Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Homemade Tomato Soup on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait for it to simmer away. It was a simple recipe, yet it brought back memories of my childhood, where my mom would serve it alongside gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. This dish is more than just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of cozy dinners and comforting moments. Whether you’re having a busy week or just need some comfort food, this Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is the perfect go-to. Just imagine ladling it into warm bowls, topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons, and watching your loved ones light up with joy. Cooking this soup is not just about the ingredients; it’s about creating memories and warmth that you can share with others.

Main Ingredients for Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

The ingredients for this Easy Homemade Tomato Soup are simple yet essential. Fresh, quality ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also provide a comforting and hearty experience. The key players in this dish are ripe tomatoes, flavorful broth, and a few spices that bring everything together.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large shallot, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups homemade chicken stock, or your favorite store-bought stock
• 2 (15 oz) cans or cartons of diced tomatoes in juice, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 6 slices thick bread
• 6-8 oz colby jack cheese, shredded or sliced

Recipe Steps for Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

Making this Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll find that following these steps makes the process feel effortless and rewarding. Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced shallots and sauté for about five minutes. You want them to become translucent, which adds a sweet flavor base to the soup.

2. Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for an additional two to three minutes until fragrant. The aroma will tantalize your senses!

3. Now, pour in your chicken stock, honey, and the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for three to four hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, leaving the lid slightly cracked to let steam escape.

5. For the grilled cheese croutons, heat oil in a nonstick skillet and sauté the shallots, garlic, and oregano again for about three to five minutes. This step adds incredible flavor depth.

6. Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the remaining stock, canned tomatoes, honey, and spices. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours. Again, puree before serving if desired for a velvety texture.

7. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Slice the bread to fit on top of your soup bowls. Toast each slice lightly on both sides to get a nice crisp.

8. Top each slice of toasted bread with colby jack cheese and return them to the broiler for three to five minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted.

9. Finally, ladle the Easy Homemade Tomato Soup into six bowls and top each serving with a piece of the cheesy toast. Enjoy!

Customization Ideas

This Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is a great base for customization! You can adapt it to suit your preferences and pantry. Here are some ideas:

• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a new layer of flavor. Try adding them just before serving.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses on your grilled cheese. Try mozzarella or gouda for a twist!
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add chopped spinach or kale to boost the nutrition factor without changing the flavor significantly.
• Broth Varieties: Switch up the broth to vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or use beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Garnishes: Top your soup with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an elegant touch.
• Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free bread for the grilled cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Great Combinations for Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

Serving your Easy Homemade Tomato Soup can be as creative as you want! Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Side Dishes: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Occasions: This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, quick lunches, or even as a starter for more formal gatherings.
• Seasonal Pairing: In winter, serve with hearty bread to soak up the warmth of the soup.
• Comfort Food: It’s also a great option for casual get-togethers or game days, offering a beloved classic everyone enjoys.
• Gifting a Meal: Consider making a batch for a friend in need. It’s a wonderful way to show you care.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup in portions for quick future meals. Just thaw and reheat!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is truly a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe has a way of bringing people together around the table. I encourage you to try making it and experience the magic of homemade soup. It’s a delightful way to create lasting memories and savor every spoonful.

Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is rich, creamy, and topped with melty cheese croutons. Perfect for a cozy winter meal, this easy weeknight dinner will warm your heart and soul. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large shallot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups homemade chicken stock, or your favorite store bought stock
• 2 15 oz cans or cartons of diced tomatoes in juice, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 6 slices thick bread
• 6-8 oz colby jack cheese, shredded or sliced

Equipment

• Immersion Blender

Method

 

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced shallots and sauté for about five minutes until translucent.
2. Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for an additional two to three minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in your chicken stock, honey, and the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for three to four hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If needed, transfer in batches to a regular blender.
5. For the grilled cheese croutons, heat oil in a nonstick skillet and sauté shallots, garlic, and oregano for about three to five minutes.
6. Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the remaining stock, canned tomatoes, honey, and spices. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.
7. Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Toast slices of bread on both sides.
8. Top each slice of toasted bread with colby jack cheese and return to the broiler for three to five minutes, or until melted.
9. Ladle the Easy Homemade Tomato Soup into bowls and top each with cheesy toast before serving.

Notes

• Tomato Quality: Using high-quality canned tomatoes can reduce cooking time. San Marzano tomatoes can cut the cooking down to thirty minutes while still yielding great flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make the grilled cheese croutons gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Smooth Texture: Pureeing the soup is optional, but smooth soups are generally preferred.
• Top Before Serving: Add the grilled cheese toast right before serving to avoid sogginess.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.