Nothing beats curling up with a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup when you need a little comfort—especially when it’s this easy to make! My gluten-free creamy tomato soup recipe has been my go-to for years, whether I’m cooking for friends with dietary restrictions or just craving that velvety texture without the flour. I still remember the first time I whipped this up on a chilly evening, thinking it would be “just okay,” but wow—the rich tomato flavor with that touch of cream? Absolute perfection. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes just as good (maybe better) than any restaurant version. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
This isn’t just any tomato soup—it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes and sigh after the first spoonful. Here’s why it’s a forever favorite in my kitchen:
- Creamy dreaminess: Silky smooth with just the right richness (thank you, heavy cream or coconut milk!). No flour needed—it’s naturally gluten-free but still luxuriously thick.
- Effortless magic: Saute, simmer, blend—done. Even on hectic weeknights, you’re 35 minutes away from cozy comfort.
- Your rules: Toss in extra garlic, swirl in pesto, or make it vegan. This recipe loves a personal touch.
- Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients mean bold tomato flavor—no bland, tinny aftertaste here.
Seriously, this soup is a hug in a bowl. And isn’t that what we all need sometimes?
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle—but don’t worry, this list is simple and flexible. Here’s what you’ll need to make that dreamy, velvety soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing those aromatics to golden perfection.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Yellow or white, whatever’s in your pantry (no need to be fancy).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Or, let’s be real—3 if you’re a garlic lover like me.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The hero of the dish! I prefer San Marzano for their sweet depth, but any good-quality brand works.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Homemade if you’ve got it, or low-sodium store-bought to control the salt.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luscious texture. Or coconut milk if you’re going dairy-free—it adds a subtle sweetness that’s divine.
- 1 tsp dried basil: A little earthy brightness. Fresh works too—just double the amount.
- 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season to taste, but start here—you can always add more later!
See? Nothing complicated—just good stuff that lets the tomatoes shine. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Alright, let’s turn those simple ingredients into the silkiest, most comforting soup you’ve ever tasted! Follow these easy steps—I promise it’s foolproof. Just grab a big pot and let’s get started.
Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat that olive oil over medium heat in your favorite soup pot. You’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of onion sizzles gently—not violently! Toss in your diced onion and let it cook until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. Now add the garlic (oh, that heavenly smell!) and cook for just 30 seconds more—we want fragrant, not burnt. If the garlic browns too fast, your heat’s too high, so don’t be shy about turning it down.
Simmer the Soup
Time for the tomatoes! Pour in that whole can of crushed tomatoes—juice and all—along with the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir, then crank the heat up to bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the flavors deepen, the tomatoes sweeten, and your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian grandmother’s dream. Just resist the urge to stir too much—let it do its thing!

Blend and Finish
Now for the fun part: blending! If you’ve got an immersion blender, just dunk it right into the pot and whizz away until perfectly smooth. No immersion blender? Carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender (in batches if needed) but leave the center cap off and cover with a towel—hot soup expands! Once it’s velvety, return it to the pot and stir in the cream (or coconut milk), basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to marry all those flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt? A dash more pepper? You’re the boss here.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Want to take your soup from great to unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Perfect thickness: Too thin? Simmer 5 extra minutes. Too thick? Add broth 1/4 cup at a time until just right.
- Herb magic: Swap dried basil for fresh—just tear it in at the end for bright, vibrant flavor.
- No curdling! Always temper cream by stirring in a spoonful of hot soup first, then slowly adding the rest.
- Texture lover? Skip blending completely for a rustic, chunky version—it’s delicious either way!
Little tweaks make all the difference—trust me, your tastebuds will thank you!
Variations for Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
This soup is like a blank canvas—so feel free to get creative! Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m craving something a little different:
- Roasted red pepper twist: Blend in a jar of roasted red peppers for extra sweetness and depth—it’s like sunshine in a bowl.
- Green goodness: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or basil right before serving for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded chicken to make it heartier (perfect for a full meal).
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil gives it a nice kick if you like heat.
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, it’s still that same cozy, gluten-free comfort at its core. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Oh, the possibilities! This soup is amazing on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it for maximum comfort factor:
- The classic: Crusty gluten-free bread or a melty grilled cheese sandwich for dipping (cheddar + sourdough gf bread = heaven).
- Crunchy contrast: Homemade gluten-free croutons or a handful of crispy chickpeas on top.
- Fresh finish: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even a swirl of pesto for that restaurant-worthy touch.
- Dairy-free delight: A dollop of coconut yogurt or avocado slices for creaminess without the cream.
No matter how you serve it, don’t forget to take that first blissful sip while it’s piping hot—pure comfort in every spoonful!
Storing and Reheating Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
This soup is almost too good to have leftovers—but if you do, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh! Let it cool completely (I pop it in the fridge uncovered for about 30 minutes first), then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay happy in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir when you reheat. Speaking of reheating, the stovetop’s my go-to: warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring often so the cream doesn’t separate. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts and stir between each to avoid hot spots. Pro tip: If it thickens in the fridge, thin it with a splash of broth or water until it’s back to that velvety perfection!
Nutritional Information for Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Just so you know what you’re enjoying (guilt-free, might I add!), here’s the scoop per serving: about 180 calories, 12g fat, and 3g fiber. Remember—these are estimates, but hey, with fresh ingredients like these, it’s practically a hug for your body too! The coconut milk version cuts the cholesterol if you’re watching that. Either way, it’s wholesome comfort you can feel good about. For more information on healthy eating, check out eatright.org.
Common Questions About Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things folks ask me about this beloved soup:
- Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Just skip the cream—freeze the base soup, then stir in fresh cream when reheating. It’ll keep for 3 months.
- Dairy-free? Easy! Coconut milk works like a charm (and adds a subtle sweetness that’s delicious).
- Too thick or thin? Adjust with broth—simmer longer to thicken, add splashes to thin. You’re in control!
- Fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Sure—roast 2 lbs of tomatoes first for deeper flavor, then proceed as usual.
- Can I make it spicy? Oh yes! A pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce kicks it up nicely.
See? No soup stress here—just cozy, customizable comfort!

Creamy Gluten-Free Tomato Soup in Just 35 Minutes – Pure Bliss
A rich and creamy gluten-free tomato soup that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for vegan option)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by 1/2 cup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: gluten-free, tomato soup, creamy, easy, homemade