The perfect way to brighten up your day when its chilly outside, tomato soup is a cupboard staple and a firm family favourite. But, when eaten regularly on its own, you may find yourself looking for ways to excite this delicious classic.
You might even be wondering what you can add to tomato soup to make it even more flavourful. From enhancing textures with fresh herbs to deepening flavours with bacon, we’ve put together 10 easy ways to spruce up your tomato soup this lunchtime with these must-try toppings.
10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
1) Fresh Rosemary
Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. We recommend combining a sprig of fresh rosemary, which will add a touch of fragrance to your tomato soup. This will ensure your meal becomes more fragrant as we transition from winter to spring. If you haven’t got fresh rosemary to hand, however, dried Italian herbs such as oregano would also make a delicious addition to your tomato soup!
2)Sauteed Onions
The sweet yet punchy flavour of sauteed onions is a sure-fire way to excite your lunchtime meal. Simply sauté some onions with a touch of butter or oil in a frying pan and place on top of your Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup. This simple topping will make a delicious addition and is the perfect trick to add to your repertoire!
3) Crispy Bacon
Next on the list is a firm lunchtime favourite amongst many – bacon. The salty and savoury kick of bacon will add a smoky depth of flavour to your mealtime. The crispness of the bacon will make a great alternative to croutons, adding another level of texture to your tomato soup whilst deepening the flavours. Simply fry your bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then sprinkle on top as you serve.
4) Cream
If you’re looking to add a touch of decadence to your lunchtimes, then cream is the answer. The rich and luxurious taste of cream is a great way to make your lunchtime that little bit more special. Simply pour and stir in a splash of single cream. And if you’re looking for a vegan alternative, all you have to do is swap out cream for your favourite vegan cream alternative!
5)Chutney
Not quite sure what to do with that leftover chutney sitting in your fridge? Don’t wait until Christmas to use it again! To add another level of flavour, simply dollop a spoonful of onion or chilli chutney on top of your tomato soup.
So, next time you open that tin of Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup, make sure to reach for that chutney jar sitting in the fridge!
6) Melted Cheese
Add a little extra comfort to those chilly days with melted cheese. Simply add a handful of cheddar for a rich salty flavour, or a sprinkle of parmesan for a lighter taste. Accompanied with your favourite bread, this easy fix is sure to make a delicious addition to your tomato soup.
Looking for the best bread and soup pairings? See our Best Breads for Soup here.
7) Tinned Anchovies
Next up is a wild card. Love them or hate them, it can’t be denied that anchovies are packed full of flavour and a great addition to your diet. Cut into small bites, simply sprinkle a few on your soup for an injection of flavour to really change up your mealtimes. Easily stored in the cupboard, simply whack open a tin whenever the mood strikes you and get creative with this unusual (but equally flavoursome) topping. Give it a go – it may even become a new favourite!
8) Toasted Pine Nuts
Toasted pine nuts are a great way to add a warm, nutty flavour to your soup. Easily stored in your cupboard, this is a simple way to change up your repetitive lunches. To get the most out of this creamy, delicious nut, simply toast a handful in a small frying pan and place on top of your tomato soup.
9) Chilli or Garlic Oil
Flavoured oils are a great addition to any kitchen and are such a simple way to spice up your mealtimes. Whether its garlic or chilli oil, you can easily liven up your tomato soup with a powerful hit of garlic or touch of spice. Simply drizzle as you serve.
10) Seeds
Bored of the same old croutons but still want that crunch? Why not try a healthier alternative with a selection of seeds. A great source of Zinc and Iron, add a nutty aroma to your soup with a handful of pumpkin seeds, or try Nigella seeds for a slightly earthier, more savoury flavour. This is a simple way to add a little bite to your soup and to get those all-important vitamins in.
In need of more inspiration for what to serve with your favourite Campbell’s Soup? Check out our blogs for help, including: and Best Pasta for Soup.
Or, if you want to have some Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup now you’re inspired with toppings, check out where you can buy it here.
FAQs
Rosemary and thyme, chives and parsley, even a zippy cheese such as feta can level up your tomato soup. Don't forget the cream. Add in coconut milk, heavy cream, or butter to give your tomato soup a silky texture. We're talking richness that tastes decadent without being overindulgent.
What can you add to tomato soup? ›
Rosemary and thyme, chives and parsley, even a zippy cheese such as feta can level up your tomato soup. Don't forget the cream. Add in coconut milk, heavy cream, or butter to give your tomato soup a silky texture. We're talking richness that tastes decadent without being overindulgent.
What can I add to a can of soup? ›
Having a couple of cans of soup on standby is a good idea for some cozy, lazy meals. You can upgrade your favorite chicken noodle soup by adding an egg or some crackers. Freshly grated parmesan, hot sauce, or sausage can also amp up a can of soup.
What to add to soup when it needs something? ›
10 tasty soup topping ideas
- Almonds. Crunchy almonds add texture as well as nutritional value to soup, and if you use a healthy, creamy soup recipe like smooth cauliflower as the base, the contrast of textures will be even more satisfying. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Croutons. ...
- Parmesan. ...
- Parsley.
- Chorizo. ...
- Seeds. ...
- Pesto.
Tomato soup is better with milk because it makes it creamier. You can add water if you have no milk or want to keep dairy-free but it will change the texture.
How to make tomato soup less bland? ›
5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup
- Add herbs. This probably isn't a surprise, as basil and tomatoes are a delicious duo. ...
- Stir in butter, cream, or coconut milk. ...
- Use tomato paste for intensity. ...
- Use canned tomatoes for consistency. ...
- Don't forget a drizzle before serving.
Add a can of diced tomatoes, a bit of cream, and torn fresh basil leaves. Swirl some red wine vinegar into the soup and serve with a stack of mozzarella and fresh basil leaves on a toasted baguette. Add a drizzle of pesto (homemade or store bought) and finish with toasted pine nuts and croutons.
How to upgrade a soup? ›
7 Easy Ways to Make Any Soup Better
- Brown or Sear the Meat.
- Roast the the Veggies.
- Mix up the Texture.
- Use Homemade Stock Whenever Possible.
- Put Your Cheese Rinds to Work.
- Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples.
- Add Fresh Herbs or Dairy When Serving.
- Recipes Pictured.
Have you ever tasted your soup right as it's about to be served and it just tastes like it's missing something? Try ladling out a little bit and adding some salt, acid, or sugar. Salt can be plain kosher salt, or even parmesan rind if you have it on hand.
Can you add anything to soup? ›
When pureeing the soup, you can add flavor and creaminess by adding beans, tofu, coconut milk, yogurt, or other dairy such as cream, mascarpone, or even cream cheese. Finish the soup with something acid like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or fruit vinegar.
The options for liquid in soup are nearly endless, ranging from water, to stock, to wine, to milk, to cream. You need to heat the liquid enough to let the thickener do its work, but it's best to keep it below boiling, particularly if you're using dairy. The main ingredient is your headliner.
What goes well with tomato soup? ›
Lighter sides, such as green salads, can hold their own against tomato soup without compromising its flavor. Or, kick the indulgence factor up a notch and opt for heartier foods, such as mozzarella sticks, risotto, potatoes, or even meatloaf.
How do you balance tomato flavor in soup? ›
Carrot purée adds an earthy sweetness to balance the acidic tomatoes, and creates a creamy consistency without the need for much cream. A small pinch of baking soda will tame any unwanted acidity in the soup.
Why add flour to tomato soup? ›
All-Purpose Flour: It thickens the soup, adding a satisfying body.
How to make canned soup better? ›
Go green: Add some spinach or chopped kale or pesto. Get zesty: A squirt of lemon juice or zest could brighten up an otherwise flat soup. Starchy things: Homemade croutons, crushed tortilla chips, or oyster crackers. Clean out the fridge: got cooked beans or rice, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream?
How do you balance the taste of tomatoes in soup? ›
Herbs and spices can do wonders to balance the acidity in tomato soup. Consider adding a sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavors and mask any overpowering acidity. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a burst of freshness to your soup.
What are the ingredients in tomato soup can? ›
Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Water, Wheat Flour, Sugar, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Potassium Salt, Natural Flavoring, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Celery Extract, Garlic Oil.
Can you add cream to tomato soup without curdling? ›
The recipe uses cream instead of milk, which is crucial: The fat in the cream protects the dairy from curdling. A little more science: Fat protects the proteins in milk.
