20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

This 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch is a quick and delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Ideal for cozy nights in or as a starter for family gatherings, this soup is rich in flavor and incredibly easy to make. With its creamy texture and the vibrant taste of tomatoes, basil, and garlic, you’ll want to serve it up at every opportunity. Plus, it pairs perfectly with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, basil, and Parmesan creates a deep, satisfying flavor that will impress your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light lunch, an appetizer, or even a comforting dinner on chilly evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and delicious taste—it’s a great way to introduce them to more vegetables!
• Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, so you can make this dish without a special trip to the grocery store.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch effectively, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This provides ample space for all ingredients to combine efficiently while cooking.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of the flour into the butter mixture and prevents lumps when adding milk.
• Measuring cups: Guarantees accurate ingredient portions for consistent flavor in every batch.

Ingredients

This Creamy Tomato Soup is made in 20 minutes with canned tomatoes, but no one would ever know! It’s flavored with basil, garlic and Parmesan and perfect for dunking your grilled cheese!

For the Base

• ¼ cup salted butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil pesto
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For Thickening

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups milk

For Flavoring

• 1 can crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs (28oz or 798ml)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For Serving

• Fresh basil (for serving)

How to Make 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat.
– Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, basil pesto, dried basil, and pepper.
– Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

Whisk in the flour until no white remains visible.
– This step is crucial for achieving a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Add Milk

Add the milk gradually while whisking continuously.
– Increase the heat to medium and cook while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Cheese

Add the crushed tomatoes along with their juices and grated Parmesan cheese.
– Stir well until everything is combined. Heat through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in granulated sugar to taste if desired.
– Serve hot with fresh basil on top for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

This delightful creamy tomato soup is not only quick to make but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some great suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Grilled Cheese

• Pairing the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for a comforting meal. The gooey cheese and crispy bread are perfect for dipping!

Topped with Croutons

• Adding homemade or store-bought croutons brings a satisfying crunch. They can be seasoned with herbs for extra flavor.

Swirled with Pesto

• A drizzle of basil pesto on top adds a burst of color and flavor. It complements the soup’s creaminess beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Basil

• Fresh basil leaves not only add appeal but also enhance the taste. Simply sprinkle them on top right before serving.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light side salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Making this creamy tomato soup is simple, but small adjustments can elevate its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed for balance.

• Blend for smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, consider blending the soup using an immersion blender after cooking.

• Experiment with cheese: While Parmesan is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for variation.

• Include veggies: Add diced carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

A bowl of creamy tomato soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic choice that enhances the comfort factor of your meal with melty cheese between crunchy bread.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of your flavorful soup.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that pairs well.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with grains and vegetables add substance and can be customized to your taste preferences.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   An assortment of roasted seasonal vegetables brings warmth and depth alongside your creamy tomato soup.

7. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad made with veggies and vinaigrette provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor profile.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that balances out the savory notes of the tomato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold milk can slow down the cooking process. Always warm your milk slightly before adding it to the pot.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup will leave it bland. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking Garlic: Burning garlic can create a bitter flavor. Only sauté it for about a minute until fragrant, then add other ingredients.
• Not Using Fresh Basil: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. Always use fresh basil for garnish to enhance the soup’s taste.
• Ignoring Consistency: If your soup is too thick or thin, adjust by adding more milk or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

• Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating later.
• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for best results; the soup can last up to 3 months.

Reheating 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Slowly reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this a quick recipe?

This is a 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch because using canned tomatoes and simple ingredients allows for fast preparation without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

How can I customize my tomato soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or carrots, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, chopped and cooked down until soft before blending into the soup.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch is not only quick but also versatile. You can customize it with various herbs and spices or add different toppings like croutons. Try this simple yet satisfying recipe on your next busy day!