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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy, melty grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices white or sourdough bread (day-old bread works great)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  3. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Add the broth and stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  6. Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped fresh basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for 5 minutes without boiling.
  7. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, butter side down, on a heated non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on each, then top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
  9. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  10. Let the grilled cheese sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  11. Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Add cream last and warm gently to avoid curdling. Butter bread generously and cook grilled cheese on medium heat for perfect crispiness. Grilled cheese croutons can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster oven or skillet to regain crispness. For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan butter and cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

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

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