This Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is a rich and comforting recipe, which uses ripe plum tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeBarefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Ingredients
- 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup good olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2 onions)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of whole plum tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 quart vegetable stock (or chicken stock for deeper flavor)

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
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Roast the tomatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved plum tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40–45 minutes, until soft and caramelized. -
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil with the butter. Add onions and garlic, cooking for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in red pepper flakes and thyme; cook for 1 more minute. -
Add tomatoes and simmer:
Add canned tomatoes with juice, roasted tomatoes (and any juices), basil, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. -
Blend the soup:
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer in batches to a blender. -
Adjust seasoning and serve:
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, cream, or pesto if desired.

Recipe Tips
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Can I use canned tomatoes only?
Yes, but using fresh roasted tomatoes adds a deeper, richer flavor. -
How to make it creamier:
Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before blending for a silkier texture. -
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute with 1–2 tablespoons of dried basil, but fresh is highly recommended for best flavor. -
How to make it spicier:
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne while simmering. -
Best blender for hot soup:
Use an immersion blender for safety, or vent the lid of a countertop blender to avoid steam buildup.
What To Serve With Tomato Basil Soup
This soup pairs well with simple, comforting sides:
- Classic grilled cheese sandwich
- Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cheese quesadillas

How To Store Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Refrigerate:
Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 820mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken stock for vegetable stock?
Yes, using chicken stock adds a deeper, savory flavor.
Why is my soup too acidic?
If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a small amount of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the flavor.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, just skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative, and choose vegetable stock.
How long does it take to roast the tomatoes?
Roast the tomatoes for 40–45 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Lobster Bisque Recipe
- Ina Garten French Onion Soup Recipe
- Ina Garten Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes1
hour35
minutes210
kcalA rich and cozy tomato basil soup inspired by Ina Garten, full of fresh roasted flavor.
Ingredients
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3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup olive oil, plus 2 tbsp
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1 tbsp kosher salt
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1½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups chopped yellow onions
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 (28-oz) can whole plum tomatoes, with juice
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4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
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1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
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1 quart vegetable or chicken stock
Directions
- Roast the tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season. Roast for 40–45 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: In a pot, heat remaining olive oil and butter. Cook onions and garlic until soft. Add red pepper flakes and thyme.
- Simmer the soup: Add roasted tomatoes, canned tomatoes, basil, and stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender or standard blender to purée until smooth.
- Season and serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with desired garnishes.
