The Best Classic Tomato Soup
Easy and fast, this is the best classic tomato soup recipe ever! It’s been a tried-and-true favorite for years. With grilled cheese? YUM!
Everyone needs a classic homemade tomato soup recipe in their back pocket, and this one is incredible!
We eat this tomato soup several times a month. Because a) homemade tomato soup is really good and really easy and b) grilled cheese.
Is there any better combo than that?? At least in our house, there are never any complaints when tomato soup + grilled cheese appear at dinner.
This tomato soup is super simple! It can be made several days ahead of time AND it freezes great, too.
Canned Tomatoes: Keep an Open Mind
What I love about this tomato soup is that it uses pantry staple ingredients like canned tomatoes.
Don’t be hatin’ on canned tomatoes. They make really amazing tomato soup and are available all year long!
The key to this recipe is to drain the juice from the diced tomatoes. You’ll use both the juice AND the tomatoes, but separating them helps build layers of flavor as you’ll see in a minute.
Cooking the drained tomatoes with the onions and simple seasonings until the mixture is thick and fragrant adds flavor and eliminates the “tinny” taste of canned tomatoes.
The rich tomato flavor is also helped along by a little bit of tomato paste. It’s amazing how it helps boost the tomato flavor!
The cooked tomato mixture simmers for a couple of minutes with a little broth and then it’s time to blend it all up!
How to Blend
You can use an immersion blender or traditional blender for this recipe. There are pros and cons to each one.
Using an immersion blender means you can blend the tomato soup right on location and not worry about venting the lid of a traditional blender while you risk life and limb to puree lava-like liquids.
Cleanup is also a little easier with an immersion blender.
However, I’ve found that an immersion blender doesn’t get the soup as pristinely smooth as a traditional blender does, so if you want it ultra-silky and smooth, you might want to transfer it in batches to a blender and puree that way.
*This is the immersion blender I have (and might be why it doesn’t get really smooth; it’s decent, but older) – this one has a bazillion more reviews and is cheaper? Might be a good option. {aff. links}
Creamy Tomato Soup…Or Not
After the soup is blended, you can add a smidgeon of half-and-half or heavy cream for a cream of tomato soup vibe.
It adds a delicious, mellow vibe to the vibrant soup.
Usually I leave it out and add a little swirl of cream to individual servings of those that want it.
If you don’t have a go-to tomato soup recipe yet, this really is the best classic tomato soup recipe. I highly recommend making it yours forever!
Here are a few rave reviews from others:
Heidi: Mel, this tomato soup is delicious. Have a half dozen recipes for tomato soup and this is the best by far.
Kate: We love this soup and have made it over and over. If anyone’s wondering, coconut cream (from the top of a can of coconut milk) makes a great dairy-free substitute for the cream in this recipe.
Megan: I just made this for dinner tonight (along with grilled cheese), and my kids declared it the best tomato soup I’ve ever made. And I’ve made many different tomato soup recipes.
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Classic Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28-ounces each) diced tomatoes
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth, more or less (I use low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup diced onion, about 1 medium onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (see note)
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream or fat free half-and-half, optional
Instructions
- In a strainer set over a large bowl or a liquid measuring cup, drain the canned tomatoes, pressing lightly to release all of the juice. You may have anywhere from 2-3 cups juice from the tomatoes (depending on the brand).
- Add broth to the tomato juice to equal 3 1/2 cups total. Set tomatoes and liquid aside.
- In a 4- or 5-quart pot set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add about 2/3 of the drained tomatoes, the bay leaf and the brown sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are sizzling and fragrant. The mixture will be thicken as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste and the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the reserved tomato juice/broth mixture, the remaining tomatoes, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Puree the soup until smooth (using an immersion blender or transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender). Stir in the cream, if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from Cook’s Country Feb/Mar 2011
Recipe originally published Oct 2012; updated Oct 2020 with new photos, recipe notes, etc.
Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
116 Comments on “The Best Classic Tomato Soup”
Echoing the other reviews, excellent recipe! Left out the sugar and I can’t tell.
Thanks Mel!
This tomato soup is DELICIOUS!!! Only thing I added was chopped basil to garnish at the end. My son hates tomatoes, hates tomato sauce, and even he LOVED this soup! Served it with a grilled cheese (kids) and garlic bread (adults). A keeper for sure!!! TY!
WOW…. Soooooo good.
10+ stars
I’ve been making this for the family for at least 2 years now, maybe three. Hands down the best classic tomato soup recipe. I make it as written. This last batch is the first time I tried adding half and half and now I’m not sure which one I like better. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.
This is my first time making this wonderful soup this season – but probably the 50th time I have made it. It’s so delicious! I always double the recipe and put some in the freezer. Spend the money and use a quality brand of diced tomatoes – it makes all the difference.
Delicious . I have made it twice now and it turned out great. Thanks, Mel.
Perfect for our cold rainy day in Maine! Delish and will be my go to for tomato soup!
My go-to tomato soup! Great recipe, thanks!!
Delicious! This was my first time making tomato soup…. and I’ve never blended soup before. It turned out so well. I will definitely make this again!
Made this last night, and it was so good! Both my girls loved it. Thanks for the easy and delicious recipe.
We make this soup many times a year. It is our favorite soup to make. White Chicken Chili comes in second. I once forgot to remove the bay leaf and I pureed the soup and everyone had bits of bay leaf in the soup. It is a running joke now to say “remove the bay leaf” every time I make it.
I am commenting now, I may have already commented many years ago, because I wanted to let people know that the recipe is easily adaptable. My sister recently has had onions become inedible to her and we omit the onions for her. Soup still tastes great. I didn’t have tomato paste, so I just skipped that step and the soup still tasted great. The pureed bay leaf soup still tasted great. I used whole tomatoes once and just “squeezed” each tomato in the straining step. Still tasted great. It is just a winner of soup and method of cooking.
Mel,
Any chance you know how many cups this makes? I have to have 3 gallons of soup for a RS dinner and this was what I was going to make.
It makes about 9-10 cups.
I used half fire-roasted tomatoes and half regular. My husband wasn’t too excited about tomato soup since he typically doesn’t like it, but he jumped right in after taking his first bite!
This was delicious!!!
Wow! This is so good! I only wish I’d doubled the recipe now because I want to eat it all week. Best tomato soup I’ve ever had.
Thanks for letting me know that, James! Super happy you loved this so much!
Wowzers! This soup is SO SO good! I have tried other tomato soup recipes in the past and I eventually gave up on homemade tomato soup because they were never good. Decided to try this tonight last minute because it was simple and all the ingredients are ones I always have on hand. Wow! I have never had a better tomato soup in my life!! The taste, texture, everything was amazing! My kids gobbled it all up to my surprise! I will be making this again and again!
PS, I made the soup with your homemade pretzels and it was the perfect combo! My kids and husband were thrilled with dinner! Thank you Mel for the always amazing recipes!!
Thank you for the comment! I’m so excited this soup is what you’ve been looking for – made me happy to read that!
Mel,
I’ve been a regular to your blog for years. I don’t reply often. But I make quite a few of your recipes. At least once a week because they become favorites.
But you have a great recipe here! I’ve tried a fair number of homemade tomato soups. None were keepers. I always have cans of tomatoes but I run out of condensed soups.
The baking soda is the real tip!
Thanks
Thank you so much, Valerie!
Made this last night and it was soooo flavorful and delicious! Thanks Mel!
Thank YOU, Cindy!
I feel like I have been searching for this recipe my whole life. Thank you so much for the baking soda tip. It makes all the difference.
Thanks Lisa!
The recipe is fabulous. It may be the best I have ever had. I did not deviate from the recipe but, I did add about 1/4 up finely chopped fresh basil. Next time I will double or triple the recipe and freeze pan some
Fresh basil would be amazing in this! Thanks, Cindy!
Have you ever used coconut milk in place of heavy cream/half and half for this recipe? I have an open can that I used to make your lentil soup with lemon and this looks good too
No, but if you like the flavor of coconut milk, it’s worth a try!
I was just going to check your website for a tomato soup recipe. You beat me to it!! We made it today. It was super easy to pull together, and turned out as good as advertised. We all gave it a good crack of salt + heavy cream, and it was delish with our cheese bread.
Thanks, Kate – glad you liked it!
I have made this recipe for several years from your old post and it is my FAVORITE tomato soup recipe of all time! All my kids love it and now I need to make it again after seeing your new post! Thanks for all your great recipes!
Thanks, Lynette!
Hi Mel,
What brand of canned tomato’s do you use for this soup?
Thank you.
I’ve used a lot of brands over the years. Hunts, San Marzano, generic brand. I think they all work great.
I was just curious if you have ever added some parmesan cheese and some basil? I am sure it is good as is but I was thinking “what if?”.
That would be delicious!
Have you ever used cans of whole tomatoes? Wondering if it would work as well if I chopped up the whole tomatoes first? Any thoughts?
I haven’t, but I bet it would work just fine!
After making your tomato potato basil soup I’ve taken to adding one cooked sweet potato to this tomato soup. You can’t taste it but it add a little something extra!
Fantastic idea, Nancy!
This is hands down my family’s favorite tomato soup ever, and I’ve tried many different recipes. When I make tomato soup now, they always ask if it’s the “good recipe.” I don’t dare make anything else!
Haha, I have a lot of recipes like that. It would be mutiny if I tried a different version!
You’re right— this IS the best tomato soup recipe! The extra step of sautéing the tomatoes makes a huge difference in flavor.
I agree, Emily! Totally worth that step.
I have that second immersion blender. Put it on my wedding registry last year because it had so many positive reviews on Amazon and the low price. I haven’t tried tomato soup with it – but I will say it’s very powerful. I’ve accidentally obliterated things a couple times with it! (Broccoli cheese soup became full on green!) Also I’m not much of a tomato soup fan – but I did have some earlier this week that was fairly tasty. It had basil and crushed red pepper – so I might try this and add on a little of those things!
Haha, that’s awesome about the blender! Sounds like it’s more powerful than the one I currently have. Basil and crushed red pepper would be a delicious addition!
I’ve been looking for a different tomato soup recipe for a while. I have two I’ve made in the past many times and thought they were good. We love your Best Ever Spaghetti Sauce and knew I could take a chance on your recipe Mel. I always follow a new recipe perfectly the first time I make it. However I did make one minor change and added two cloves minced garlic to the softened onions. This was the only change. Cannot believe how fantastic this soup is! I will change nothing else except to add garlic going forward. My search is now over and I have the perfect tomato soup recipe!
Thank you!
Jan
Thanks, Jan!
So I printed the recipe last September and finally made it 30 seconds ago.
WHaaaaaat??
This came outta my kitchen?!?
My kids are gonna be ecstatic
Now gotta go get some bread for grilled cheese to go with this soup where the choir of angels sing.
Thank u!!
I decided to use up leftover turkey and make turkey, bacon and avocado sandwiches so, of course I needed a good soup. I went searching, I don’t know why. After zero success, I came to my trusted source for all things cooking, Mel’s! This soups was just right! The flavor was great and even my picky eaters gobbled it up. Thanks for another winner!
I don’t have cream or half and half. Can I use evaporated milk or oat milk?
Definitely worth a try!
I often work right up until dinner and would love to have directions for modifying this for the slow cooker and instant pot. I’m just not sure how the flour and cream would affect it.
You could make it start to finish and keep it warm in the slow cooker…
I can’t believe I never attempted this soup before tonight… all the ingredients are pantry staples, and besides that I LOVE tomato soup! I rarely make it because I always want it to taste like my childhood (like Campbell’s) – and this one did! Even my children ate more that one bite (that’s as good as it gets around here).
Question – the only step that’s a hassle is draining the tomatoes, is there a reason why I want to keep doing that instead of just adding the liquid along with the drained tomatoes in that step?
In the end I transferred it all to my high-powered blender. The texture and thickness, along with the taste, was perfection.
I think you could definitely try adding all the liquid – I’ll try that next time and see
We’ve made this soup many times and love it! Even my kids, who wouldn’t normally gobble a bowl of soup – I think the “dunking” of grilled cheese helps. 😉
Do you think regular (not fat-free) half and half would work well? We’ve always used heavy cream and it’s delicious – but trying to use what I have in the fridge this week!
Yes, should work great!
I just made this for dinner tonight (along with grilled cheese), and my kids declared it the best tomato soup I’ve ever made. And I’ve made many different tomato soup recipes. You did it again, Mel!
Thanks, Megan!
Made this for dinner tonight expecting to get a halfhearted response from my 4 kids (we haven’t done a lot of tomato soup before, so I tried to keep my expectations low). Well my (super picky) 7 year old took one look and literally screamed “This is the worst dinner ever!! I hate tomato soup!!!” After a talk about politely letting us know what he doesn’t like, I convinced him to try 3 bites and he could make a pbj afterwards if he needed. He took 1 bite and with wide eyes started taking bites as fast as he could! He totally loved it! Major win! Everyone else in the family loved it as well, and I see myself making this many times in the future. Thank you for a wonderful and easy recipe!!
Haha, glad it ended up being a hit despite the rocky start!
Mel, this tomato soup is delicious. Have a half dozen recipes for tomato soup and this is the best by far.
BTW,thanks for your rapid response about the clam chowder witout onions or celery.Unfortunately this also includes garlic and leeks. Therefore, I am concluding clam chowder is a lost cause, in spite of patient’s request. I did make this tomato soup without onions and although I missed the onions, it was close enough to fill the patient’s request for tomato soup.
Thank you mel. You and your recipes are super.
,
Thanks, Heidi – glad you love this one! Bummer about the clam chowder. Onions and garlic are tough to work around for sure.
My daughters and I made this for supper tonight. Perfect comfort food. Very fast, easy and delicious.
Thanks, Jeanette!
Made this exactly as written with the exception that I used fat free half and half and added basil paste at the very end. Delicious!!!!!! I will never buy canned soup again.
I have Roma tomatoes to use-
Do you know much juice is needed to add to the broth?
Probably about 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups
Thank you!
I accidentally used 2 14 ounce cans of tomatoes instead of 2 28 ounce cans. I realized my mistake and added 2 extra 14 ounce cans at the end and let everything simmer. I pureed it all but it ended up having a weird texture. The best I can describe it is grainy. Is it normally like this or is it supposed to be smooth like canned tomato soup? Not sure if it’s because of my mistake or not. Thanks!
No, it isn’t quite as smooth as canned tomato soup – it has a little texture to it.
This soup is fabulous….I added 1 grated carrot with the onions and added 1 tsp. white sugar…this is the best tomato soup and is better than Nordstrom Cafes’.
Thanks, Mel…I have now printed off almost every soup off your website!
We love this soup and have made it over and over. If anyone’s wondering, coconut cream (from the top of a can of coconut milk) makes a great dairy-free substitute for the cream in this recipe.
Once again (as always), you’ve given us another winner. We just ate this for dinner (with parmesan crusted grilled cheese) and I almost died from the deliciousness of it. My kids were raving about it, which is saying something. This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper.
It does taste like Nordstrom tomato soup its DELICIOUS! Everything you make is out of this world good and makes it worth taking the time to cook! Thanks Mel!
AMAZING!! Tastes just like the Tomato Soup at Nordstrom’s Cafe!!!!
My family loves this soup. Even my very picky kids (ages 1-11) loved it with grilled cheese sandwiches for dunking. In fact, I have a can of condensed tomato soup in my pantry that no one wants anymore because they prefer this homemade version.
I was really looking forward to this soup, but, to me, it seemed sort of bland and not really worth the trouble to make it. I followed the instructions to the letter and it looks good and has a good consistency, but just not what I expected.
I have been trying one tomato soup recipe after another and now I can finally stop! We loved this soup and it will replace my old standby. Thank you!
Can I freeze this?
Kelly – yes, I freeze this soup and it fares just fine.
When you freeze this, does it make a difference when the cream is added? I want to take this for a camping trip and could add the cream and freeze, or wait and add it after it has been reheated. Thanks, everyone.
I freeze it with the cream and it’s just fine!
Thanks, Mel! I am making a test batch right now with some of last years canned tomatoes. I am drooling in anticipation.
I made this soup tonight for dinner and my husband, who is the chef at our house, requested I post a thank you to Melanie! He LOVED it. Of course I loved it. Another home run from Melanie. Thank you, thank you!
We just made this last night and it is a keeper! So good!!! I am having left overs with a grilled cheese for lunch today. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Ohhhhh….this was sooo good! My family loved it! This is a keeper! So happy for you and your family with the move!
Hi! I just found your website yesterday via a friend and I’m already trying this soup…it’s almost ready and smells delish!
Thanks that is what I figured that it would be about a quart and a 1/2 of my tomatoes! I can’t wait to try this. It is snowing here and grilled cheese with tomato soup is my favorite dark weather meal!!
Jocelyn – you’ll need about 7 cups of tomatoes.
If I canned my own tomatoes this year in quart size jars how much would I need to equal your two cans?
Tomato soup is my favorite, and this will be great for using up the ridiculous amount of diced tomatoes I have. Thanks!
bluebaker – I’m not completely sure, but I think you’ll get more flavor by cooking the tomatoes unpureed first. Do you have an immersion blender? That could eliminate the hot liquid in blender factor.
I made this tomato soup last night and LOVED it! I will now add this to our regular menu rotation. It was perfect for a rainy night.
Hi Mel-
I was wondering if you could puree the tomatoes before they go in, rather than
putting hot soup in a blender. ( I’m kinda scared of hot soup explosions!).
You are amazing! I got on your website today just to search for a good tomato soup recipe! I figured after all the Halloween candy we could use something packed full of vitamins.
We love tuna melts too. I always add diced celery and shredded carrots to the tuna- anything to pack in a few extra veggies.
While this soup looks wonderful, I am having a bit of an attack over the words “cookie dough fudge” that you tossed off in the last paragraph up there….may we hope that such a divine thing is making its way to us?
I love your site!
My daughter will not give up the canned tomato soup. I have tried dozens of recipes and she turns her nose up to every single one and buys her own canned tomato soup. It doesn’t help that her favorite meal is tomato soup and grilled cheese. I’m praying this one will pass the test!
How cute is your little guy? Tell him a week is a VERY long time to last without treats!
Yum, grilled cheese and tuna sandwiches with tomato soup reminds me of childhood. Kudos to your little guy for trying something hard AND for being flexible enough to rethink things:)
This looks yummy, though I don’t like the taste of tomato paste so I will probably substitute for sauce. I was just reading The Italian Dish blog and she said adding a bit of grated carrots will also help cut the acidity. She adds it to her marinara. Just a thought.
Oh, Mel…how I have missed you! Thankfully, my friends and family are all safe after hurricane Sandy pounded us. It was very scary, but we are so blessed that we are safe and our homes are intact in my area. Our power has been restored, and I couldn’t wait to see what you have been cooking up. I love, love, love creamy tomato soup, and this looks so delicious! I think I have everything on hand to make it, so this will probably be lunch today!
Grilled cheese and tomato soup was already on the menu for our pre trick-or-treat meal this week, and when I awoke to find this recipe on Halloween morning, I knew we had to try it. I mean, when have I ever gone wrong with one of your recipes? (Never!). Well, I am happy to report this tomato soup was no less than spectacular (or should I say spooktacular in honor of Halloween?). I can’t wait to eat leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thanks for all of your amazing recipes, Mel! Your blog inspires me to create wonderful meals for my family!!! Keep them coming!
Tomato soup and tuna-cheese melts are a favorite in this house.
My daughter gave me this recipe she got from a post somewhere and it is really good:
1 ea. 24oz can crushed tomatoes (I use Muir Glen)
1 ea. peeled medium onion, cut in half
3 tbs unsalted butter (no substitute)
Put all three (!) ingredients in a sauce pan, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover pan and let dance for 40 minutes. Throw the onion away. Puree (if you like). Season to taste. O.M.G. it is delicious, tastes like the best bisque you have ever had. If I hadn’t already put a meat loaf and some potatoes in the oven, this is what I would have for supper. Tomorrow for sure.
Your recipes and menus are always a hit. You have no idea how disappointed I am when there is nothing from you waiting for me in my Reader. Of course I don’t expect you to have a life. LOL
While I was not a big tomato lover when I was a kid, I LOVED tomato soup. My favorite dipper though, was something I find very unappetizing today, Cheetos! LOL! Now I am more sophisticated and still love me a big bowl of tomato soup, but choose grilled cheese sandwiches, crackers, or buttery toast as a dipper.
Thank you, so perfect for these days. 🙂
I love comfort anything. I have a hard time coming out with a perfectly red soup. I think I add too much cream. :/
Weird…I was just thinking about grilled cheese and tomato soup! I think it’s a sign I need to try this 🙂
thank you Susan Geyer!
I tried the baking soda trick while cooking fresh tomatoes once and they turned dark and smelled oddly of pretzels. I still like to use it when making tomato soup from cans though, and this sounds great for the weather we’re having.
Oh, and shucks about your sweets thing. I was *just* getting ready to sign up to be your taste-tester 😉 Happy Halloween!
Looks divine! I’m crazy about tomato soup! @Melanie Peterson, if you substitute cornflour or GF flour for the all-purpose flour it will be gluten-free.
Mel-I’ve been frantically looking for a recipe to serve with my chopped salad platter for a special guest at our dinner party this sat. The guest eats gluten free. Is this soup gluten free??? anyone??
I’m going to make it tonight! It will be perfect with our “English mummies.”
You are right about the comfort value of a good tomato soup, and this definitely appears to be a good one.
This is a favorite in our house! My 2 yr old love to dunk and dunk her grill cheese in it! Though I have always hated slopping it out of a can! Thanks for the alternative! Happy Halloween