Elevate your next can of tomato soup with one of these delicious additions! Discover the many things you can add to canned tomato soup to take it from good to outstanding.
Canned tomato soup has a place in every household. The nostalgia alone is worth keeping a few cans in the pantry. It’s tasty, quick, convenient, warm, and comforting, and although you may have grown accustomed to eating it as is (or with a simple grilled cheese), the soup is incredibly versatile. I don’t know about you, but when I see a can of tomato soup, I see a world of possibilities. There are so many directions to take it in, which is why today’s topic is what to add to canned tomato soup.
1. Soy Sauce
Canned tomato soup is essentially a blank slate, so first on the list of what to add to tomato soup is soy sauce because this one ingredient packs quite a punch. The salt in soy sauce ensures the soup is well seasoned, and all the super satisfying umami the sauce offers has a magical way of rounding out flavors. When heating the soup, start with a splash, stir, then taste and add more if needed. Additionally, Worcestershire sauce works similarly to soy sauce.
2. Basil
Basil is sweet and slightly peppery, with a lovely aroma sure to make your mouth water. It instantly enhances tomato soup by imparting those flavors and scents mentioned and adds an undeniable freshness (the beautiful green specks are nice, too). For the best result, heat the soup, add a little salt and black pepper, then add basil and blend until well combined. Basil should always be added at the end to ensure maximum flavor.
3. White Pepper
Unlike black pepper, white pepper boasts a subtler heat with earthy attributes. For the best result, crush white peppercorns yourself, and remember that although less spicy, white peppercorns have a more intense flavor and aroma than black, so it’s essential to use the pepper sparingly to avoid overwhelming the soup.
4. Oregano
Oregano and anything with tomatoes is such a lovely, harmonious pairing. The classic Italian duo is aromatic, distinct, and oh-so delicious. Dried is recommended for this application because you can add it to the soup as it simmers, thus allowing a slow release of flavor that will infuse the entire pot.
5. Aromatics
Onion, garlic, bell pepper, celery, and carrots are a quick, easy way to boost canned tomato soup’s flavor. Finely dice, sauté in a little olive oil until soft, pour in the soup and simmer. Once done, you can either enjoy the soup as it is or blend it for a smooth texture.
6. Fresh Tomatoes
So, although delicious, canned tomato soup undoubtedly has a bit of a canned flavor, but it is easy to transform with the help of fresh tomatoes. Here’s what you want to do:
- Halve a few Roma tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Pop them into a 400-degree oven and roast until browned and slightly jammy.
- Blend with the canned tomato soup.
- Enjoy.
The flavor is phenomenal, and the soup tastes like homemade roasted tomato soup. Roasted red peppers is a unique twist to this add-in.
7. Chili Flakes
A pinch or two brings the heat. To activate the spice, sauté in some oil, pour in the soup and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
8. Jalapeños
Treat jalapeños like you would any other aromatic. Dice or chop (remove the seeds and ribs for less heat), sauté in a bit of oil, add the soup and simmer for a bit to infuse with flavor. Afterward, you can enjoy it immediately with the bits of pepper or puree until smooth.
9. Grilled Cheese Croutons
This fun play on the popular pairing is such a treat. Grilled cheese croutons are crispy, cheesy, and easy to make. Just make a grilled cheese sandwich as you usually would (sharp cheddar works well here), remove the crusts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, and enjoy with the soup.
10. Protein
Chicken, beef, seafood, bacon, eggs; you name it! All are tasty additions to tomato soup, transforming it into a heartier meal. If you opt for any of the first three, pan-sear the protein, then slowly add the soup, scraping up the fond to add depth of flavor. As for bacon, feel free to use some of the drippings. If eggs are more to your taste, prepare those separately. Poached, fried, soft-boiled, and hard-boiled are all fine.
11. Parmesan Cheese
Add Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch. The best way is to grate it directly over a steaming hot bowl of soup. The fine shreds just melt into it, adding a fragrant nuttiness that’s quite addictive. The salt in Parmesan cheese also lightly seasons the soup.
Sharp cheddar, gruyere, goat cheese or your favorite cheese can also be melted into the soup.
12. Pasta
Pasta is another item on the list of what to add to tomato soup. The duo creates a simple, economical, and meatless main that is satisfying and delicious. For this delightful addition, cook the pasta (preferably small pasta) in boiling water until al dente, drain, then add to the soup. You’ll need 2 ounces of pasta per serving of soup.
13. Potatoes
Diced potatoes with a few herbs, maybe a legume, salt, and pepper create a hearty vegan stew in record time. As long as you rinse the potatoes beforehand, you can cook them directly in the soup. Any residual starch will thicken the soup.
14. Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
Garlic-infused olive oil is a lovely finishing oil. Drizzle it on top of each bowl right before serving. You have the option to use a store-bought one or make your own. To make:
- Add 10 cloves of garlic to a saucepan with 1 cup of oil.
- Turn the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes. The garlic will start to brown.
- Strain into a glass bottle or jar. Reserve the garlic to make compound butter or add it to other recipes. You can even freeze it.
- Use the garlic-infused oil as desired.
More Ways to Dress Up a Can of Tomato Soup
- Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half or milk for a creamy tomato soup.
- Diced carrots, celery, onions and bell peppers add depth to the flavor and nice crunch.
- A few drops of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can enhance the tomato flavor.
- Spinach, mushrooms, onions or zucchini can be stirred into the soup for a healthy and tasty addition.
- Pesto, sherry, fish sauce, anchovy paste, or Thai red curry are some more creative add-ins.
- Rice, quinoa, orzo, and farro are some hearty additions to canned tomato soup.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, green onions, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, chickpeas, croutons, or tortilla strips.
- A touch of cinnamon or chocolate will add a little sweetness to the soup.
- Add sliced fennel bulbs or garnish with fennel seeds.
- Mini-marshmallows are a unique addition.
Overall, canned tomato soup is tasty right out of the can but is even better when you get creative. Heating takes mere minutes, leaving some time to put in extra effort. Explore the additions mentioned and try different combinations to see what you like best. Your taste buds will thank you!
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