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? ›
Add crispy bits right before serving so they keep their crunch.
- Croutons or toasted fresh breadcrumbs.
- Toasted nuts, such as almonds, pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Crumbled tortilla chips or crackers.
- Toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Toasted coconut.
Here are some ideas to liven up your canned soups and make them taste more like homemade:
- Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. ...
- Add protein: Leftover chicken or steak, some cooked diced ham or bacon or sausage (just a little — that soup is already salty).
You can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano, a splash of heavy cream for richness, a drizzle of olive oil for depth of flavor, or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for added creaminess. You can also sauté some onions and garlic to add complexity, or even add cooked pasta or rice to make it heartier.
How to thicken up tomato soup? ›
Add flour or cornflour
Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.
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.
What liquids do you add to soup? ›
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 ingredient can be added to a soup to make it thicker and richer? ›
Add Flour Or Cornstarch
You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.
If the soup tastes bland at all, a bit more salt will do the trick, that doesn't just apply to this tomato soup recipe but just about anything you'll ever find yourself cooking.
What to add to the soup? ›
Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples
Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.
What to add to soup when it's missing something? ›
Try some different spices and herbs. Dried fenugreek, celery seed, salt, basil, thyme, etc. if you can get some of them as fresh herbs, give those a try in place of dried ones. Add a dash or three of Worcestershire sauce to the pan of soup.
How to make tomato soup more filling? ›
Want to make that bowl of soup more filling? Add a poached egg for a hearty dose of protein. A touch of cumin and chile pepper and a sprinkling of fresh herbs will bring it into shakshuka territory. If you'd rather take a meatier approach, try sautéing hot Italian sausage in the pot before pouring in the soup.
How do you make soup taste fuller? ›
Ok, this may be a little obvious, but just adding water is going to make your soup go a little further. If you stick to a 50/50 ratio between water and whatever flavoured liquid you're using in your soup (be it tomatoes, a stock type, or a cream), you're unlikely to dilute it to the point of making it unpalatable.
How to make soup more filling? ›
- Add more protein.
- Thicken the broth with lentils, peas, squash using an immersion blender.
- Potatoes are a highly satiating food.
- Add enough healthy fats to trigger the brain's sense of fullness ie drizzle olive oil.
- Add fiber: beans, kale, etc to fill your stomach. A 4lbs bag of kale = $5!
Add fresh herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf), and let them simmer to give a punch of fresh flavor.
What can I add to tomato soup to reduce acidity? ›
If it tastes overly acidic or sharp, add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. The soup will bubble and fizz wherever the soda lands as carbon dioxide is released. Give it a good stir to make sure the soda is fully spent; when the bubbles subside, taste again and add another quarter teaspoon if needed.
What are the ingredients in tomato soup can? ›
WATER, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), SUGAR, WHEAT FLOUR, VEGETABLE OIL (CORN, CANOLA, AND/OR SOYBEAN), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, POTASSIUM SALT, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CREAM, CITRIC ACID, SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, NATURAL FLAVORING, CELERY EXTRACT, GARLIC OIL.
How do you balance tomato flavor in soup? ›
Balance with herbs and spices
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.
