Tomato Basil Soup with Mozzarella
This Tomato Basil Soup with Mozzarella is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish perfect for any time of the year. Made with sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy melted mozzarella, this soup offers a classic combination that feels both hearty and elegant. It’s an easy recipe to whip up and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 14-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- Crusty bread or croutons optional, for serving
Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. If using canned tomatoes, crush them with a spoon as they cook. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Blend the Soup:
Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
Add Basil and Cream:
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the chopped basil and heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Incorporate Mozzarella:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and combined. This will give the soup a creamy and slightly stringy texture that’s irresistible.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, or croutons if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.