Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons
A rich and comforting tomato soup simmered with fresh basil and served with crunchy garlic croutons for dipping, perfect for cozy lunches or dinners. This french-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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 olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups day-old baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
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: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 2 cups day-old baguette cubes with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tsp garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Remove the soup from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Serve the soup hot topped with garlic croutons.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons?
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 Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons 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.
Is Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A game-changer for tomato soup! I added a splash of cream at the end and it elevated the richness. Even my picky toddler asked for more.
- ★★★★★
As a French chef, I was skeptical but this nailed the classic. The balance of tomato sweetness and basil was impeccable.
- ★★★★★
Authentic French flavors without the fuss. The soup was thick and aromatic, perfect for a rainy day. Croutons were golden and crispy.
