This Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, comforting bowl packed with flavor.
Roasting the garlic, tomatoes, and onions intensifies their natural sweetness while preserving nutrients.
Low in saturated fat and high in fiber, this creamy yet plant-forward soup is ideal for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or pairing with wholesome toast for a satisfying, nourishing meal.
Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 2 large baking sheets
- 1 Large pot
- 1 high-powered blender
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds roma tomatoes
- 1 head garlic halved crosswise
- 1 yellow onion cut into wedges
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups vegetable chicken, or bone broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup half-and-half optional, for creaminess
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the racks in the upper-middle and lower-middle slots. This ensures even roasting of both your vegetables and garlic for maximum flavor development.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the onion wedges on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Halve the garlic head crosswise and place it cut-side down on the same sheet. On a separate sheet, toss the roma tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Roast the Ingredients: Slide the sheet pans into the oven, placing onions and garlic on the upper-middle rack and tomatoes on the lower-middle rack. Roast for 15 minutes, then carefully swap the positions of the sheets. Continue roasting until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, about 15 more minutes. This slow roasting brings out natural sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Blend the Soup: Allow the roasted ingredients to cool slightly. Squeeze the soft, roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a blender. Add the roasted onions, tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups of broth, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer and Season: Pour the blended mixture into a large pot and gently bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the half-and-half if using, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. This step allows flavors to meld beautifully and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and pair with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or crunchy croutons. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This soup is best enjoyed warm and makes a satisfying, wholesome meal any day of the week.
Notes
- Roasting garlic, onions, and tomatoes intensifies natural sweetness and flavor.
- Use any type of broth—vegetable, chicken, or bone broth—for a rich base.
- Half-and-half is optional; omit for a lighter, vegan-friendly version or substitute coconut milk for creaminess.
- This soup freezes well, but add cream only when reheating to maintain texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness; smoked paprika adds subtle depth.
- Blending thoroughly ensures a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Pairs beautifully with toasted bread, grilled cheese, or crunchy croutons.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Maximum Flavor
The key to a truly flavorful roasted garlic tomato soup lies in patience and technique.
Roasting your garlic, onions, and tomatoes at a high temperature caramelizes natural sugars, producing a rich, sweet depth that raw vegetables simply can’t achieve.
Squeezing the garlic directly from the roasted cloves keeps it soft and aromatic.
Using a high-powered blender ensures the soup is completely smooth, giving it a restaurant-quality texture.
For a slightly smoky undertone, consider lightly charring the tomato skins during roasting or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Fresh herbs like oregano or basil added at the end brighten the soup and elevate its flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions: Ideas To Elevate Meals
This soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. For a classic pairing, serve alongside golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. For a lighter meal, drizzle a touch of extra-virgin olive oil or a swirl of yogurt on top, and pair with toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread. Adding homemade croutons or roasted chickpeas on top adds crunch and texture. Garnishing with fresh herbs, microgreens, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast enhances both flavor and visual appeal. For a full, balanced meal, consider serving with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage Tips: Keep Soup Fresh Longer
Store your roasted garlic tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, transfer cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and leave room for expansion; it will last up to 4 months.
When reheating frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then gently warm on the stove, stirring occasionally.
If you are using cream or half-and-half, add it only when reheating to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the half-and-half or substitute it with unsweetened plant-based milk or coconut cream for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
2. Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No need. Roasting softens the skins, and blending makes the soup completely smooth, leaving a velvety texture without peeling.
3. Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely. Roma tomatoes are preferred for sweetness and low water content, but vine-ripened or cherry tomatoes also work well.
Adjust roasting time if using smaller tomatoes.
4. How spicy is this soup?
Mild by default. The red pepper flakes add subtle heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit entirely for a gentle, family-friendly flavor.
5. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes. Roast the vegetables and store them separately or together in the fridge.
Blend and simmer right before serving. This makes meal prep quick and stress-free while keeping flavors fresh.
