Copycat Applebee’s Tomato Basil Soup: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight!

Craving that comforting, creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Applebee’s but don’t want to leave the house? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe captures the essence of that beloved soup, bringing the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your soup cravings. Get ready for a bowl of pure deliciousness!

## Why This Copycat Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just a guess – it’s carefully crafted to mimic the taste and texture of Applebee’s Tomato Basil Soup. Here’s what makes it so successful:

* **Roasted Tomatoes:** Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor you simply can’t achieve with canned tomatoes alone.
* **Basil Infusion:** Fresh basil is key to that signature aroma and taste. We’ll use it in two ways: cooked into the soup for a robust flavor and as a fresh garnish for a burst of freshness.
* **Creamy Texture:** A blend of heavy cream and a touch of Parmesan cheese creates that incredibly smooth and luxurious mouthfeel you expect from a great tomato basil soup.
* **Perfect Seasoning:** A balanced blend of garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and a hint of sugar enhances all the other flavors, resulting in a truly unforgettable soup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients. This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

* **Tomatoes:** 3 pounds Roma tomatoes, halved
* **Olive Oil:** 4 tablespoons, divided
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Vegetable Broth:** 4 cups
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/2 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** Balsamic glaze for drizzling

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Amazing Tomato Basil Soup

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own copycat Applebee’s Tomato Basil Soup.

### Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Roasting the tomatoes is crucial for developing that rich, concentrated flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).**
2. **Prepare the tomatoes:** Halve the Roma tomatoes lengthwise and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Drizzle with olive oil:** Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. **Roast:** Roast the tomatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. The edges should be slightly browned.
5. **Let cool slightly:** Once roasted, let the tomatoes cool slightly before handling.

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the tomatoes are roasting, let’s prepare the base of our soup.

1. **Heat olive oil:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Sauté onion:** Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. **Add garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### Step 3: Build the Soup

Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients and create our delicious soup.

1. **Add roasted tomatoes:** Once the roasted tomatoes are cool enough to handle, add them to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. No need to peel them.
2. **Add tomato paste:** Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to slightly caramelize. This will deepen the flavor of the soup.
3. **Pour in vegetable broth:** Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Add basil:** Stir in half of the chopped fresh basil (about 1/4 cup). The basil will infuse the soup with its aromatic flavor.
5. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

### Step 4: Blend the Soup

This step is crucial for achieving that smooth and creamy texture.

1. **Blend carefully:** Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it is completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be very careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns. Make sure to vent the blender lid to allow steam to escape.
2. **Return to pot:** If you used a regular blender, return the blended soup to the pot.

### Step 5: Finish and Season

Now we’ll add the final touches that make this soup truly special.

1. **Stir in cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil.
2. **Season to taste:** Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of each and adjust as needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Tomato Basil Soup.

1. **Garnish:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
2. **Serve with:** Serve the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

## Tips and Variations

Want to customize your soup? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

* **Add a kick:** For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
* **Use canned tomatoes:** If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes. Reduce the roasting time to about 20 minutes.
* **Add protein:** Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or white beans for a heartier soup.
* **Experiment with herbs:** Try adding other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
* **Make it ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
* **Freeze it:** Tomato Basil Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious ways to serve your Tomato Basil Soup:

* **Grilled Cheese:** The classic pairing! A grilled cheese sandwich dipped in Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious soup.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing side salad complements the richness of the soup.
* **Panini:** A warm and cheesy panini is another great option for dipping in Tomato Basil Soup.
* **Soup and Salad Combo:** Create a soup and salad combo with your favorite salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Basil Soup:

**Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?**
A: Yes, you can use two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes. Reduce the roasting time to about 20 minutes.

**Q: Do I need to peel the tomatoes after roasting?**
A: No, you don’t need to peel the tomatoes. The skins will blend up smoothly in the soup.

**Q: Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?**
A: Yes, you can use a regular blender in batches. Be very careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns. Make sure to vent the blender lid to allow steam to escape.

**Q: Can I make this soup vegan?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.

**Q: How long does Tomato Basil Soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: Tomato Basil Soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze Tomato Basil Soup?**
A: Yes, Tomato Basil Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What can I add to make the soup spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier soup.

**Q: Can I add other herbs to the soup?**
A: Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

## Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-12g
* Protein: 5-7g

(Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Conclusion

This copycat Applebee’s Tomato Basil Soup recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. With its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor a bowl of pure tomato basil bliss! Enjoy!

## Call to Action

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Share your tips, variations, and serving suggestions. We’d love to hear from you!