I have finally perfected The Best Tomato Basil Soup. I started with Campari tomatoes, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, thyme, and oregano to create a distinctive blend. Topped with fresh basil and served with grilled cheese, this recipe offers a creative twist on classic flavors using simple, high-quality ingredients for a refined culinary touch.

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I’ve always been a fan of making soup from scratch and this Easy Roasted Tomato Soup really hit the spot for me the other day. There’s something about the deep flavor of 2 lbs Campari tomatoes that have been halved and roasted that brings out a whole new dimension in flavor.

I tossed them in 3 tbsp of olive oil along with a large chopped onion and 4 garlic cloves, letting the aroma fill my kitchen. Once roasted, I mixed them with 2 cups vegetable broth, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and a dash of dried thyme and oregano.

I even threw in a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity just right. This recipe totally reminds me of some of the best tomato basil soup recipes out there that I grew up loving.

I served mine with a side of grilled cheese made with 2 slices of bread and my favorite cheese, topped off with a few fresh basil leaves for that extra kick. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it brings together flavors that make every spoonful feel like a little hug. First off, the roasted tomatoes and onions give the soup a deep, rich flavor that just hits the spot, and its the kind of taste that makes me feel all warm inside on a cold day. Secondly, the process of roasting the veggies really boosts the natural sweetness and tanginess in a way that I havent seen with any other quick soup recipes. Also, pairing it with a grilled cheese creates this perfect mix of crispy bread and melty cheese with a bowl of comforting soup – its a combo that reminds me of lazy weekend afternoons. Lastly, I love that this recipe is simple to follow but still feels special, making it one of those go-to meals when i need something cozy without too much fuss.

Ingredients

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Campari tomatoes are packed with fibre and antioxidants, giving a naturally sweet and tangy feel
Onions bring a savory boost and essential vitamins, plus they add a bit of sweet depth
Garlic ramps up the taste while offering healthy compounds that may boost your immune system
Olive oil adds smooth richness with healthy fats, making the roast extra delicious
Vegetable broth provides a light umami flavor which helps meld all the ingredients together

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs Campari tomatoes, halved

1 large onion, roughly chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced (or left whole if you prefer)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt (or more to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 cups vegetable broth

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

A pinch of sugar (optional to balance the acidity)

A few fresh basil leaves for garnish

2 slices of bread and 2 slices of your favorite cheese for a side of grilled cheese

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the halved Campari tomatoes, roughly chopped onion, and garlic cloves in the baking dish. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar if you’re using it.

3. Toss everything lightly so that the veggies are coated evenly then spread them out in a single layer.

4. Roast the mixture in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until the tomatoes start to char and the onions turn soft.

5. While the veggies are roasting, heat 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

6. Once the roasted veggies are ready, carefully transfer them into a blender along with the heated broth. Blend until smooth.

7. After blending, pour the soup back into your saucepan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. For the grilled cheese, butter 2 slices of bread and place your favorite cheese between them.

9. Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until both sides turn golden and the cheese melts inside.

10. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve it alongside your grilled cheese to enjoy a warm, comforting meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – preheat to 400°F
2. Large baking sheet – lined with parchment paper
3. Parchment paper – for nonstick roasting surface
4. Knife – for halving tomatoes and chopping onions and garlic
5. Cutting board – to safely prep veggies
6. Mixing bowl – to toss the ingredients evenly (optional, you can also mix on the baking sheet)
7. Medium saucepan – for heating the vegetable broth and simmering the soup later
8. Blender – to puree the roasted veggies with the broth
9. Skillet or frying pan – for grilling the cheese sandwich
10. Spatula – to flip the sandwich while grilling
11. Soup bowls – for serving your finished soup
12. Ladle – to portion out the soup into bowls
13. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure olive oil, broth, and seasonings

These are the basic tools you need to make the recipe.

FAQ

Can I use other types of tomatoes besides Campari?

Sure you can, but Campari tomatoes offer a great mix of sweetness and acidity that really makes the soup pop.

Is it ok to roast the garlic whole?

Yep, whole garlic roasts beautifully and gives the soup a mellow flavor. Just be sure to smash it after roasting.

Do I really need to add sugar?

Sugar is optional, but a pinch can help balance the acidity if you find the tomatoes too tangy.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth, though it might change the flavor slightly.

How do I make the perfect grilled cheese side?

Just butter the bread, add your fav cheese and grill it until golden and melty. It's simple and totally worth it!

Easy Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant get Campari tomatoes, try using roma tomatoes or even a mix of cherry tomatoes instead. They work pretty well in roasted soups
If you’re out of a large onion, small onions or even a few shallots will do the trick. They give a milder, sweeter flavour
Don’t have garlic cloves? You can substitute 1/2 tsp garlic powder per clove and still get that garlicky taste
If you dont have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil can be used. They both roast nicely and bring a similar fat content
Vegetable broth can be swapped with chicken broth if you’re not strictly veggie. This gives the soup a different, richer flavour

Pro Tips

1. If you want more flavor, try letting the veggies get a little extra char on the tomatoes and onions. It kinda brings out a deeper taste and adds a nice smokey touch to the soup.
2. Make sure to let the roasted veggies cool a bit before you put them in the blender. If they’re too hot it might splatter everywhere or even mess up the blender.
3. Always taste your soup when it simmers after blending and add more salt or herbs if needed. Everybody likes a soup that’s just right so don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
4. When making the grilled cheese, keep an eye on the heat. If the pan’s too hot the bread will burn before the cheese melts so try keeping it steady for that perfect golden crunch.