Print

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy tomato basil soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces / 800 g each) whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices good-quality bread (sourdough or white sandwich bread)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  3. Pour in canned whole peeled tomatoes with juices and broth. Break up tomatoes gently. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat and puree soup using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, chopped fresh basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Warm gently over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat. Layer with cheddar cheese and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  7. Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
  8. Let grilled cheese sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized squares or triangles to make croutons.
  9. Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

[‘Do not skip the sugar to balance tomato acidity.’, ‘Add fresh basil near the end to preserve flavor and color.’, ‘Keep butter softened but not melted for even spreading on bread.’, ‘Simmer soup gently to develop flavor without evaporating too much liquid.’, ‘Vent blender lid slightly or use immersion blender to avoid splashing.’, ‘Roast canned tomatoes briefly for extra depth of flavor if time allows.’, ‘Grilled cheese croutons are best served fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to regain crispness.’]

Nutrition

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

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