Wow, let me just say it. Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup is one of those comfort foods that actually tastes way better when you make it yourself. Ever had a craving that’s so specific (and chilly weather kinda makes it worse)? Store-bought tomato soup just doesn’t cut it. It’s watery. It’s rarely satisfying.

I wanted a bowl of something real, something a little chunky, a little rich. Let’s be honest, nothing says “home” quite like curling up with a fresh bowl of soup you made with your own two hands. That’s what this post is all about.

Why Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup is Actually WAY Better

Alright, so here’s the thing. You might be tempted to grab a can off the grocery store shelf and call it a day. I’ve tried about every store-bought tomato soup imaginable. They’re fine in a “quick lunch at the office” kinda way. But honestly, homemade roasted tomato soup has this flavor the canned stuff literally cannot touch.

Roasting those tomatoes? Game changer. Adds caramelized edges, big sweetness, a whiff of smokiness. Suddenly, you’re spooning up something that could cost serious cash at a snooty café (except you’re in your slippers at home).

Also, you get to control the ingredients. No random thickeners or sugar bombs. Just actual vegetables, some pantry basics, and love.
Kitchen windows fog up, soup simmers, and the whole place smells like a five-star restaurant. My neighbor once knocked just to ask what on earth I was cooking. Can’t make this stuff up.

Ingredients You Need for Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup

Alright, let’s not overcomplicate this. I’m not about twenty-ingredient recipes that require a culinary degree. You just need the basics for real good homemade roasted tomato soup:

Fresh tomatoes (Roma or whatever’s on sale at the market)
A couple cloves of garlic (honestly throw in extra if you love it)
Half an onion
Olive oil, salt, and black pepper
Some dried or fresh basil
Chicken stock or veggie stock (homemade, boxed, whatever)
Optional: a little splash of cream or a handful of grated parmesan
That’s it. If you want, toss in a pinch of chili flakes. Oh, and please don’t buy pre-minced garlic. We’re friends, I gotta tell you the truth.

How to Roast Tomatoes (THE key step)

Here’s the part everyone loves. You get to crank the oven and let it do the work. Preheat to around 425°F. Cut your tomatoes in half and chuck them on a baking sheet (skin peel side down is good, but honestly don’t overthink this part). Throw in the onion chunks and whole cloves of garlic along with them.

Drizzle everything with olive oil. Don’t skimp. Salt and pepper. Mix it around so everything looks nice and glossy. Pop that tray in the oven and go do literally anything else for about 35 minutes. When stuff starts to look all golden and a little crispy? That’s flavor heaven.

Honestly, sometimes I have to stop myself from eating the roasted tomatoes straight off the pan.

Making Your Soup (No Blender Drama)

Okay, you roasted the tomatoes, right? Now toss those beauties (plus all the juices) into a big pot. Pour in your stock just enough to cover. Bring it to a simmer. Here’s where things go from “eh” to “insanely good” — take your immersion blender (or regular blender, but be careful, it’s hot) and blitz until smoothish. You want tiny chunks, not baby food.
Add some basil and maybe a splash of cream or parmesan if you’re feeling wild.

Taste it! Soup needs salt sometimes. Let it simmer for like 10 more minutes. Trust me, this step makes all the flavors snuggle up together.
If you’re into pepper, grind fresh pepper on top. Not the stuff that’s already powdered. There’s a difference. I promise.

“I never thought I’d actually LIKE tomato soup. This homemade roasted tomato soup totally changed my tune. My picky teen even asked for seconds!”
— Julia D., real-life friend and soup convert

Serving Suggestions That Just Make Sense

Crusty bread, lightly toasted. It’s required. I feel strongly about this.
Grilled cheese. Honestly, is this even optional?
Sprinkle extra parmesan, or whatever herby stuff you like, on top.
A swirl of heavy cream for a bougie touch (it’s so pretty on Instagram, too).
Nothing wrong with keeping things simple here. Sometimes I just eat leftovers for lunch with crackers. Don’t overthink your happiness.

Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup