Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, elevated with crispy grilled cheese croutons. This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for a cozy meal.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4-6 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
4 slices bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese and then the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by transferring it in batches to a regular blender.
Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Heat gently, but do not boil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with the grilled cheese croutons.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
Adjust the amount of basil to your preference.
If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, added with the tomatoes.
Ensure the soup is not boiling when you add the cream to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1.5 cups soup with croutons
Calories:Approx. 350-400 kcal (varies with cheese and bread)