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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons Made Easy

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A rich and comforting creamy tomato basil soup topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for chilly days and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough or country white preferred)
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (or mix cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with juices, break them up with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add vegetable broth and sugar, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat and puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully and return to pot.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Warm gently over low heat without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place buttered side down on a preheated skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add cheese slices on top of the bread in the skillet, then cover with the second slice, buttered side up.
  9. Grill sandwiches until golden and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  10. Let sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized squares to make grilled cheese croutons.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls and float grilled cheese croutons on top before serving.

Notes

If fresh basil is unavailable, use dried basil added earlier in cooking. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese and butter alternatives. Avoid boiling soup after adding cream to prevent curdling. Butter bread generously for crispy grilled cheese croutons. Use a serrated knife to cut croutons cleanly.

Nutrition

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

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