If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, this Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant tomato flavors enhanced by a touch of sweetness from carrot and a gentle herbaceous aroma, this cozy soup is paired perfectly with crunchy, garlicky sage-infused croutons that bring a delightful texture contrast. Whether it’s a chilly evening or an anytime craving, this recipe hits all the right notes with its balance of fresh and savory, creamy and crisp. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for a soul-soothing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sweetness of the carrot and the aromatic punch of basil to the savory depth of chicken broth. The croutons get your taste buds dancing with garlic and sage, turning a humble piece of bread into something extraordinary.
- 1 large carrot (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness to balance the tomatoes.
- 1 small or 1/2 large onion (diced): Builds a flavorful base with its gentle pungency.
- 1 stick celery (diced): Gives a slight crunch and bright freshness to the soup.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies, infusing them with richness.
- 1 (5.5 fluid ounce) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes (plain or seasoned): The heart of the soup, delivering juicy tomato goodness.
- 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth: Provides a savory, comforting liquid base (swap with vegetable broth for vegans).
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 6 large leaves basil: Brings fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the soup.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- 1/2 cup whipping cream (optional): For a lush, creamy texture that’s decadent yet simple.
- 2 slices of bread (light rye recommended) (cut into cubes): Base for the croutons that add crunch and flavor.
- Olive oil: Coats the bread cubes so they crisp perfectly.
- Dried sage: The star herb that lends warmth and earthiness to the croutons.
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the croutons.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs to complement the tomato and sage.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Balances the croutons’ flavor.
How to Make Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrot, onion, and celery, letting them cook gently until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base that’s essential for a rich tomato soup. You want the veggies tender but not browned, so keep an eye as they soften.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Garlic
Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for another minute or two. This step helps deepen the tomato flavor and lets the garlic release its wonderful aroma. The tomato paste starts to caramelize slightly, which adds a delicious complexity to the soup.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Next up, add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, and then pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Blend and Season
Once the soup has simmered, toss in the basil leaves and use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth (or carefully transfer in batches to a blender). This creates a silky texture that’s just so satisfying. Taste at this point and adjust with salt and pepper as you like. For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in the optional whipping cream, which enhances the richness and creaminess.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic and Sage Croutons
While the soup simmers, heat a skillet and drizzle some olive oil over the bread cubes. Sprinkle with dried sage, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toast the bread cubes over medium heat, tossing often, until they’re golden, crisp, and fragrant. These croutons provide the perfect crunchy, aromatic contrast to the smooth soup.
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup, scatter those golden garlic and sage croutons atop each bowl just before serving. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream can add a lovely touch of color and freshness. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can give a hint of spice if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully alongside a crispy green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich, ideal for dipping and balancing the tomato’s acidity. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad. The possibilities are endless when pairing with this versatile soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for an impressive and cozy presentation. Alternatively, layering the croutons right inside the bowl before pouring the soup over creates an exciting textural element, letting them soak slightly without losing their crunch. You can also garnish each bowl with a small drizzle of pesto for an extra burst of herbal flavor that complements both the soup and croutons perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe, store the soup separately from the croutons in airtight containers. The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and silky texture. Keep the croutons at room temperature in a sealed jar so they stay crunchy.
Freezing
The soup freezes wonderfully, making it an easy meal prep option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Keep frozen croutons separate, as freezing can affect their crunch.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating. Warm seasoned croutons in a toaster oven or skillet just before serving to bring back that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a vegetarian-friendly version that’s every bit as delicious and comforting.
What type of bread works best for the croutons?
Light rye bread is fantastic for its flavor and texture, but any sturdy bread like sourdough or a rustic white loaf will toast up nicely and soak up the garlic and sage seasonings perfectly.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Yes, fresh sage leaves can be chopped finely and tossed with the bread cubes before toasting. Use about twice the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
How do I make the soup creamier without the whipping cream?
If you want to keep it dairy-free or lighter, you can blend in a cooked potato or a splash of coconut milk to give a creamy texture without adding dairy.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing with the croutons already added?
It’s best to freeze the soup and croutons separately. The croutons will lose their crispness and become soggy when frozen in the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe is one of those dishes that feels homemade and special with every spoonful. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve to guests, comforting enough for cold days and light enough for warm ones. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and happiness to your table any time you need it.
Print
Tomato Soup with Garlic and Sage Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Tomato Soup with crispy Garlic and Sage Croutons, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, herbs, and a creamy touch for a delicious homemade soup served alongside seasoned, crunchy croutons.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 small onion or 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (5.5 fluid ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes (plain or seasoned)
- 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large leaves basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup whipping cream (optional)
For the Garlic and Sage Croutons
- 2 slices bread (light rye preferred), cut into cubes
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Dried sage, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, onion, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and garlic to release its aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and add the basil leaves. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to develop flavors and soften the tomatoes.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the basil leaves. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Return to the pot.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the optional whipping cream to add richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm on low heat.
- Prepare the Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, dried sage, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with the crispy garlic and sage croutons and garnish as desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- For a vegan version, substitute whipping cream with coconut cream or omit entirely.
- Adjust herb amounts to your taste preference for stronger or milder crouton flavors.
- Homemade croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- The soup can be thickened by reducing the amount of broth or adding a small potato while cooking.
