Roasted Tomato Soup With Crispy Croutons

A bowl of homemade roasted tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a depth of flavor that canned alternatives simply cannot match. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, and onions into a vibrant, velvety masterpiece through the power of oven roasting. Topped with golden, garlic-infused croutons, it's a soul-warming dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

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The secret to this soup's success lies in the roasting tray. By allowing the tomatoes and garlic to blister and soften in the oven, you develop a smoky, concentrated essence that defines the final dish. It’s an easy, hands-off technique that yields professional-quality results every single time.

Ingredients

• For the Roasted Tomato Soup
• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for creaminess)
• For the Crispy Croutons
• 4 thick slices day-old bread, cut into 2 cm (¾ in) cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Arrange the halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on a large baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss gently to coat.

Step 3

Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and the onions are soft.

Step 4

While the vegetables roast, prepare the croutons: In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake (can share the oven with the tomatoes) for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Step 5

Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a large saucepan. Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to purée the soup until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with crispy croutons. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar while simmering the soup. This enhances the roasted notes and provides a subtle complexity to the finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Make it vegan by using coconut cream instead of dairy cream. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread when preparing the crispy croutons.

Serviervorschläge

Serve with fresh basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for garnish. This soup also pairs beautifully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate dipping experience.

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Whether it's a rainy afternoon or a quiet weekday evening, this roasted tomato soup is guaranteed to bring warmth to your kitchen. With its rich color and hearty croutons, it’s a simple pleasure that proves fresh ingredients truly make the best meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup actually develops deeper flavors when made ahead. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

→ What type of tomatoes work best?

Roma, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes all work beautifully. The key is choosing fully ripe, flavorful tomatoes as roasting concentrates their natural sweetness. Even slightly overripe tomatoes will roast wonderfully.

→ How do I make this vegan?

Simply substitute coconut cream, cashew cream, or your favorite non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream. The soup remains just as velvety and satisfying without any dairy products.

→ Can I use canned tomatoes instead?

Fresh tomatoes work best for roasting, but in a pinch, you can use high-quality canned whole tomatoes drained and patted dry. Skip the roasting step and simmer longer to develop flavor.

→ What can I serve alongside this?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette also make excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.