There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially during the holiday season when cozy meals feel extra special. This tomato soup is rich, velvety, slightly sweet, and gently spiced—perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or lazy days at home. It warms you from the inside out and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled cheese to crunchy garlic bread.
What makes this soup so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. With roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream, it becomes a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a festive appetizer, or a comforting dinner, this holiday tomato soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
2. Ingredients
This recipe uses fresh tomatoes paired with pantry staples to create a beautifully rich, smooth, and cozy soup that tastes homemade and festive.
Ingredients
- 6–7 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Key Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are the backbone of the soup, giving natural sweetness and rich flavor.
- Garlic & Onion: These build the savory base that makes the soup aromatic and flavorful.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and enhances the tomato flavor.
- Broth: Gives a smooth, comforting richness to the soup.
- Cream: Makes the soup velvety and luxurious—perfect for holiday comfort.
Optional Add-Ons / Variations
- Roasted Red Pepper: Add one roasted pepper for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Extra Creamy: Increase cream or swirl in cream cheese.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheesy Soup: Stir in shredded parmesan for richness.
- Chunky Version: Blend only half the soup and leave the rest textured.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
The workflow is simple: roast the tomatoes, sauté aromatics, simmer the soup, blend to perfection, and enjoy warm.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cut tomatoes in half and peel the onion.
- Prepare garlic cloves by leaving them whole for roasting.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cooking Steps
- Roast the Tomatoes: Place tomatoes, garlic, and onions on a tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and roast for 25–30 minutes until slightly caramelized.
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot, melt butter and add roasted onions and garlic. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes: Add roasted tomatoes to the pot along with dried basil and oregano.
- Pour Broth: Add broth and sugar, then simmer for 10–12 minutes to blend flavors.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream for a silky finish and stir well.
- Taste & Adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle into bowls and garnish with basil, parsley, or a drizzle of cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan or croutons for crunch.
- Serve in festive mugs during holiday gatherings.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes
These tips ensure your holiday tomato soup is always rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Roast the tomatoes—it boosts their sweetness and flavor.
- Blend thoroughly for the smoothest, velvety texture.
- Add sugar sparingly—just enough to balance acidity.
- Simmer gently to avoid bitterness from overheating tomatoes.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for holiday freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe tomatoes (leads to sour soup).
- Overheating cream, which can cause separation.
- Skipping roasting—it adds essential depth.
- Not seasoning enough—tomato soup needs salt to shine.
- Blending too long when hot; always vent blender lid.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Replace with canned crushed tomatoes for convenience.
- Cream: Use coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess.
- Butter: Swap with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian.
- Herbs: Replace basil and oregano with thyme or rosemary.
Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations
- Low-Calorie: Skip the cream and use extra broth.
- Extra Thick: Add a boiled potato before blending.
- Bold Flavor: Add roasted garlic or smoked paprika.
- Chunky Soup: Blend only half the batch.
- Protein Boost: Serve with shredded chicken or beans.
5. Storage & Reheating
This soup stores wonderfully and tastes even better the next day.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Stir before reheating to reincorporate cream.
Freezing
Freeze without cream for best texture. Lasts up to 2 months.
Add cream after reheating once thawed.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring gently.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, mixing between each.
- Avoid boiling, especially after adding cream.
6. Nutrition (Optional)
Estimated per serving:
- Calories: ~180–240
- Protein: 3–4 g
- Carbohydrates: 15–20 g
- Fat: 10–14 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
7. Conclusion
This cozy holiday tomato soup is warm, comforting, and full of rich flavor—perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. With roasted tomatoes, creamy texture, and aromatic herbs, it’s a bowl that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. Whether served as a starter or a satisfying meal on its own, this soup is one you’ll love making all season long.