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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth. Break up tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat and puree soup using an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully and return to pot.
  5. Stir in cottage cheese, chopped basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to low heat and warm through for 5 minutes without boiling.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter side down on a skillet over medium heat. Add cheese slices on top, then cover with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
  7. Cook grilled cheese sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove and let cool slightly.
  8. Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into 1-inch cubes to make croutons.
  9. Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with grilled cheese croutons, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and optionally drizzle with olive oil or cracked pepper.

Notes

Use almond milk or dairy-free cottage cheese for lactose-free option. Swap cheddar for mozzarella for milder flavor. Frozen basil can substitute fresh basil. Keep grilled cheese croutons separate to maintain crispness. Avoid boiling after adding basil to preserve flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect-2/