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Creamy Tomato Soup with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy tomato soup with crispy grilled cheese croutons - featured image
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A comforting and creamy tomato soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices good-quality bread (sourdough or white sandwich bread)
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Pour in 2 cups broth, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon dried or fresh basil. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached, leaving some texture. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully and return to pot.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  8. Place two slices butter side down on the skillet, layer with cheddar cheese, and top with remaining bread slices butter side up.
  9. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove and let cool slightly.
  10. Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Watch the grilled cheese carefully to avoid burning; use medium heat and cover the pan briefly if cheese isn’t melting. Blend soup partially to keep some texture. Store grilled cheese croutons separately to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute cream and butter with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

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

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