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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A cozy, silky smooth tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. Break the tomatoes apart with a wooden spoon and cook for about 10 minutes to simmer and thicken.
  3. Add 1 cup of broth and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches carefully.
  5. Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and chopped fresh basil leaves. Warm gently for 5 minutes without boiling. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side-down on a hot skillet over medium heat. Add cheese slices on top, then cover with the other bread slices, butter-side-up. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
  7. Let the grilled cheese sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Optionally garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic flavor. Let soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters. Re-toast leftover grilled cheese croutons to regain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese or omit croutons.

Nutrition

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

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