Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Herb Toast

A velvety tomato soup enriched with cream and herbs, accompanied by crisp garlic‑herb toasts, perfect for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the classic warmth of tomato soup with the aromatic crunch of garlic‑herb toasts, delivering both comfort and sophistication. It’s quick to prepare, balanced in flavor, and ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Mixed herbs (such as basil, parsley, thyme)
• Bread slices for toasting

directions

1. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and herbs; simmer until tomatoes soften.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth. Return to pot, stir in cream and a knob of butter; warm through.
4. For the toasts, brush bread with olive oil or melted butter, sprinkle minced garlic and herbs, toast until golden.
5. Serve the creamy soup hot with garlic‑herb toasts on the side.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 20 minutes.
Total time: 30 minutes.

Variations

• Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy‑free version.
• Add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist.
• Garnish with croutons or a drizzle of basil oil.

storage/reheating

Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally; add a splash of broth or cream if too thick. Toasts are best freshly made; reheat under the broiler briefly if needed.

FAQs

Why does my tomato soup taste acidic?

Acidity may be reduced by adding a small pinch of sugar or stirring in more cream to balance the flavor.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes. Use quality canned tomatoes; the soup may benefit from a bit less broth due to added liquid.

Is there a way to thicken the soup without cream?

Yes. Simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a small amount of blended cooked potato or a roux.

Can I freeze this soup?

You may freeze the soup without the cream component. After thawing, blend in cream when reheating.

Can I make garlic‑herb toasts ahead?

Prepare the seasoned bread, but toast just before serving to retain crispness.

Can I make this vegan?

Substitute butter with plant‑based margarine and cream with coconut or soya cream.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Stir in cooked shredded chicken or top with grilled cheese croutons.

How do I keep the soup smooth?

Ensure you blend thoroughly and strain through a fine sieve if extra smoothness is desired.

What herbs work best?

Fresh basil and parsley offer classic flavor; thyme or oregano provide an earthier note.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté onion and garlic, then transfer all ingredients (except cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours before blending and adding cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Herb Toast is a simple yet elegant dish that comforts and delights. Its rich, soothing texture paired with fragrant toasts makes it a perfect choice for a heartfelt meal. Easy to adapt and store, this recipe will become a go‑to favourite when you crave both warmth and flavour.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Herb Toast

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A rich and velvety creamy tomato soup paired with crispy garlic herb toast, perfect for a comforting meal or appetizer.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• 4 slices of crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer in batches to a blender).
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. While the soup simmers, prepare the garlic herb toast. Mix butter with minced garlic and herbs.
8. Spread the garlic herb butter onto bread slices and toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy.
9. Serve the soup hot with garlic herb toast on the side. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Make a large batch and freeze portions for future use.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg