Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Roasted tomato basil soup is one of those homey recipes that captures the essence of fresh, simple ingredients coming together.

You get a burst of flavor from the mixup of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic, all roasted to perfection.

Adding some heavy cream at the end gives it that luscious finish, making it irresistibly creamy without overshadowing the tomatoes.

What I love most about this soup is how versatile it is—you can adjust the spices, add a dash of cayenne for heat, or keep it traditional.

How to Make Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. Tomatoes (fresh, halved)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Basil Leaves
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Roast the tomatoes for about 30-35 minutes until they are slightly charred and caramelized.

This step brings out a deep, rich flavor in the tomatoes.

Step 3:

In a large pot, heat a bit more olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Step 4:

Add the roasted tomatoes along with their juices to the pot.

Pour in the chicken broth and add basil leaves and sugar.

Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5:

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Roasting Tips:

Choose ripe, seasonal tomatoes for a sweeter flavor when roasted.

If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute them with canned ones, but the roasting step will be different.

Basil Tips:

When adding basil, reserve some whole leaves to garnish each bowl before serving.

This adds a burst of color and texture to your soup!

Consistency:

If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth after blending.

Alternatively, for a creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end.

Flavor Enhancement:

Don’t skip seasoning after blending the soup; a final taste test helps you adjust saltiness or sweetness to your palate.

Taste frequently to ensure the perfect flavor balance!

Serving Suggestion:

Pair this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a piece of crusty bread for a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

What to Serve with Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Classic Grilled Cheese

You’re going to love pairing your Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

The crispy, buttery outside with the gooey, melted cheese inside really complements the rich tomato and basil flavors.

Not only is this pairing comforting, but it also makes a quick and easy meal option!

Caesar Salad

Adding a fresh Caesar salad to your meal offers a crunchy, refreshing contrast to your soup.

The crisp romaine lettuce and savory Caesar dressing add layers of flavor that pair beautifully with the soup.

This combination ensures you’re getting a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious!

Roasted Veggie Platter

Consider serving your soup with a colorful roasted veggie platter.

You can use a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.

The roasted flavors bring warmth and texture to each bite, enriching your dining experience!

Avocado Salad

An avocado salad is a unique companion to your tomato basil soup.

The creamy texture of avocado combined with a light lime dressing offers a vibrant contrast.

This option brings a refreshing and healthy touch to your meal.

Cornbread

For something a bit heartier, go with cornbread.

The sweet, crumbly texture creates an interesting contrast with the smooth, savory soup.

Cornbread is an untraditional yet fun addition to your soup to round out your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

You can use any type of tomato for this recipe, like cherry, heirloom, or garden-fresh tomatoes.

Feel free to mix and match to suit your preferences.

Add a twist by roasting a red bell pepper with the tomatoes.

This introduces a sweet and smoky element that pairs wonderfully with basil.

Dairy Options

For a creamy texture, you can replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

It adds a rich and smooth consistency to the soup.

Another option is to mix in some half-and-half for a lighter version.

Both will turn out delicious!

Herbs and Spices

Feel like intensifying the basil flavor?

Add extra fresh basil leaves, or even try incorporating a dollop of basil pesto for extra depth.

Experimenting with different herbs like fresh thyme or oregano can also add unique layers of flavor.

Salt and pepper to adjust seasoning to your liking.

How to Store Leftover Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

When you’ve made a big batch of Longhorn Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll want to store the leftovers properly to enjoy them later.

Make sure the soup cools completely before you even think about storing it.

Keeping it uncovered for a bit on the counter is a great start!

Airtight Containers

You’ll want to pour the cooled soup into airtight containers.

These containers are perfect for keeping your soup fresh in the fridge or freezer.

Refrigeration

Store your soup in the refrigerator if you plan on enjoying it within the next couple of days.

You’ll want to consume it within three to five days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freezing is a fantastic option!

Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers and leave enough space for expansion.

You can safely freeze the soup for up to six months.

Whether you refrigerate or freeze, this delicious soup will be waiting for your next craving!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the tomatoes thoroughly can lead to a less flavorful soup.

I find roasting them until they’re dark and slightly charred makes all the difference.

Over-Seasoning

Keep the seasoning under control.

It’s easy to be heavy-handed with salt and basil, which can overpower the delicate tomato flavor.

You can always add more later if needed.

Ignoring Fresh Ingredients

Using canned tomatoes can be a shortcut, but doesn’t compare to fresh, ripe tomatoes.

They bring a sweetness and richness that you just can’t get from a can.

Fresh basil is key too; dried just won’t have the same aromatic punch.