Print

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy tomato basil soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped (or canned whole tomatoes, San Marzano preferred)
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for grilled cheese croutons)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 4 slices sandwich bread (sourdough or white; gluten-free bread optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional mix with mozzarella)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in chopped tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and release juices.
  4. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a standard blender, blend in batches carefully.
  6. Return soup to low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes without boiling.
  7. To make grilled cheese croutons: butter one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on the unbuttered side, top with another slice, butter side out.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook sandwiches until golden and cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with extra basil or cracked pepper if desired.

Notes

Let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters. Moderate heat when making grilled cheese croutons to ensure golden crispness without burning. Store soup and croutons separately to keep croutons crispy. For dairy-free, substitute cream and butter with plant-based alternatives. Use gluten-free bread for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, quick dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-delicious/