Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup has been a comfort food staple in many households for generations. Whether you’re enjoying it with a grilled cheese sandwich, sipping it on a cold winter’s day, or serving it as a starter at dinner, there’s something about its smooth, rich texture and tangy flavor that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. But did you know you can recreate this iconic soup at home with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of cooking know-how?

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup recipe, provide expert tips, give you some ingredient insights, and even suggest variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup is a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, rich cream, and a few spices that create a creamy, tangy, and smooth bowl of goodness. This recipe isn’t just about flavor-it’s about simplicity and ease. You don’t need to be a master chef to make a perfect batch, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can elevate the flavor to restaurant-quality comfort food.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious bowl of creamy tomato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tomatoes (fresh or canned) – Tomatoes are the foundation of this soup, providing that essential sweetness and tang. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Canned tomatoes work well too (preferably whole peeled or crushed).
• Butter – About 3 tablespoons. Butter adds richness to the soup, giving it that velvety texture that pairs so beautifully with the tanginess of the tomatoes.
• Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Onions offer a mild sweetness and depth of flavor, helping balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a savory undertone, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups. This is the base of the soup and adds body without overpowering the tomatoes. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a bit of richness.
• Heavy cream – 1/2 cup. The heavy cream is what gives this soup its signature creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but cream is ideal for the best results.
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon. A small amount of sugar helps counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the soup a rounded sweetness without making it taste overtly sweet.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. Seasoning is key, and the right amount of salt and pepper can elevate the soup.
• Basil or thyme (optional) – Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, bring a fragrant note to the soup. Adding fresh basil right at the end of cooking gives the soup an aromatic lift.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
   • Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.

2. Add The Tomatoes

   • If using fresh tomatoes, you can chop them into chunks and add them to the pot. If using canned tomatoes, pour in the contents of the can (including juices).
   • Stir everything together and cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

3. Simmer With Broth

   • Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, and the tomatoes break down further.

4. Puree The Soup

   • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until it becomes smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
   • After pureeing, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve if you want an ultra-smooth consistency.

5. Finish With Cream

   • Once the soup is smooth, stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish And Serve

   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme if desired. Pair it with your favorite crusty bread or grilled cheese for a classic combination.

Ingredient Insights

• Tomatoes: Whether you use fresh or canned tomatoes, always choose the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often picked at their peak ripeness and may actually be more flavorful than fresh tomatoes, especially out of season.
• Butter: Butter is not just for flavor-it also helps with the creamy texture of the soup. It’s essential for creating that smooth, rich mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: While it’s tempting to go for lower-fat dairy products, heavy cream is what makes this soup so luxurious. It provides a silky texture and a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with skim milk or half-and-half.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar may seem counterintuitive in a savory dish, but it balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor profile. Without it, the soup can taste a bit sharp.

Expert Tips

• Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give this soup a bright, slightly tangy flavor. Choose fully ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Blending options: For a chunkier texture, don’t blend the soup as long. If you like it ultra-smooth, blend it until completely silky. For extra smoothness, pass the soup through a sieve or fine-mesh strainer.
• Make it ahead: Tomato soup actually improves after it sits for a few hours, or even a day. The flavors deepen and meld together, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time.
• Adjusting consistency: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh basil or thyme is a great finishing touch. For extra flavor, you could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky note.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Tomato Soup: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Use vegan butter for sautéing and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Roasted Tomato Soup: For a deeper, more intense flavor, roast the tomatoes (whether fresh or canned) with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before adding them to the soup base. Roasting brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a subtle smokiness.
• Spicy Tomato Soup: If you like a little heat, add a chopped jalapeño or red chili flakes during the sautéing process, or blend in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper at the end for an extra kick.
• Tomato Basil Soup: Stir in fresh basil during the last stages of cooking, or blend some into the soup before serving for a classic, fresh taste. You can also top it with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
• Cheesy Tomato Soup: For a cheesy twist, stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving. The cheese will melt into the soup, making it extra creamy and comforting.

Final Words

Making Campbell’s Creamy Tomato Soup from scratch is a simple and rewarding experience that anyone can do. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your personal touch with variations, this homemade version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a comforting dish that you can easily customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs.