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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Dippers

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A smooth, velvety tomato basil soup paired with golden, crispy grilled cheese dippers, perfect for cozy meals and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800g) canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or country loaf preferred)
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (or mix with mozzarella)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with juices and broth. Break tomatoes apart gently with a spoon. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in chopped fresh basil, then blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender (vent lid and cover with towel).
  5. Return soup to pot if needed, stir in heavy cream, and heat gently for 5 minutes without boiling. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Prepare grilled cheese dippers by buttering one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices buttered-side-down on a hot skillet over medium heat. Add cheese slices on top, then cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  7. Cook grilled cheese sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Cut each sandwich into 4 strips to serve as dippers.
  8. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with grilled cheese dippers on the side.

Notes

If soup is too thick after blending, add a splash of broth or cream to reach desired consistency. Use softened butter (not melted) for grilled cheese to achieve a golden crust without burning. Blend hot soup carefully to avoid splatters. Medium heat is best for grilling cheese dippers to prevent burning.

Nutrition

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

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