How to Make Canned Tomato Soup Better will inspire you with ideas for transforming a simple can of soup into a culinary delight. Elevating the flavors of canned soup is an easy yet rewarding art.
How to Make Canned Tomato Soup Better
I love the simplicity and nostalgia of a warm bowl of tomato soup. But to be frank, when tomato soup comes straight from the can, it’s not exactly restaurant-quality flavor. You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to transform an ordinary canned soup into an extraordinary meal.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to add flavor to pantry staples, 35 Ways to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better and 31 Easy Ways to Add Flavor to Mashed Potatoes will help you on your journey.
One of the easiest ways to infuse canned tomato soup with more flavor is to use milk or half-and-half instead of water. Adding milk, cream, or heavy cream to your pot will help reduce the acidity in tomato soup.
Upgrading canned tomato soup is more straightforward than one might think. Of course, it all starts with a selection of readily available spices in most pantries. Spices such as garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning not only infuse a burst of flavor, but also build layers of complexity and warmth to the soup.
Incorporating textures is a great way to transform canned tomato soup from a simple dish into a delicious meal. Stirring in half a can of diced tomatoes adds a delightful contrast to the soup’s creaminess. The vibrant red of the tomato skins also enhances the soup’s visual appeal.
Choosing the suitable liquid to make your canned tomato soup taste better can be transformative. I like to add a combination of milk and cream. Milk maintains the soup’s classic texture, while a touch of cream contributes a luxurious richness that will make your taste buds happy. Cook it over medium heat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite mixture of liquids. Velvet almond milk or coconut milk are also other great options.
Adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil or fresh basil, salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper will also transform your favorite canned tomato soup into a tastier meal.
If you would like even more options to add flavor to your canned tomato soup, you’ll find plenty of choices below.
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Here’s How to Make Canned Tomato Soup Better
1. Pesto and Parmesan Cheese
One of the simplest ways to enhance the flavor of canned tomato soup is by adding a spoonful of vibrant pesto sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The pesto’s aromatic basil and garlic notes infuse the soup with a burst of summer, while the creamy and nutty Parmesan cheese lends a satisfying richness.
2. Sun Dried Tomatoes and Half and Half
Add drained sun-dried tomatoes to your canned tomato soup and replace the water with half and half for a richer-tasting tomato soup. Half and half will reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Cook the soup on a low simmer until all the flavors blend.
After heating the soup, you can puree it in small batches using a regular or immersion blender. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the soup with depth.
This simple sun-dried tomato trick is an easy way to become a family favorite recipe.
3. Cooked Chicken, Worcestershire Sauce, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Elevate your canned tomato soup to a new level of savory indulgence by adding tender chunks of cooked chicken, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a handful of sharp cheddar cheese.
The succulent chicken pieces infuse the soup with hearty, protein-packed goodness, while Worcestershire sauce, with its umami-rich and slightly tangy notes, lends a subtle depth of flavor.
Top off the bowl of tomato soup with sharp cheddar cheese, which melts into creamy decadence, imparting a delicious cheesy bite that perfectly complements the tomato base. Add a little cream to top it off.
4. Can of Chopped Tomatoes, Milk, and Italian Seasoning
You can make canned tomato soup taste even better by adding milk, Italian seasoning, and canned chopped tomatoes.
Replace water with milk, sprinkle the desired amount of Italian seasoning, and add the chopped tomatoes for extra texture and fresh tomato taste.
Tomato puree, tomato paste, and tomato sauce are other terrific options for adding to canned tomato soup instead of canned chopped tomatoes. For best results, I like using San Marzano tomatoes.
5. Peanut Butter, Chopped Peanuts, and Half and Half
One of my friends’ favorite recipes involves adding peanut butter, half and half, and chopped peanuts to canned tomato soup. She loves the rich flavor the peanut butter gives the soup and the crunch of the peanuts. Exchanging the water with half and half gives the soup the richness she craves.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you want to improve the taste of your canned tomato soup, make a grilled cheese sandwich to go with it! Dip every bite of your sandwich into the soup for the best flavor.
5. Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Chicken Broth, and Drizzle of Olive Oil
Start with substituting the water in the canned tomato soup with chicken broth. To give your canned tomato soup a fresh twist, add some fresh tomatoes, a splash of olive oil, and a touch of fresh basil to the soup pot. I also like sprinkling the halved cherry tomatoes with additional salt to add flavor.
Toppings and Garnishes for Canned Tomato Soup
Once you ladle creamy tomato soup into soup bowls, the real magic comes with the finishing touches. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that turns a simple bowl into an Italian-inspired delicacy. Torn fresh basil leaves infuse the soup with aromatic freshness and can inject color contrast.
Don’t stop there. Your creative flair can come alive with a variety of options. Scatter some homemade croutons on top for a satisfying crunch or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy swirl.
For more topping ideas, The Best Toppings for Tomato Soup and Must-Try Soup Toppings – Garnishes for Hot and Cold Soups will help you on your delicious soup journey.
How Long Does Canned Tomato Soup Last in the Refrigerator?
Tomato soup will last 3-4 days in the fridge when stored correctly in an airtight container. Be sure to let the hot soup come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
We’ve reached the end of How to Make Canned Tomato Soup Better. I hope you enjoyed it!
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite ways are to upgrade your creamy tomato soup recipe. If you want to make your own homemade tomato soup, here’s an easy recipe you’ll love!
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