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Creamy Tomato Soup with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy tomato soup with crispy grilled cheese croutons - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy tomato soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted or fresh
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or country white)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 20 minutes until soft. Let cool.
  2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add roasted garlic cloves (or minced fresh garlic) and canned whole tomatoes with juice. Break tomatoes up with a spoon or masher.
  4. Add 2 cups broth, 1 teaspoon sugar, and basil if using. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully. Return soup to pot.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat gently for a few minutes without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat, top with cheese slices, then place remaining bread slices butter-side up.
  8. Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  9. Let sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized croutons.
  10. Ladle soup into bowls and scatter grilled cheese croutons on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to intensify flavor. Vent blender lid slightly when blending hot soup to prevent splatters. Use medium heat when grilling cheese to avoid burning. Stir cream gently and avoid boiling after adding to prevent curdling. Add grilled cheese croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.

Nutrition

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

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