Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup

Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup brings bright roasted tomatoes and mellow roasted garlic together in a silky, comforting bowl. This recipe turns pantry staples into a dinner that feels special but is simple to pull off on a weeknight. If you like soothing, rich soups, you might also enjoy a twist on creamy chicken soups for colder nights, such as this anti-inflammatory creamy chicken soup that uses gentle spices and vegetables for body and warmth.

A warm bowl that hits the spot

This soup appeals because it feels seasonal and simple at once. Roasting concentrates tomato flavor and softens garlic, so the soup tastes deeper with very little fuss. It works as a light lunch, a starter for a weekend meal, or the main event with a slice of crusty bread. If you enjoy a bolder soup, try pairing it with a sharper contrast like the bright layers in this Chinese hot and sour soup; the contrast is fun and keeps meals interesting.

What makes this soup special

The first reason to love this soup is its cozy, familiar flavor built from everyday ingredients. Roasted tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than raw ones. Slow-roasted garlic becomes nutty and buttery, and a splash of cream or a dairy-free alternative makes the texture smooth and satisfying.

The second reason is speed and ease. Once the tomatoes and garlic go in the oven, most hands-off time is passive. The active steps sautéing aromatics and blending are straightforward. For a change of pace, compare timing and flavors with another quick favorite, like the lively bite of hot and sour soup, which offers a different, faster finish.

Ingredients, amounts, and swaps

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 whole head of garlic, top trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

These ingredients give deep tomato flavor with a creamy finish. Good stock lifts the base; if you want a lighter soup, use low-sodium stock and adjust salt at the end. For inspiration on creamy, baked-style dishes that use similar pantry items, see this creamy chicken and mushroom bake.

Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs

• To make it vegan: swap cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegetable stock.
• Lower fat: use light coconut milk or a splash of milk with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for richness.
• Gluten-free: the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your stock is.

Smart Variation (Optional)

Add a roasted red pepper for sweetness, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste while sautéing the onion for more concentrated tomato character.

Cooking the soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tomatoes and the trimmed garlic head with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet, cut side up for tomatoes, and roast 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
2. When slightly cooled, squeeze roasted garlic cloves from the head into a bowl. Roughly chop roasted tomatoes if you prefer smaller pieces before blending.
3. In a large pot, warm remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Add roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and stock to the pot. Simmer 10 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer carefully in batches to a blender. Return to the pot and stir in cream or coconut milk. Heat through but do not boil hard. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot with basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh ground black pepper. Offer crusty bread or a grilled cheese for dipping.

Step	Details
1	Roast tomatoes and garlic at 400°F until caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
2	Sauté onion, add roasted vegetables and stock, simmer 10 minutes.
3	Blend until smooth, stir in cream, and warm gently before serving.

Tips for Texture, Timing & Tools

• Use an immersion blender for an easy single-pot finish. A countertop blender works too; blend in batches and watch the hot liquid.
• For a chunkier texture, reserve a cup of the roasted tomatoes and stir them in after blending.
• If the soup is too acidic, stir in a small pinch of sugar or a grated carrot before blending to balance it.
• Make-ahead: the flavors deepen overnight plan to reheat gently the next day. For more baked-comfort ideas that pair well, try this creamy chicken and mushroom bake.

Keeping and warming leftovers

How to Store Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup Right

Cool the soup to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat. Add a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much.

A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

This soup scales well and rewards small tweaks. Roast a larger batch of tomatoes to have quick lunches all week, or double the recipe and freeze portions for busy days.

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Common questions people ask

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes. Use two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes, drain some of the liquid if they’re watery, and roast or sauté briefly with garlic to deepen flavor before blending.

How can I make the soup smoother?

Strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve for the silkiest texture. Alternatively, blend longer and add a touch more cream to make it velvety.

Can I freeze this soup with cream added?

You can, but dairy can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze without cream and stir in fresh cream or coconut milk when reheating.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes. Roasting removes sharpness, and the flavor is mild. Puree thoroughly for younger children and serve with mild grilled cheese or bread for dipping.

Conclusion

If you want a reliable, soothing soup that feels both fresh and indulgent, this Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup is a great choice. For another take on roasted garlic and creamy tomato flavors, check this recipe for Roasted Tomato Soup which offers similar techniques and useful tips.