Rustic Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Recipe

Comforting Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s bread soup elevates humble ingredients into a culinary revelation that dances on your palate.

Peasant cooking wisdom breathes life into this rustic masterpiece, transforming forgotten bread into liquid gold.

Stale bread metamorphoses into a flavor sponge, soaking up intense tomato richness and creating unparalleled depth.

Mediterranean culinary magic thrives in this unpretentious recipe, where simplicity meets extraordinary taste.

Robust garlic and fragrant basil weave an aromatic tapestry that whispers of sun-drenched landscapes.

Ripe seasonal tomatoes burst with vibrant color and natural sweetness, turning each spoonful into a sensory journey.

This soul-warming soup promises a delectable adventure that celebrates the art of resourceful cooking.

Instructions for Jamie Oliver Bread Soup

Instructions for Jamie Oliver Bread Soup

Craft Roasted Tomato Soup

Dive into a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering soup bursting with rich, concentrated flavors. This recipe brings together the magic of roasting and simmering to create a comforting dish that will warm your soul.

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180°C, getting ready to unlock the deep, sweet essence of cherry tomatoes. Prepare a baking sheet that will become your flavor transformation station.

  • Unleash Tomato Magic

Spread cherry tomatoes across the baking sheet, giving each one a gentle poke. Sprinkle sliced garlic and fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with golden olive oil. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper, creating a flavor symphony. Roast for 20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to caramelize and intensify.

  • Build the Soup Foundation

In a large pan, dance some olive oil around, then welcome minced garlic and basil stems. Let them sizzle and mingle for a minute, releasing their aromatic whispers. Pour in canned tomatoes, breaking them down with a wooden spoon and adding water to create a harmonious base.

  • Simmer and Transform

Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a soft simmer. Tear chunks of bread into the soup, letting them melt and thicken the liquid. After 10 minutes, invite the roasted tomatoes to join the party, scraping every last drop of caramelized goodness from the baking sheet.

  • Final Flourish

Stir the soup until it reaches a luxurious, porridge-like consistency. Remove from heat and drizzle with a final touch of olive oil. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top, creating a vibrant green contrast. Ladle into warm bowls and prepare to be transported by this soul-warming creation.

Pro Tips for Jamie Oliver Bread Soup

  • Boost Roasting Flavor: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum caramelization and depth of taste. Experimenting with different tomato varieties adds unique flavor profiles to the soup.
  • Create Texture Variations: Replace bread with croutons or gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower rice for different consistencies. Stale sourdough or rustic bread works best for absorbing rich tomato flavors.
  • Enhance Herb Complexity: Swap basil with fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary to transform the soup's aromatic character. Fresh herbs elevate the dish's overall flavor complexity and provide unique taste dimensions.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Introduce red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat. Adjust spiciness according to personal preference, creating a personalized soup experience that suits individual taste buds.

Serving Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Warm & Fresh

  • Serve with Crusty Companions: Pair the soup with freshly baked sourdough or rustic Italian bread for a delightful crunch that complements the soup's velvety texture.
  • Elevate with Cheese Sprinkle: Grate some aged Parmesan or crumble tangy feta on top to add a rich, salty dimension that enhances the roasted tomato flavors.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Side: Toss a light green salad with peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warm, comforting profile.
  • Cool Down with Cream: Add a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a swirl of crème fraîche to introduce a cool, silky contrast to the robust tomato base.

Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Storage & Leftover Tips

  • Maximize Freshness: Store roasted tomato soup in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freeze with Ease: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for 2-3 months, preserving the rich flavors and nutritional value.
  • Revive Stored Soup: Gently reheat on stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to restore original creamy consistency if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients and roast tomatoes in advance. Store components separately in sealed containers, assembling soup just before serving to maintain peak freshness and vibrant taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 13 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Jamie Oliver Bread Soup

For Roasting Ingredients:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe, vibrant red tomatoes with glossy skin and firm texture.
  • Garlic Cloves: Choose fresh, plump garlic with no green sprouts or soft spots.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Pick cold-pressed, high-quality oil with robust flavor.
For Soup Base Ingredients:
  • Canned Tomatoes: Look for San Marzano or whole peeled tomatoes without added herbs.
  • Water: Use filtered or fresh tap water for clean flavor.
  • Sea Salt: Select fine-grain salt for even seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns and grind fresh for maximum aroma.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Basil Leaves: Pick bright green, fragrant leaves without dark spots or wilting.
  • Bread: Use day-old rustic sourdough or country-style bread for best texture.
  • Olive Oil: Select premium extra virgin olive oil for drizzling at the end.

Cooking Gear for Jamie Oliver Bread Soup

  • Oven: Standard home oven for roasting tomatoes and creating intense flavors.
  • Baking sheet: Large flat pan to spread and roast cherry tomatoes evenly.
  • Large pan: Spacious cooking vessel for creating soup base and simmering ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon: Classic kitchen tool for stirring and breaking down canned tomatoes.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp blade for slicing garlic and chopping basil stems precisely.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
  • Measuring spoons: Accurate tools for seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Colander or strainer: Optional tool for draining canned tomatoes if needed.
  • Serving bowls: Dishes for presenting the final roasted tomato soup.
Print
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Rustic Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Recipe

Rustic Jamie Oliver Bread Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s hearty bread soup blends rustic Italian peasant cooking with simple, nourishing ingredients. Crusty bread cubes soak up rich tomato broth, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) stale quality bread
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) ripe cherry tomatoes
  • 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tins of quality plum tomatoes
  • 1 big bunch of fresh basil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) on gas mark 4. Slice garlic into delicate slivers and separate basil leaves from stems, finely chopping the stems.
  2. Tomato Roasting: Arrange cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, pierce each one, and scatter garlic slivers and basil leaves. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  3. Base Creation: In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté basil stems and remaining garlic until fragrant. Add canned tomatoes, crushing them with a wooden spoon, and pour an equivalent amount of water from the can. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Bread Integration: Tear bread into rustic pieces and fold into the pan. Season with salt and pepper, reduce heat, and let rest for 10 minutes. Gently incorporate most of the remaining basil leaves.
  5. Final Assembly: Remove roasted tomatoes from the oven, transfer to the pan, and scrape all caramelized juices. Stir thoroughly to achieve a thick, creamy porridge-like consistency, adding water if needed. Remove from heat and drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the soup.
  6. Serving: Divide the soup among bowls and garnish with remaining torn basil leaves, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish.

Notes

  • Slice Garlic Precisely: Cut garlic into ultra-thin slivers for even flavor distribution and delicate texture throughout the soup.
  • Roast Tomatoes Strategically: Pierce cherry tomatoes before roasting to help release natural sugars and create concentrated, caramelized flavor profiles.
  • Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust soup thickness by adding water gradually, aiming for a creamy porridge-like texture that’s neither too runny nor too dense.
  • Maximize Flavor Layering: Incorporate roasted tomato juices and caramelized bits from the baking sheet to enhance the soup’s overall depth and richness.
  • Prep Time: 13 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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