If you are searching for a heartwarming, rich, and utterly comforting dish, look no further than this Simple Homemade Tomato Soup. With its luscious, velvety texture and deep tomato flavor, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. From crispy bacon bits to the subtle sweetness of carrots and caramelized tomato paste, every spoonful delivers layers of flavor crafted from straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon or anytime you want a soothing meal, this soup is a timeless classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Simple Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple but incredibly important for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in your soup. Each component plays its part, from the smoky bacon to the fresh San Marzano tomatoes that bring vibrant color and boldness.

Bacon (4 slices, cut into small pieces): Adds a smoky, salty depth that elevates the soup’s richness.
Carrots (2, chopped): Provide natural sweetness and a subtle earthy undertone.
Yellow onion (half, chopped): Offers a mellow savory base that softens as it cooks.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings an aromatic punch that infuses the entire soup.
Tomato paste (1.5 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato flavor and creates a luscious body when browned.
Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the soup to a creamy, comforting consistency.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory liquid that ties all the ingredients together with gentle umami.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal note, brightening the tomato’s acidity.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses a delicate complexity during simmering.
Whole San Marzano tomatoes (28-ounce can): Known for their sweet, low-acid profile, they make the soup sing with authentic tomato goodness.
Cream (2 tablespoons, optional): Finishes the soup with a silky smoothness if you prefer a richer version.
Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances all flavors; start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust as necessary.

How to Make Simple Homemade Tomato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon pieces in a large soup pot over medium low heat. This process usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes until the bacon becomes brown and crispy. The fat rendered from the bacon creates a rich foundation that infuses the entire soup with smoky undertones, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add the chopped carrots, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon. Sauté them for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft, aromatic, and tender. This step gently builds natural sweetness and layers of flavor that meld beautifully with the bacon’s smokiness.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Flour

Stir in the tomato paste and toast it with the veggies for a couple of minutes until it starts to brown and caramelize. This concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the soup’s color. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute to help thicken the soup once the liquids are added.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomatoes

Pour the canned whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juice into a bowl and crush them by hand. This technique allows you to control the texture, giving your soup a rustic, homey feel with varying tomato bits.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return to your pot and add the crushed tomatoes along with chicken broth, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. After simmering, puree the soup in batches until smooth, then return it to the pot. If you like a creamy texture, stir in the optional cream, and season with kosher salt to your taste.

How to Serve Simple Homemade Tomato Soup

Garnishes

Elevate your Simple Homemade Tomato Soup with simple garnishes like a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Freshly chopped basil or parsley can add a splash of vibrant color and a refreshing herbal twist that delights the palate. Don’t forget crispy bacon bits or a dusting of sharp Parmesan cheese for extra savory punch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm grilled cheese sandwich—the classic duo that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Crusty artisan bread or garlic toasts also work wonderfully for dipping and soaking up every delightfully rich drop. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the soup’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the soup in charming ramekins topped with a small dollop of herbed crème fraîche and a sprig of thyme. You can also hollow out small bread bowls for a rustic, edible container. For a modern twist, garnish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add a hint of heat and smokiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Simple Homemade Tomato Soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, giving you ready-made comfort food anytime you want a quick, warming meal without the fuss.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen Simple Homemade Tomato Soup can last up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to bring it back to a smooth, velvety consistency. If it thickens too much after chilling, simply thin it out with a splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the bacon or replace it with smoked paprika or smoked salt for a similar depth of flavor.

What if I don’t have San Marzano tomatoes?

While San Marzano tomatoes add a signature sweetness and low acidity, any good-quality whole canned tomatoes will work fine. Just look for ones with a rich tomato flavor and few additives.

Is the cream necessary?

Nope! The cream is optional and serves only to add a bit more richness. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can skip it without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes require peeling, seeding, and cooking longer to develop the right texture and flavor. Canned tomatoes offer convenience and consistent taste, especially in colder months.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you want a thinner soup, add extra broth or water during simmering or reheating. For a thicker, chunkier texture, puree less or use less broth initially.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about a homemade recipe that’s both simple to prepare and utterly soulful. This Simple Homemade Tomato Soup is a perfect example—it’s not just soup, it’s a ritual of comfort, flavor, and easy satisfaction. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and let your kitchen fill with the captivating aromas of simmered tomatoes and spices. Once you taste this, it might just become your go-to for cozy moments and lively dinners alike.

Simple Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Simple Homemade Tomato Soup is a rich and comforting classic made from fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, bacon, and aromatic vegetables. The soup is simmered to develop deep flavors and then pureed to a silky texture, perfect for a cozy meal. Optional cream adds a luscious finish, making it an ideal starter or light meal.

Instructions

Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon in a large soup pot over medium-low heat until it becomes crispy and browned, which takes about 5 to 8 minutes. This step adds a smoky flavor base to the soup.
Add Veggies: Add chopped carrots, onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon. Sauté the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are very aromatic and tender, which helps build depth of flavor.
Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown and caramelize, enhancing its sweetness and richness. Then add the flour and stir for about one minute to help thicken the soup later.
Crush Your Tomatoes: Pour the canned whole San Marzano tomatoes and their juice into a bowl and crush them by hand gently. This breaks them down for a smoother texture without needing a blender immediately.
Cook Everything Together: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the soup pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Puree the Soup: Remove the bay leaf. Working in batches, blend the soup until smooth using a countertop blender or immersion blender. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
Finish and Season: Stir in the cream if using for a richer finish, then season the soup with kosher salt to taste, usually between 1 to 2 teaspoons. Heat through before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
The cream is optional but adds a nice richness and smooth texture.
Use San Marzano tomatoes if possible, as they provide a sweeter and less acidic tomato flavor.
Add more chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick for your liking.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Sautéing, Blending
Cuisine: American