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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

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4.3 from 75 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A velvety tomato basil soup that’s rich and creamy, perfectly complemented by crispy grilled cheese croutons. This comforting dish is ideal for a cozy lunch or light dinner, featuring fresh basil and a smooth blend of tomatoes and cream with crunchy, cheesy bread pieces on top.

Ingredients

Soup:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Croutons:

  • 4 bread slices
  • 4 cheese slices (cheddar or your choice)
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Blend Soup with Cream and Basil: Remove the soup from heat, stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to blend until the soup is smooth and creamy.
  4. Make Grilled Cheese Croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices between two bread slices, buttered sides out, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized croutons.
  5. Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and top generously with the grilled cheese croutons. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Store the soup and grilled cheese croutons separately to keep the croutons crispy.
  • Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian; use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Soup, Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop, Blending
  • Cuisine: American

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