I remember those cozy evenings with a steaming bowl of Campbell’s Tomato Soup, bringing comfort and warmth with every spoonful. There’s something timeless about its rich, savory flavor that makes it a beloved classic for so many.
Recreating this iconic soup at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious copycat version that rivals the original. Plus, homemade means you can tweak it to your taste, making it even more special.
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic meal or looking to impress your family with a homemade favorite, this Campbell’s Tomato Soup copycat recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
Equipment
To craft the perfect copycat Campbell’s Tomato Soup, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Essential for simmering the tomatoes and blending the flavors seamlessly.
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife ensures clean, precise chopping of onions and garlic.
- Cutting Board
Provides a stable surface for all your prep work.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key for balancing the soup’s sweetness and seasoning.
- Blender or Immersion Blender
Achieves that smooth, velvety texture reminiscent of the classic soup.
- Whisk
Perfect for stirring in the heavy cream to ensure it blends without lumps.
- Ladle
Makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.
- Mixing Bowls
Handy for organizing ingredients and any pre-preparation steps.
- Stove
Your primary cooking surface for bringing all the flavors together.
Having these tools at your disposal will help you recreate a comforting bowl of Campbell’s Tomato Soup right in your own kitchen.
Directions
Recreating this classic Campbell’s Tomato Soup is straightforward. Follow these steps to make a comforting bowl in your own kitchen.
Prep
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic using a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board.
- Measure Ingredients: Gather 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ cup of heavy cream.
Cook
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with your spoon. Add the vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until silky.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot if using a blender. Stir in the heavy cream using a whisk, ensuring the soup is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
- Ladle and Garnish: Carefully ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with a drizzle of heavy cream, a sprinkle of black pepper, or fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup warm alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a classic comfort meal experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Campbell’s Tomato Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy days while still enjoying a comforting, homemade meal. Here’s how I ensure my soup retains its rich flavor and creamy texture when made in advance.
Preparing the Soup for Storage
After blending and incorporating the heavy cream, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and maintains the soup’s quality during storage.
- Cool the Soup: Transfer the hot soup to a large bowl and let it sit uncovered for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer to Containers: Pour the cooled soup into airtight containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion if freezing.
- Label and Date: Use a marker to label each container with the date and contents for easy reference.
Storing the Soup
Proper storage is key to maintaining the soup’s flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Ensure containers are freezer-safe to prevent cracking.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. |
Reheating the Soup
Reheating properly ensures your soup remains smooth and creamy.
- Thaw if Frozen: Transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it.
- Heat Gently: Pour the soup into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream if Needed: If the soup appears too thick after reheating, stir in a splash of heavy cream to restore its creamy consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if necessary.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Campbell’s Tomato Soup whenever the craving strikes, without the hassle of cooking from scratch every time.
Conclusion
Bringing Campbell’s Tomato Soup into my kitchen has been a delightful journey. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create such a comforting meal. I love the ability to tweak the recipe to match my taste and make it truly my own. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or just want a delicious homemade soup this copycat recipe is a winner. Pair it with a crispy grilled cheese and you’ve got the perfect cozy meal any day. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this classic soup as much as I do.
