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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • About 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4 slices thick-sliced bread (sourdough or country loaf)
  • 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 sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes (including juice) and 2 cups of broth. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender and return to the pot.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Season with 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Return to low heat and warm gently for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese croutons: butter one side of each bread slice.
  9. Place buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat. Add cheese on top and cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
  10. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden and cheese is melted.
  11. Remove and let cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized cubes.
  12. Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and top with crispy grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

Use quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for best flavor. Add basil at the end to preserve freshness. Cook grilled cheese croutons over medium heat to avoid burning. Blend hot soup carefully in batches if needed. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese or toasted bread cubes instead of grilled cheese croutons.

Nutrition

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

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