Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Nicky Corbishley

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Rich and creamy, this tangy tomato soup is warming and delicious. It's easy to make using tinned tomatoes plus some extra veggies. I love to serve it up with a side of melty cheese on toast topped with fresh basil for dunking.

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (1)

It's September, so I can finally start posting soup recipes again yay!
This is a recipe I first posted about 6 years ago, but I thought it deserved a comeback with some new photos and a video since it's one of my favourite soups.

Not only is it made with some extra veggies (sweet potato and red pepper), but I also love to serve this one with basil-topped cheese on toast that's been drizzled with a smidgen of Worcestershire sauce. So tasty!
Plus it also means this soup is filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites for dinner.

What do we need?

Most of the ingredients needed may well be in your store cupboard. First, you need the star of recipe - tinned tomatoes. Go with the best quality you can to ensure the soup is lovely and rich. I like to use tins of finely chopped tomatoes as they're less watery than regular chopped tinned tomatoes.
You'll also need sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, red bell peppers, vegetable stock, caster sugar, double cream, salt and pepper.

For the cheese on toast, pick up some bread (I'm using sourdough, but go for your favourite), mature cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh basil.

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (2)

How to make Tomato Soup with Basil-Cheese Toast

Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Saute the onions in a little oil until soft, then add in garlic, sweet potato and red pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Add in tomato puree, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock and a little caster sugar and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. While the soup simmers away, toast the bread, top with grated cheddar cheese and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce and let melt under the grill.
  4. Once the soup is ready, run a hand blender through it and stir in the double/heavy cream.
  5. Garnish with chopped basil and serve.
Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (3)

Other Recipes Using Tinned Tomatoes

Here are some delicious recipes that used tinned tomatoes:

  • Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake
  • If you want a tomato-rich dinner, try these Cheese and Tomato Tarts
  • One-pan Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Brazilian Fish Stew
  • Spicy Chilli Lasagne
  • And a rich Creamy Tomato Salmon with Spaghetti

FAQs

Can I use another cheese?
Yes of course. I like to serve this soup with a strong cheese, but you could go with whatever you prefer. Gruyere is a good choice, or even some tangy Lancashire cheese!

Why use tinned tomatoes in this recipe?
Tinned tomatoes are available throughout the year and are sometimes more economical than fresh tomatoes. Plus, tinned tomatoes have been picked while they're in their prime and perfectly ripe. Using tinned tomatoes in tomato soup is an easier way to get the best tomatoes in the market.

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (4)

More fantastic Soup recipes

  • Pulled Pork and Bean Soup
  • You can't go wrong with Creamy Sausage with Buttered Breadcrumbs and Sage
  • Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup
  • Baked Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
  • Rich Zuppa Toscana
  • Creamy Chicken and Tortellini Soup
  • Cheesy Butternut Squash
  • Pita Crisps with Wholemeal Lentil and Red Pepper Soup
Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (5)

Watch how to make it

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (6)

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Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (7)

Tomato Soup Recipe

By: Nicky Corbishley

Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil cheese on toast - the added hidden veg means it's extra nutritious whilst still tasting indulgent!

5 from 3 votes

Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Ingredients

Soup:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion - peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic - peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium sweet potato - peeled and chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper - deseeded and chopped
  • 3 x 400 ml (3 x 14 oz) tinned/canned chopped tomatoes in juice
  • 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree - paste for US
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 4 tbsp double (heavy) cream
  • salt and pepper

Basil Cheese on Toast:

  • 6 slices thick cut bread
  • 150 g (1 ½ cups) mature cheddar cheese - grated
  • 6 shakes of Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp fresh basil - chopped (ideally chop it just before serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add in the onions. Cook on a low heat for 5-6 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

    1 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion

  • Add in the garlic, sweet potato, and red pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

    3 cloves garlic, 1 medium sweet potato, 1 large red bell pepper

  • Add in the tins of tomatoes, stock, tomato puree, and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle bubble, then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every so often, until the sweet potato is tender.

    3 x 400 ml (3 x 14 oz) tinned/canned chopped tomatoes in juice, 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, 1 tbsp tomato puree, 1 tbsp caster sugar

  • Whilst the soup is simmering, lightly toast your bread on both sides under the grill.

    6 slices thick cut bread

  • When lightly browned, split the grated cheese between the slices of toast and add a shake of Worcestershire sauce to each piece.

    150 g (1 ½ cups) mature cheddar cheese, 6 shakes of Worcestershire sauce

  • Place the toast back under the grill until melted and bubbling.

  • At this point, your soup should be ready. Turn off the heat and blend the soup using a hand blender. Stir in the cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.

    4 tbsp double (heavy) cream, salt and pepper

  • Split the soup between 6 bowls and serve with the cheese on toast. Sprinkle the cheese on toast with the chopped basil right before serving.

    3 tbsp fresh basil

Video

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (8)

✎ Notes

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead, then quickly cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a saucepan until piping hot.
I wouldn't recommend making the cheese on toast ahead - it taste so much better when eaten fresh.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Quickly cool, cover and freeze the soup - ideally in individual portions. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a pan until piping hot.
As above, make the cheese on toast right before serving.

Can I scale this recipe down for fewer servings?

Yes, you can scale the recipe down using the same ratios. The soup freezes well though, so if you stick to the ratios in the recipe, you can freeze the rest for later.

Nutritional Information is approximate, per serving, including cheese on toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 794mgPotassium: 788mgFiber: 7gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 7320IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 4mg

Keywords Autumn food, hearty soup, Homemade Soup

Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

This recipe was first posted in December 2014. Updated September 2020 with new photos, video and tips.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (9)

Hi I’m Nicky

I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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  1. Jo walsh says

    Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (18)
    I’m terrible at making soups, this however was so easy and deliciously satisfying. I’ll be 100% making it again in the winter months xx

    Reply

  2. Cathy Cagney says

    Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (19)
    Everyone here just loves this soup! 😋

    Reply

  3. John Williams says

    Wow! My wife and I agree that this is just the best soup ever! And I'm not that into soup.

    Reply

  4. Linda says

    Can you replace the tinned tomatoes with fresh ones (have a lot at the moment)? What weight would I need? Thanks
    Linda

    Reply

    • Nicky Corbishley says

      Hi Linda, yes, you can replace the 3 tins of tomatoes with about 3 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes.
      It's usually preferable to peel the tomatoes first (as the skins can be a little bitter), but you can leave the skins on if you prefer.
      If you did want to peel them, then I'd recommend slicing a little cross into the base of each tomatoes, placing in boiling water for 10-20 seconds, then removing with a slotted spoon and placing in an ice bath. This makes it much easier to remove the skins.

      Reply

  5. Mike says

    Sorry Nikky but homemade tomatoe soup has to be made with your own grown tomatoes which you have cared for through the growing season
    Tinned tomatoes of which ever quality do not wash with me

    You should have shown people how to peel their own tomatoes in your video
    Mike

    Reply

  6. Kath says

    Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (20)
    Love this twist of Tomato and Basil soup. I too love leftover cottage pie for breakfast!

    Reply

  7. Lucie says

    Sounds great! Would it be possible to leave the cream out and still have a great taste?

    Reply

    • Nicky Corbishley says

      Hi Lucie, It will still taste good, but will be more tangy than creamy. If you want to lose the cream, i'd recommend cooking some red lentils or a chopped up sweet potato in there to give it a bit of healthy creaminess.

      Reply

  8. Saz says

    I will try it then ! Also I wanted to let you know that I made the creamy chicken soup again yesterday for a friend that was feling a bit down. She said it was one of the best comfort -food she ever had. Your receipts bring joy ! thank you. Trying your chickpeas and lemon soup this week ! I can't wait !!

    Reply

    • Nicky Corbishley says

      You've left me with a big grin on my face. Thanks Saz 😀

      Reply

  9. Saz says

    Absolutely stunning ! After trying your delicious creamy chicken soup I thought i'd give a go and try this one. I regret NOTHING. Creamy, sweet, warm... perfect! Usually I find tomato soup a tad bit too acidic but not this one at all. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Nicky Corbishley says

      Thank you for coming back and letting me know how it went Saz. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply

      • Saz says

        I really did ! And I still had some left today. I just reheated it slowly and added a bit more water to see what it would tast like with a slightly more liquid form ( i tend to like my soups thick) and it was absolutely delicious still :).
        Also I would love to have your opinion on adding just a dash of basilic-infused olive oil on the soup.

      • Nicky Corbishley says

        Absolutely, I bet the basil olive oil would taste great! I was just thinking about swirling some pesto in it 🙂

  10. Nutty Nutritionist says

    This is beautiful! I was wondering how your tomato soup got so orange, but I see that it has sweet potato in it!

    Reply

    • Nicky Corbishley says

      That's the trick 🙂 It helps to give the soup a lovely smooth, velvety consistency too.

      Reply

Cream of Tomato Soup recipe with basil cheese on toast (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to canned tomato soup to make it better? ›

10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
  1. 1) Fresh Rosemary. Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. ...
  2. 2) Sauteed Onions. ...
  3. 3) Crispy Bacon. ...
  4. 4) Cream. ...
  5. 5) Chutney. ...
  6. 6) Melted Cheese. ...
  7. 7) Tinned Anchovies. ...
  8. 8) Toasted Pine Nuts.
Mar 21, 2022

Is Campbell's tomato soup better with water or milk? ›

For a creamier result, add milk in place of water.

How to thicken up tomato basil soup? ›

How to thicken Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
  1. Cornstarch: Remove some of the pureed soup and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with a fork until smooth then whisk it back into the soup. ...
  2. Flour and butter: Mix equal parts flour and softened butter together with a fork so it becomes a thick paste and almost forms a ball.

How do you keep cream of tomato soup from curdling? ›

Here's some tips to prevent curdling:
  1. Prepare a warm milk/flour mixture to add to hot soup.
  2. Stir some hot soup liquid into cold dairy product to temper it, then add to the soup.
  3. Do not boil the soup after adding any dairy product, especially cheese.
  4. Add acid to the milk instead of milk into the acid.
Dec 15, 2016

How to amp up tomato soup? ›

Use Herbs and Seasonings

Add chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking to bring out that rich tomato flavor. Turn to your pantry for seasonings like fresh cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning or oregano, stirring them in while the soup is still cooking.

How do you doctor up a can of vegetable soup? ›

Start by sautéing any combination of finely chopped vegetables and alliums—like onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and ginger. Whatever you choose is going to infuse the entire can of soup you're about to heat.

How do you make tomato basil sauce taste better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Canned Spaghetti Sauce
  1. 1 - Extra virgin olive oil. Adding a good amount of a flavorful olive oil will go a long way in infusing flavor into your sauce. ...
  2. 2 - Fresh garlic. ...
  3. 3 - Meat. ...
  4. 4 - Hot pepper flakes. ...
  5. 5 - Red wine. ...
  6. 6 - Fresh or dried herbs. ...
  7. 7 - Cheese. ...
  8. 8 - Cream and/or butter.
Feb 26, 2018

How to make tomato soup thicker without cream? ›

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

What to pair with tomato basil soup? ›

Pair Tomato Basil Soup with These Meals and Sides
  1. Tomato Basil Soup + Grilled Cheese Sandwich. ...
  2. Tomato Basil Soup + Miss Vickie's Sea Salt Potato Chips. ...
  3. Tomato Basil Soup + Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. ...
  4. Tomato Basil Soup + Bacon Jam Burger. ...
  5. Tomato Basil Soup + French Fries. ...
  6. Tomato Basil Soup + BYO BLT Salad.
Oct 9, 2023

Why add baking soda to tomato soup? ›

- Adding baking soda to tomato soup and tomato sauces helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomato flavors really shine, and your sauce or soup will not curdle if you add milk. - Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato sauce or soup will make flavors sparkle and become less acidic.

How to add cheese to soup without curdling? ›

Don't add the cheese all at once or you risk clumping. Sprinkle the cheese in, stir and when it's almost melted, sprinkle in more. A sure-fire way to prevent cheese from clumping is to toss it with some cornstarch before adding to the soup.

What happens when you put milk in tomato soup? ›

When milk is added to tomato soup, a process called curdling occurs. This is because the acid present in the tomatoes causes the proteins in the milk to denature. Denaturation changes the structure of the proteins, causing them to clump together and form curds.

How to jazz up canned soup? ›

How To Make Canned Soup Taste Like Homemade
  1. Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. ...
  2. Add protein: Leftover chicken or steak, some cooked diced ham or bacon or sausage (just a little — that soup is already salty). ...
  3. More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies.
Apr 25, 2023

How do you make canned tomatoes taste better? ›

You want to give your tomatoes contact with a direct heat source. That means cooking them at the bottom of whatever saucepan or Dutch oven you're using. The goal here is to remove water from the tomato solids and allow them to caramelize somewhat, which will concentrate their flavor.

What to add to canned tomato sauce to make it taste better? ›

Add fresh herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf), and let them simmer to give a punch of fresh flavor.

What can I add to soup that is too tomatoey? ›

A tried-and-true method for reducing acidity in tomato-based dishes is to add a small amount of baking soda. Adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acid and make your tomato soup taste smoother. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it can alter the flavor of the soup.

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