basil isn’t your favorite, go for sage or rosemary. Their earthy tones blend perfectly with roasted tomato and give a more woodsy spin to your fall food ideas repertoire.

And for a slow-cooker version, add all ingredients (except cream and basil) to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, blend, stir in cream, and enjoy. If you like hands-off cozy meals, you’ll love our fall meal ideas – white chicken chili too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This roasted tomato basil soup is a cozy masterpiece on its own, but it truly shines when paired with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a rustic sourdough loaf. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a leafy fall salad with roasted squash or apples. You can even set up a soup-and-sides dinner board—great for gatherings and autumnal celebrations. If you’re curating your menu around flavorful fall food ideas, try rounding out the meal with our fall foods mini pumpkin loaves for a sweet finish that complements the savory warmth of the soup.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a dish from scratch that not only nourishes your body but feeds your soul. This roasted tomato basil soup wraps you in warmth and brings together the rich, savory elements we all crave when cooler weather settles in. As you explore new fall food ideas, let this soup be a foundation—a reminder that comfort can come in the simplest of bowls.

If this recipe speaks to you, there’s a whole world of seasonal dishes waiting to be discovered in our dinner collection, all built to inspire your inner home cook.

Try this recipe for yourself and let your kitchen smell like autumn. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below or share your version on pinterest and tag us so we can see your delicious creations!

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.