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Cozy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A warm and comforting tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (roughly chopped)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
  • 4 slices bread (sourdough or classic white)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. Break the tomatoes up with a wooden spoon. Add vegetable broth and sugar, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully with the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.
  4. Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add cream or milk if using, stirring gently to combine. Warm through for a couple of minutes.
  5. While the soup simmers, butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side down on a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of cheddar on each, then top with remaining bread slices, butter side up. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes to make croutons.
  7. Ladle warm tomato basil soup into bowls. Top with grilled cheese croutons and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use almond or oat milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version. For gluten-free, substitute bread with gluten-free bread but toast carefully. Butter is essential for crispy grilled cheese croutons. Avoid overheating to prevent burning bread or rubbery texture. Store soup and croutons separately for best texture when reheating.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cozy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-easy-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons/