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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy roasted tomato basil soup - featured image

A cozy and quick creamy roasted tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved (roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or country white recommended)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or favorite melting cheese)
  • Butter, softened, for spreading

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and smashed garlic cloves on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized on the edges, and the onion has softened and browned a bit.
  3. Transfer the roasted veggies to your soup pot. Add the broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, carefully blend in batches, leaving the lid slightly ajar to vent steam.
  5. Stir in the cream, chopped basil, and sugar (if using). Heat gently for another 5 minutes, but do not let it boil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices between two pieces, buttered sides out, creating sandwiches.
  7. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove and let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  8. Serve the soup hot, topped generously with crispy grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

If soup is too thick after blending, add a splash of broth or cream to reach desired consistency. Use medium heat when grilling croutons to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or skip croutons.

Nutrition

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