Creamy Tomato Soup is comforting and cozy and beyond easy to make. Made from canned tomatoes and dried herbs, it's perfect anytime of year!
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If you're in the mood for more super simple soups just like this, you've come to the right place! Try my Creamy Vegetable Soup, White Lasagna Soup, or my Cheeseburger Soup! All so good, all so easy!
Pull Up A Chair and Let's Chat!
Creamy tomato soup is one of my family's most requested recipes. We crave and I don't mind making it on the regular.
It's super simple. The ingredient list is basic (pantry and fridge staples) and the cooking method is so easy.
You can customize it. You like it chunky? Keep it chunky. Want to use different herbs? Go nuts. You do you, boo!
It's great to make in bulk and freeze. The ability to go "shopping" in the freezer makes me a happy camper especially when I don't know what's for dinner.
It's nostalgic and comforting. Is there anything more comforting and cozy than a ooey-gooey grilled cheese dunked in a bowl of creamy tomato soup? I think not.
It starts with bacon. Need I say more?
An Immersion Blender: A Love Story
I am not a gadget girl. In the kitchen, I prefer good quality tools that I can use for multiple recipes. An immersion blender is just such a tool.
The beauty of an immersion blender is that you don't have to transfer whatever it is your cooking to a regular blender. You're not gonna dirty up more dishes, but you're also going to significantly decrease the likelihood of a blender explosion.
If you blend up hot liquids and you're not careful, pressure can build up in the blender and hot liquid can go everywhere. On you (ouch!), all over the kitchen (oof!), and on the dog (ah nahhhhh!).
Get one. You can thank me later.
Buy Now → Key Ingredients
Canned Whole Tomatoes - They are a better quality product than diced or crushed because they only use the best tomato. Diced and/or crush can come from tomatoes that have had bad spots cut away. This is my preference.
Bacon and Mushrooms - These two ingredients give this soup incredible flavor. The smokey bacon and the meaty mushrooms lend a fun flavor twist to tomato soup that you'll love.
Dried Thyme Leaves - I love the flavor and it's a perfect herb option for when basil is out of season.
Chicken Broth - I prefer using my Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth for added richness and incomparable flavor. Whatever broth situation you decide to use, make sure it's a good quality one.
Variations and Substitutions
Broth -The great thing about this creamy tomato soup is that it is extremely versatile. When I make this recipe, I use the broth have on hand. Sometimes it's chicken, sometimes beef, and other times all I have is vegetable broth. All three will produce a wonderful tomato soup. Use what you have and don't worry!
Mushrooms - I love the addition of mushrooms in this tomato soup recipe because they add a wonderful richness and flavor. If you don't have any don't worry! This soup will still be delicious without them.
Roasted red peppers - They add a wonderful smoky, sweetness to the soup that is just amazing with the bacon.
Make it spicy - Add cayenne or red chili flakes or cook in your favorite fresh chili to be blended up at the end.
Creaminess - Sour cream is a great option if you like a tangy/creamy situation. Unsweetened coconut milk would also be great!
Herbs - Use any you prefer. This soup recipe is my go-to for when basil is out of season and dried is what is on hand. Dill, rosemary, dried basil, and even dried parsley would be great.
Consistency - I prefer this soup smooth. However, if you like it chunkier, skip the immersion blender. If you go this route, just make sure you dice everything fairly small so it's easy to eat with a soup spoon.
Tips and Tricks
Rough chop the veggies. Nothing needs to be perfect because everything will be broken down in the end by the blender.
Be very careful when blending the tomato soup. Hot liquids can splash and burn. No one needs to go to the emergency room.
Throw in a parmesan rind for added flavor.
Make a double batch for freezing. This is one of my favorite meal prep soups to keep on hand.
Use a non-reactive pot. If you use uncoated cast iron, aluminum, or a copper can give the soup a metallic flavor. If you are able, use enameled cast iron, glass, or even ceramic for the best result.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Put all the ingredients except the heavy cream into a crockpot/slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hour for a no muss, no fuss soup! Remove the bay leaves and use the immersion blender to make the soup smooth. Add the heavy cream before serving.
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 med onion, rough chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, rough chopped
- 2 (28 oz cans) whole tomatoes
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 -8 cups chicken broth
- 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1-2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, cook bacon until fat begins to render. Add diced onions and mushrooms. Cook until they begin to soften.
- Add tomato paste, stirring often until a deep red-brown color develops.
- Add tomatoes, broth, garlic, thyme, bay leaves. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture to desired consistency. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Cook until just warmed through. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
There is no wrong way to enjoy creamy tomato soup, but I definitely have some ideas!
First of all, a with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. It's the all-time classic combo and my daughter's most requested meal ever. With my Dutch Oven No Knead Bread for the bread layer, you can't get much better.
Top with a little mozzarella and parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper - for a little melty/salty/nutty situation with a tiny bit of spice!
Croutons or toast - My air-fryer croutons provide great crunch to this smooth, velvety soup. However, simply toasted sandwich bread or crostinis are fantastic. My Dutch oven no knead
Fresh Basil or Thyme Leaves - If you have fresh herbs, a razzle dazzle at the end adds flavor and color!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in small increments until warmed though or on the stovetop on medium heat.
This creamy tomato soup is one of my favorite recipes to make in large batches and freeze. It will stay good in the freezer up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. This recipe is completely gluten-free.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
As written, this creamy tomato soup recipe is not dairy free. However, you can easily swap out the heavy cream with coconut milk or coconut cream. It would be absolutely delicious.
Thank You!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here and I absolutely love to hear from you all.
I hope you try my Creamy Tomato Soup recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Gerry says
Amazing! And, so easy!