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    Home » Blog » Whole Food Recipes » Homemade Soups

    February 14, 2018 | By Jami

    Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe (You'll Never Go Back To Canned)

    Jump to Recipe

    This recipe for homemade tomato soup from scratch is easy to make and fairly quick, making it a weeknight option, plus it tastes so good you'll never go back to soup out of a can. See more Quick Healthy Recipes here.

    Homemade Tomato Soup in bowls

    Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

    Tomato soup and cheesy something - tuna melts, open face melts, grilled cheese or quesadillas - is one of my favorite basic, comforting meals from my childhood that I often served to my kids. It's one of those "fall-back recipes" to have in your menu planning arsenal for busy days.

    Back in the day, canned tomato soup was a staple in our house. I actually didn't even think about making it from scratch - did people really do that? Not anyone in my circle.

    But then, as you know, came the curse of label-reading. Uck. And that's all I'm going to say about what I found on the label.

    Tomato soup in white bowl

    Really, though, I can't believe how many years I just bought things completely oblivious to what was in them. And if I'm being honest (and I try to be here...), part of me looks back with fondness on the time when I just threw things in my cart and went on my merry way.

    The other part of me is horrified. So that part wins.

    And you know what? Once I finally did make tomato soup from scratch I realized how easy it is. But more importantly, I found out how much better it tastes. Way more like tomatoes and a lot less like watery ketchup (thanks to all the added sugar in canned soups).

    Can you make this with fresh tomatoes?

    Yes you can - that's another great thing about this easy recipe, it works just as well with chopped fresh tomatoes as it does with canned tomatoes! So when you've got lots of fresh tomatoes coming in from the garden, this is the recipe for you.

    What about the skins?

    You can skin the tomatoes if you'd like before chopping so they're more like canned (here's a quicker way to peel tomatoes), but I've found that after cooking and blending, the skins aren't really noticeable. So it's up to you.

    Okay, let's make some homemade tomato soup - I promise this is the best tomato soup recipe and you really will never go back to canned!

    Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

    Ingredients for tomato soup recipe

    These are the ingredients needed to make a basic tomato soup. Occasionally I'll add orange juice (I know it sounds weird, but it adds sweetness and flavor) and in fall always fresh basil, but this is the basis for all the variations:

    • butter
    • onion
    • garlic
    • carrots (No, you don't have to add carrots technically, but this recipe went from "good" to "wow" when I did.)
    • chopped tomatoes (both fresh and canned work)
    • chicken or vegetable broth
    • spices


    How to Make Tomato Soup

    Making homemade tomato soup from scratch is as simple as sautéing onions in butter, adding the rest of the ingredients and boiling for a bit before blending everything up until smooth. Yep, it's that simple.

    Using a handheld immersion blender to make tomato soup

    I used to pour the soup (in batches) into a blender and would often get sprayed with hot liquid. Not fun, plus there were extra dishes to wash.

    Then I discovered immersion hand-held blenders and was in love! I started with a cheap-o plastic one because it was only seven bucks and I wasn't sure how good they would work (little did I know). It lasted for a few years, but the plastic didn't hold up well in hot soup (duh...since then I've read all about how plastic and hot things should never go together...).

    Now I use a Cuisinart Immersion Blender with an all metal, removable neck and blade. It's not too expensive and works perfect, holding up to hot soups and sauces (like our favorite pizza sauce) with no problems.

    Homemade Tomato Soup in bowls

    When I first started making homemade tomato soup I used only onions and tomatoes as the vegetables. We all liked it, but when I added some leftover carrots one time to use them up, that's what took the soup from good to great.

    Really - I've had guests say it's the best tomato soup they've ever had!

    Tomato soup in bowls with soup pot

    While making soup from scratch is obviously not as quick as opening a can, this recipe takes only 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish, which is still a quick meal.

    While it's cooking, you can prepare your cheesy side and have a quality, real food meal on the table for any weeknight.

    Homemade Tomato Soup on spoon

    No cans needed.

    Homemade Tomato Soup on spoon
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.61 from 82 votes

    Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

    This recipe for homemade tomato soup is easy to make and fairly quick, making it a weeknight option, plus it tastes so good you'll never go back to soup out of a can.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Soups
    Cuisine: American
    Yield: 8 servings
    Author: Jami Boys

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 TB. chopped fresh in season
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 4 cups chopped tomatoes or 3 14-ounce cans
    • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

    Instructions

    • Melt the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
    • Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Blend with an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender) until smooth.
    • When serving, garnish with sliced green onions, parsley, or fresh basil.

    Notes

    Using the thyme and basil gives it a pizza-like flavor, leave out if you'd prefer or replace with oregano.
    You can replace 1/4 cup of the stock with orange juice for a unique, bright flavor.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.2g | Protein: 4.1g | Fat: 5.3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 431mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 5.6g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

     

    Other easy soups you may like:

    Cauliflower Cheese Soup

    Cauliflower Cheese Soup

     

    Slow Cooker Sausage- Bean Soup with Tomatoes and Spinach with bread

    Slow Cooker Sausage-Bean Soup with Tomatoes and Spinach

     

    Bone Broth Chicken and Vegetable Soup- An Oregon Cottage

    Bone Broth Chicken and Vegetable Soup

     

     

     

     

    Disclosure: affiliate links in this post will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.

     

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    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Stephanie says

      February 27, 2023 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      This homemade tomato soup is wonderful! Served it with Grilled Pepper Jack on Sourdough sandwiches. Perfect meal for a Saturday night.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        February 28, 2023 at 2:31 pm

        Mmm, sounds SO good, Stephanie!
        Thanks so much for the review!

        Reply
    2. Kim says

      February 08, 2021 at 9:04 am

      4 stars
      I found the carrot flavour was prominent but maybe my tomatoes weren’t ripe enough. Otherwise delicious.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        February 08, 2021 at 2:33 pm

        I've never thought about that, but it seems like that may happen with winter tomatoes?

        Reply
    3. Christy says

      January 09, 2021 at 11:38 am

      Hi. I froze many whole tomatoes in the fall and was wondering if I could use them in your homemade soup? Any tips would be helpful. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        January 11, 2021 at 9:04 pm

        Yes, you can! But I'd let them thaw a bit and pour off any of the clear juices. I'd make the soup without the broth first to see how thick it is and then add as much broth as you'd need to get the consistency you like.

        Reply
    4. Diane K says

      September 12, 2020 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      Just made this, it is so fresh and delicious. Will be making another batch so I have plenty in the freezer for this winter. I sautéed the onion, carrots and garlic with two ribs of chopped celery in olive oil and used veggie stock to keep it vegan. This is a keeper.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 16, 2020 at 1:27 pm

        Oh, sounds delicious, Diane! Thanks so much for the review.

        Reply
    5. Jenny says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:11 am

      Is this recipe safe to preserve in a hot bath? If not, what do you suggest I add to make it safe? It looks delicious and I’m looking for a new tomato soup recipe to can.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 16, 2020 at 1:34 pm

        No, it would not be safe, as the ratios aren't meant for canning. I'd find a recipe specific for canning.
        You can always freeze it, though.

        Reply
    6. Luann says

      September 08, 2020 at 5:40 pm

      P.S...add the carrots it makes it even better!!!!😉

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 10, 2020 at 1:05 pm

        Agreed!

        Reply
    7. Luaan says

      September 08, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      JUST wanted you to know I made your tomato soup this evening(9-8-20) with garden tomatoes. It is so delicious, my hubby can't stop telling me how delicious it is. Its 37 degrees here in Colorado today so the soup is perfect. Thanks again for the recipe 🍅😊

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 10, 2020 at 1:05 pm

        Thank you for letting me know this - I'm so glad!
        And how crazy is your weather there in CO right now??

        Reply
    8. Bridget says

      August 02, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous recipe. No complaints at all from my picky family. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 06, 2020 at 6:04 pm

        Love this! Thank you so much for the review!

        Reply
    9. brenda says

      March 29, 2020 at 1:24 am

      will be trying the addition of carrots. We also like using one can of Rotel and 2 cans of tomatoes. Adds a nice bit of zip. Probably not a good idea for a family with young children though unless they are already experiencing salsas and or other Mexican foods.

      Reply
      • Jami says

        March 30, 2020 at 1:43 pm

        Oh, yes, I've added Rotel to ours, too, when I wanted a spicier flavor - good idea. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Pam says

      March 03, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      I've been making homemade tomato soup for awhile, but your recipe intrigued me because it had carrots . Add to that the mention of orange juice and you had me hooked! I made it for lunch today and used chicken broth, dried basil, no thyme and 1 scant tablespoon of frozen orange juice concentrate. It was SO GOOD! Simple to make and used ingredients on hand. How can you beat that? Served with a slice of extra sharp white cheddar on Mestebaucher rye toast and I had a happy husband. Your recipes are always so good, Jami

      Reply
      • Jami says

        March 05, 2020 at 6:04 pm

        I'm glad you tried that option, Pam - the orange juice really does add a nice flavor that you don't expect.
        And you can't beat it. 🙂 It sounds delicious with your cheese toast!

        Reply
    11. Kelcie says

      October 05, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Can this soup be frozen?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        October 07, 2019 at 10:26 am

        Yep! It's wonderful to have on hand in the freezer.

        Reply
    12. Cathy says

      September 24, 2019 at 7:38 am

      I stumbled on this site by accident made this Tomato soup once and you are right never will I ever go back to canned soup. I tell everyone I know about it, because I try to add other veggies to it for nutrition so sometimes it gets celery, red or green peppers and I'm always happy. Freezes well....Thank you

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 30, 2019 at 9:37 am

        I'm so glad to hear this, Cathy! It is versatile, too, like you say and always turns out lovely.

        Reply
    13. Elizabeth Franklin says

      September 03, 2019 at 11:24 am

      Wouldn't you have enough juice from the tomtoes that you don't need so much stock in it?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 04, 2019 at 12:10 pm

        I've never found that to be true, but you can always add less if you'd like!

        Reply
    14. Sarah E Stupak says

      July 12, 2019 at 2:06 pm

      Is this recipe safe for pressure canning?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        July 18, 2019 at 10:29 am

        It hasn't been tested for canning, Sarah. I'd look at a tested recipe and use that.

        Reply
    15. Boyd says

      May 08, 2019 at 6:08 am

      Just wondering. What is your recipe? Any quantities? My mom owned a cafe for 30 years. She had a recipe for tomato soup that would knock your socks off. What is yours????

      Reply
      • Jami says

        May 09, 2019 at 3:54 pm

        CLICK on the arrows at the top or the bottom of the page to go to the full recipe!

        Reply
    16. Kris says

      January 15, 2019 at 11:05 am

      We have all been sick here for over three weeks and can't seem to get rid of whatever we've got. So I'm making this in hopes that a vitamin C overload will help a little. thanks for the recipe - it sounds like something the doctor would order. LOL!!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        January 17, 2019 at 5:22 pm

        I hope so, too, Kris! I do know it will be comforting for sure. 🙂

        Reply
    17. Julia says

      September 23, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Jami, this was my first time making soup. I had a few more romas leftover and some fresh basil. I sooo enjoyed the recipe and I will definitely make again. I halved the recipe based on the ingredients I had and it turned out wonderfully as well.

      THANKS!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 24, 2018 at 11:17 am

        Wonderful, Julia - I'm so glad you like this!

        Reply
    18. Kelly says

      September 23, 2018 at 6:13 am

      Hi, do you peel the tomatoes if fresh? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        September 24, 2018 at 11:20 am

        Here's my easier way to peel tomatoes, Kelly: How to Peel Tomatoes the Easy Way

        Reply
    19. Karrin says

      August 27, 2018 at 6:37 pm

      This recipe was absolutely delicious and simple to follow. We grow our own tomatoes and have been looking for a way to use them up and this is by far the best tomatoe soup I have ever had and the best part is that it is home grown and home made!! Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 28, 2018 at 9:17 am

        Wow, I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe as much as we do! You know it's a good one when you kids ask for tomato soup for dinner. 😉

        Reply
    20. min says

      August 26, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      home made tomato soup AHHH carrots WOW - Yum this is a great recipe - I had fresh thyme, a very special Tie Sage, Basel and fresh grown garlic. The carrots were bought but not from a package- salt and pepper - so Good
      (I had a tiny bit of rosemary - I do not recommend putting that in- not because of the taste but unless it is really cukt or powdered the pieces stay hard.

      Reply
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