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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz (800 g) crushed canned tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 4 thick slices white or sourdough bread
  • 6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.
  3. Pour in the crushed canned tomatoes with their juices and the 3 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and puree the soup using an immersion blender until silky smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  6. Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional sugar to taste. Warm gently for 5 minutes.
  8. While the soup simmers, butter one side of each bread slice generously.
  9. Place the buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sharp cheddar on top of two slices, then cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  10. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove and let cool slightly.
  11. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  12. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Use fresh basil from a local source for best aroma. Sourdough bread is preferred for croutons but white bread works well. Butter the bread generously for crispy croutons. Blend soup gently to avoid splatter. Simmer soup gently after adding cream to prevent curdling. Store soup and croutons separately to keep croutons crispy. Reheat croutons in skillet or toaster oven to restore crunch.

Nutrition

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

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