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Cozy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Parmesan Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A rustic and deeply flavorful roasted tomato basil soup paired with crispy Parmesan grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy chilly days and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved (or two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed (reserve a few for garnish)
  • 4 slices rustic sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: A pinch of dried oregano or thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Place halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and smashed garlic cloves on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat. Spread in a single layer.
  3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and skins start to wrinkle.
  4. Transfer roasted veggies to a large saucepan. Add vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and velvety. If using a regular blender, cool slightly, blend in batches, and return to pot.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Toss bread cubes with softened butter, shredded Parmesan, and herbs if using. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook cubes in batches, turning frequently, until golden and crisp (6-8 minutes). Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway.
  8. Serve the soup hot, topped with Parmesan grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil leaves. Optionally drizzle with extra olive oil or a swirl of cream.

Notes

Roasting intensifies tomato sweetness and adds smoky depth. Avoid over-blending for texture. Medium heat is key for crispy croutons without burning. Soup tastes better the next day. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Add a pinch of sugar or honey if soup is too tangy. Croutons can be re-crisped under broiler if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato soup, basil soup, grilled cheese croutons, easy tomato soup, cozy soup recipe, Parmesan croutons, weeknight dinner, vegetarian soup

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-roasted-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-easy-parmesan-grilled-cheese-croutons/