Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes

When I was little, my grandma used to make tomato soup with fresh tomatoes from her backyard garden, simmering the ripest red beauties until the kitchen filled with a scent I’ll never forget. No cans, no shortcuts — just pure summer sunshine in every spoonful. This recipe brings that memory right back, using oven-roasted Campari tomatoes, sweet caramelized garlic, and fragrant basil to create a deeply flavorful bowl of comfort.

There’s something so satisfying about making tomato soup with fresh tomatoes from scratch. It’s the kind of simple joy that makes you slow down, sip gently, and maybe even grab a grilled cheese for dunking. Whether you’re serving it for lunch on a rainy day or prepping ahead for the week, this soup feels like home, one ladle at a time.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tomato soup with fresh tomatoes brings out all the rich, natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes — with none of the tinny taste canned versions sometimes leave behind.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve as a first course for guests. With just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, and under 45 minutes total, this one’s a keeper.

You’ll love how velvety it turns out thanks to a swirl of cream, though you can skip it for a vegan version and still keep that deep roasted flavor.

Kid-approved and freezer-friendly, it’s perfect for busy households. You can make it ahead, reheat, and it tastes even better the next day.

And if you’re leaning into fall flavors or craving cozy meals, pair it with other ideas from our collection of fall dinner recipes to round out your menu beautifully.

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Ingredient Overview

Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, adding depth and just a whisper of smokiness that makes this tomato soup with fresh tomatoes sing. With garlic, basil, and a kiss of cream, this recipe layers flavor in the most comforting way.

• Campari Tomatoes (or tomatoes on the vine): Juicy, sweet, and perfect for roasting. They break down beautifully in the oven.

• Olive Oil: Helps everything caramelize and adds richness.

• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

• Garlic: Roasted to mellow perfection. Feel free to add extra if you love it as much as I do.

• Kosher Salt, Oregano & Smoked Paprika: These pantry staples add savory depth and that little hint of warmth.

• Vegetable Broth: Light but flavorful — or swap for chicken stock if you’d like it heartier.

• Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Fresh Basil: Bright and aromatic — it lifts the whole dish.

Garnish with torn basil leaves and a swirl of cream for a pretty finish. I love serving it alongside crusty bread or pairing with one of our seasonal fall soup recipes for a cozy combo.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables for Roasting

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Slice your fresh tomatoes in half and place them cut side up in a deep baking dish. Add the onion chunks and garlic cloves, making sure they’re spread out evenly for optimal roasting. This is the beginning of flavor-packed tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, and the roasting brings everything to life.

Step 2: Season Generously

Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle in the salt, oregano, and smoked paprika. Give it all a gentle toss to coat well. The seasoning will infuse each bite with bold, rustic notes. Tip: Use your hands for this part — it’s the best way to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Juicy

Place the dish in the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The tomatoes will blister and release their juices, and the garlic will turn beautifully sweet. This step is what gives this tomato soup with fresh tomatoes that signature depth you can’t get from a can.

Step 4: Blend It Smooth

Transfer all the roasted vegetables — along with those glorious juices — into a large pot. Add the fresh basil and blend until smooth using an immersion blender. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works too (just let the veggies cool slightly first).

Step 5: Add Broth and Cream

Once blended, stir in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Gently reheat over medium-low until the soup is warm and creamy. This is where tomato soup with fresh tomatoes becomes silky, soothing, and full-bodied.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste your soup and season as needed. If it’s a bit acidic (some tomatoes are just bold like that), add a tiny spoonful of sugar to mellow it out.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Ladle into bowls and top with a swirl of cream and fresh basil. Serve with grilled cheese, crusty sourdough, or even one of our comforting mains from the chicken breast crockpot recipes section for a hearty pairing.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Roast longer for depth: Letting your tomatoes roast closer to 40 minutes gives your tomato soup with fresh tomatoes a richer, more caramelized base. Don’t rush the oven magic.

Use a mix of tomatoes: If you have garden-fresh cherry or heirloom tomatoes, mix them in with Campari or vine tomatoes. The variety brings out complexity in your tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, and it’s a great way to reduce waste.

Fresh basil at the end: Stir a little extra basil in right before serving. It wakes up the whole dish and adds that vibrant aroma. You’ll taste the garden in every spoonful.

Strain for smoothness: Want that ultra-silky restaurant feel? Pass your tomato soup with fresh tomatoes through a fine mesh sieve after blending. It’s a little effort, but wow, what a texture.

Store smart: This soup freezes like a dream. Make a double batch and freeze half in wide-mouth jars. It’s perfect for quick dinners or cozy lunches. Pair with one of our nourishing fall soup recipes for a flavor-packed week.

Variations

Make it vegan: Skip the cream and use full-fat coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream. The result is still a velvety tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, with a hint of tropical richness.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a swirl of harissa when blending. It’s a cozy twist that takes your tomato soup with fresh tomatoes from mild to bold.

Add grains: Stir in cooked farro or orzo for a heartier bowl. It transforms this soup into a filling lunch or light dinner. A warm slice of bread or a salad from our fall dinner recipes makes it even better.

Try smoked toppings: Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked sea salt or smoked cheddar. It echoes the paprika and turns your tomato soup with fresh tomatoes into something next-level savory.

Go dairy-free: For a lighter touch, simply leave out the cream. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top can still deliver that luxurious finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of tomato soup with fresh tomatoes is soul-soothing all on its own, but it truly shines alongside a crisp grilled cheese sandwich, toasted sourdough, or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For family dinners, I like pairing it with garlic parmesan croutons and a cozy protein option from our chicken breast crockpot recipes collection. If you’re entertaining or planning ahead, serve smaller portions of this tomato soup with fresh tomatoes as a starter before a hearty main course from our fall dinner recipes archive. It’s elegant, comforting, and easy to prepare in batches for guests or weeknight meals.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly grounding about slowing down and making tomato soup with fresh tomatoes from scratch. It connects you to the season, to your senses, and maybe even to memories of family kitchens filled with warmth. Whether you’re craving a moment of calm, prepping a cozy dinner, or sharing a nourishing bowl with someone you love — this recipe brings comfort and flavor in equal measure.

Now it’s your turn to bring this tomato soup with fresh tomatoes to life in your own kitchen. I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below with your experience, your favorite twist, or even a photo of your cozy setup. And if you share your version on Instagram or Pinterest, be sure to tag us — I can’t wait to see what you create!

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!