Small Batch Pantry Tomato Soup

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With just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you can create a healthy soup from scratch at home. Once you realize how easy it is to make this delicious soup, you won't be buying canned soup again! Pairs perfectly with an ooey gooey grilled cheese.

Small Batch Pantry Tomato Soup (Easy, Cozy & Made from Pantry Staples)

Nothing beats a warm bowl of small batch pantry tomato soup when you’re craving comfort food without a trip to the store. This easy homemade tomato soup recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it perfect for those nights when fresh ingredients are low but you still want something cozy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or just want a quick lunch, this small batch soup is ideal.

Made from canned tomatoes, broth, and basic seasonings, this tomato soup is packed with classic flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Pantry Tomato Soup

This pantry tomato soup is all about convenience and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be whipped up with what you already have on hand. The small batch size means no leftovers to worry about — just perfectly portioned comfort in a bowl.

It’s also versatile. Add herbs, cream, or a touch of spice depending on your mood or pantry options. Serve it with grilled cheese or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

The base of this tomato soup is canned whole or diced tomatoes — a pantry staple that delivers rich, tangy tomato flavor any time of year. Combined with chicken or vegetable broth, garlic and onion, it’s seasoned perfectly to bring out the best in the tomatoes.

A splash of olive oil or butter adds richness, while a pinch of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh or dried herbs like basil or thyme can be added if you have them, but the soup is flavorful even without.

Perfect for Quick Lunches or Cozy Dinners

This small batch tomato soup is great for solo lunches, light dinners, or a comforting starter. Because it’s made in a small batch, it’s ideal for when you don’t want a huge pot of soup but still crave something homemade and satisfying.

It reheats well, so if you do have a little leftover, you can enjoy it again the next day without losing flavor or texture.

How to Customize Your Pantry Tomato Soup

Want to switch things up? Try adding a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can add subtle heat and smokiness. Stir in some grated Parmesan or top with croutons for extra flavor and texture.

For a protein boost, add canned white beans or cottage cheese and serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.

A Pantry-Friendly Soup You’ll Make Again and Again

Quick, comforting, and made from simple pantry ingredients, this small batch pantry tomato soup proves you don’t need fresh produce to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Perfect for busy days, solo cooks, or when you want cozy comfort without fuss, this tomato soup is a kitchen staple that will keep you warm and satisfied.

Try this recipe anytime you need an easy, flavorful soup from your pantry — it’s comfort food made simple.

How To Make Small Batch Pantry Tomato Soup

The Ingredients

  • Canned tomatoes
    Canned tomatoes are the base of this soup, providing rich, tangy tomato flavor year-round. They’re convenient and packed with natural sweetness and acidity that fresh tomatoes often lack outside of peak season.
    Substitutes: Fresh tomatoes (blanched and peeled), tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, or tomato sauce (adjust seasoning and thickness).

  • Onion
    Onion adds natural sweetness and depth, forming a flavorful foundation when sautéed before adding tomatoes.
    Substitutes: Shallots, green onions, onion powder (use about 1 tsp), or dried minced onion.

  • Garlic cloves
    Fresh garlic cloves give a bright, aromatic punch to the soup, enhancing overall savory flavor.
    Substitutes: Garlic powder (about 1 tsp per 3 cloves), garlic paste, or roasted garlic for a milder taste.

  • Italian seasoning
    This blend of herbs (typically basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) adds classic Mediterranean flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
    Substitutes: Individual dried herbs like basil and oregano, herbes de Provence, or fresh herbs if available.

  • Butter
    Butter adds richness and smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the soup a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle, comforting flavor.
    Substitutes: Olive oil, margarine, ghee, or a dairy-free butter alternative.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Dice onion and garlic.
  • Add butter to a medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted.
  • Add onion and cook until translucent (around 4 minutes).
  • Stir in garlic and spices; cook for one minute.
  • Add canned tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
  • Lower heat, cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Option to serve soup with a dollop of yogurt or cream and a grilled cheese on the side.

Recipe Tips

If you want to add in protein, consider adding 1/2 a can of rinsed cannellini beans or 1/2 cup cottage cheese right before blending the soup

 

Small Batch Pantry Tomato Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 3 Servings

Ingredients

Tomato Soup

  • 1 28oz canned tomatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or 1 tsp each thyme, oregano and basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp butter

Grilled Cheese

  • Sliced bread
  • Butter
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions

  • Dice onion and garlic.
  • Add butter to a medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted.
  • Add onion and cook until translucent (around 4 minutes).
  • Stir in garlic and spices; cook for one minute.
  • Add canned tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
  • Lower heat, cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Option to serve soup with a dollop of yogurt or cream and a grilled cheese on the side.

Notes

If you want to add in protein, consider adding 1/2 a can of rinsed cannellini beans or 1/2 cup cottage cheese right before blending the soup

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