There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy roasted garlic tomato soup on a chilly day. The way the roasted tomatoes blend with caramelized garlic creates a silky, rich flavor that feels both rustic and comforting. I’ve made many versions of tomato soup, but this one always makes it to the top of our table because it’s simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. In this article, I’ll share why you’ll love it, what ingredients bring it to life, how to make it step by step, and a few tips to keep it versatile.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup
Comfort in Every Spoonful
Creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and savor each bite. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness while the garlic softens into a buttery richness. Blended together with cream, the result is velvety smooth. It’s not just a starter; it’s a meal that satisfies on its own or pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Easy Yet Flavor-Packed
The best part? It’s incredibly easy. A handful of pantry staples; tomatoes, garlic, broth, and cream, come together in less than an hour. Unlike canned versions, this roasted tomato soup tastes fresh and homemade without being complicated. It’s also customizable: you can keep it light with milk, make it dairy-free with coconut cream, or add spice with red pepper flakes. Recipes like my Copycat Dolly Parton Stampede Soup prove that comfort food doesn’t need to be fussy, and this soup follows the same philosophy; big flavor, simple steps.
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Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Rich and creamy roasted garlic tomato soup made with roasted tomatoes, garlic, cream, and fresh herbs.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs Roma tomatoes
1 head garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve tomatoes and place on baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap garlic in foil with oil and add to sheet.
3. Roast for 35 minutes until tomatoes blister and garlic turns golden.
4. Squeeze garlic cloves from skins. Transfer garlic and tomatoes to blender.
5. Add broth and blend until smooth. Strain for extra silky texture if desired.
6. Return soup to pot, stir in cream, and simmer 10 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning and garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
For dairy-free version, use coconut milk or oat cream.
Freeze without cream for up to 3 months and stir in cream when reheating.
Add red pepper flakes for spice or roasted red peppers for smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients for the Best Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Fresh and Flavorful Staples
The beauty of creamy roasted garlic tomato soup lies in its simplicity. Ripe Roma or plum tomatoes form the base, bringing a rich depth once roasted. Garlic is the star player here; when roasted, it turns sweet, mellow, and almost buttery, infusing the soup with irresistible flavor. Olive oil helps caramelize both garlic and tomatoes while adding a smooth finish. Vegetable or chicken broth provides body, and a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half creates the creamy consistency that makes every spoonful feel indulgent. Don’t skip the salt, black pepper, and fresh basil; they elevate this roasted tomato soup from basic to unforgettable.
Ingredient Swaps and Pantry Shortcuts
You don’t always need the freshest produce to make a bowl of comfort. In colder months, canned fire-roasted tomatoes can stand in beautifully. If you’re watching dairy, coconut milk or oat cream makes a wonderful alternative. Red chili flakes or smoked paprika can add warmth, while parmesan cheese offers a nutty kick when stirred in before serving. For those who love experimenting, tossing in roasted red peppers adds a smoky sweetness that blends seamlessly with tomatoes. Much like my Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, this recipe proves you can take humble pantry items and turn them into something memorable with just a little roasting magic.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Roast for Depth of Flavor
The secret to this creamy roasted tomato soup is in the roasting. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Halve your tomatoes, drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them cut-side up. Nestle a head of garlic, drizzled with oil and wrapped in foil, onto the pan. Roast everything for about 35 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is golden. This step unlocks natural sweetness and transforms ordinary ingredients into the soul of the soup.
Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once cooled slightly, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and transfer them with the tomatoes into a blender. Add warm broth and blend until smooth. For an extra-luxurious texture, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Pour the soup back into a pot, stir in cream, adjust seasoning, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. The result? A silky roasted garlic tomato soup that’s both hearty and elegant. Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of cream on top. Similar to my Thai Chicken Soup, the process is straightforward yet the flavors feel restaurant-worthy, making it a dish you’ll crave on repeat.
Tips and Variations for Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is how adaptable it is. If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for milk or even unsweetened almond milk. For a richer texture, stir in a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese before serving. Adding roasted red peppers or a splash of balsamic vinegar can give it a new layer of flavor. Spice lovers might toss in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne, while herb fans can finish with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a swirl of pesto.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This soup is endlessly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a classic grilled cheese, or switch things up with a crusty baguette brushed with garlic butter. You can even drizzle it with olive oil and top it with homemade croutons for extra crunch. If you’re looking to stretch the meal, serve it alongside a heartier option like my White Bean Soup, which adds a boost of plant-based protein while keeping the comfort-food vibe. The beauty of roasted tomato soup is that it can be elegant for a dinner party yet cozy enough for a weeknight family meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make roasted garlic tomato soup without cream?
Absolutely. If you’d like to enjoy roasted tomato soup without dairy, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or oat cream. Both alternatives add a smooth, creamy texture without changing the flavor too much. You can also blend in cooked white beans for thickness, giving the soup body while adding protein.
How do I thicken roasted tomato soup naturally?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes so the liquid reduces. You can also blend in a slice of stale bread, a handful of cooked rice, or extra roasted vegetables. These natural thickeners keep the soup hearty without overpowering the tomato and garlic flavors.
Can I freeze roasted garlic tomato soup for later?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze it before adding the cream. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove, and stir in cream at the end. This keeps the texture silky and fresh.
What’s the best way to store and reheat creamy roasted tomato soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often so the cream doesn’t separate. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Final Touch
Creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes, while garlic adds depth and warmth. With just a few pantry ingredients and some simple roasting, you can create a dish that’s cozy, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled cheese, serving it at a dinner party, or freezing it for later, this roasted tomato soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.
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