Half-and-Half Tomato Soup
A velvety tomato soup made with a 50-50 blend of milk and cream, delivering rich flavor without heaviness. This American-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs butter, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup half-and-half, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Tomato Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Tomato Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-and-Half Tomato Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-and-Half Tomato Soup?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This soup is a family favorite! Made it for dinner and everyone loved it.
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- ★★★★☆
Easy and delicious. My kids loved the creamy texture.
