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Tomato Basil Soup

This tomato basil soup takes the traditional canned tomato soup to a whole new level! Super creamy, thick and full of flavor. Tastes amazing served with a crispy grilled cheese and fresh chopped basil.

bowl of creamy tomato soup served with a grilled cheese and fresh basil

Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese is my go-to comfort meal on a gloomy day. I love to cut my grilled cheese into squares and serve it on top with some fresh chopped basil. SO delicious!

This tomato soup is super creamy and full of flavor. The fresh sautéed basil and oregano add a wonderful fragrant taste, while the roux, parmesan and half and half give it the perfect thick consistency. You can even sneak in extra veggies, similar to how I did in my tomato basil cauliflower soup.

We also love to serve this homemade tomato soup in a bread bowl or topped with some crispy homemade croutons or cornbread croutons. And don’t forget the shredded cheese! Because everything is better with cheese, right?? ;)

cooking diced tomatoes, spices and broth for tomato soup in a large blue pot
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Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup

You can’t go wrong with this classic tomato soup! Add in fresh vegetables, roasted tomatoes, and make it smooth or chunky. Just how you like it!

  • Fresh veggies. Although canned tomatoes work great in this recipe, consider using fresh tomatoes and basil (especially when they are in season in the summer). If you get them fresh from your own garden, even better!
  • Roasted tomatoes. Roasting the tomatoes is an easy way to add another layer of depth and flavor into this dish. And if you’re roasting tomatoes, you could also roast the onion and some fresh garlic cloves on the same pan.
  • Blending the soup. For a super smooth consistency, you can blend the soup together in a blender or use an immersion blender in the pot.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To store: Any leftover tomato soup will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.

To freeze: This dish also makes a great freezer meal and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. I do, however, recommend omitting the half and half and Parmesan cheese when freezing. Dairy tends to separate when frozen, so it’s the safer bet to leave it out. Then when reheating the soup, simply mix both the half and half and Parmesan back in.

To reheat: To reheat from frozen, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight. Then heat in a pan on the stove (or in the microwave) until warm.

bowl of tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons on top

Ways to Serve

If you’re wondering what goes well with tomato soup, you can add toppings like shredded cheese or croutons, or serve alongside a grilled cheese or baked potato. Add another family favorite soup like broccoli cheese soup for a get together. These are all So flavorful and delicious options!

bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil on top

More Soup Recipes:

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bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil on top

Tomato Basil Soup

5 from 11 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
This tomato basil soup takes the traditional canned tomato soup to a whole new level! Super creamy, thick and full of flavor. Tastes amazing served with a crispy grilled cheese and fresh chopped basil.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ cup yellow onion , chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh basil , chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano , chopped (or 1 teaspoon ground dried oregano)
  • 29 ounces diced tomatoes with juice , you can use fresh or 2 cans
  • 4 cups chicken stock , or vegetable stock
  • 10 ounce can condensed tomato soup
  • 5 Tablespoons salted butter
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 ¾ cups half and half
  • 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , plus more to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine the oil and chopped onion and cook over medium-heat for 3-5 minutes, or until onion is tender. Stir in the basil and oregano and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes (with juice), chicken stock and tomato soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate pan, melt the butter over low heat. Slowly mix in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until roux turns golden. Slowly whisk in the hot water until the roux is smooth and has thickened. Add the roux to the soup and stir well, then slowly stir in the half and half.
  • Once the mixture is well combined, stir in the parmesan, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. If desired, add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Note: This soup tastes great with a crispy grilled cheese or homemade croutons. My family also loves it served in homemade bread bowls
Storing: This soup will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1425mg | Potassium: 856mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1116IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 379mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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