Print

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy tomato basil soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy meals and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices sourdough or country white bread
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth but with some texture remaining. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  6. Return soup to low heat and stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Warm through for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. While the soup simmers, butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side down on a skillet over medium heat, top each with a slice of cheddar, then the other bread slice butter-side up.
  8. Grill until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and scatter grilled cheese croutons on top. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate when grilling the cheese to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts. Use day-old bread for best crouton texture. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meals

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect-for-cozy-meals/