Description
A comforting classic tomato soup paired with crispy, buttery grilled cheese croutons, perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal that blends creamy, tangy tomato flavors with crunchy, cheesy bites.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons
- 4 slices bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Soup: Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed and stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture and flavor, if using. Keep warm over low heat.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese Croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheddar cheese slices between two pieces of bread, buttered sides facing out, to make sandwiches. Cook on a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Cut into small cubes to create croutons. Serve the warm tomato soup topped with the grilled cheese croutons for a delightful crunch and cheesy finish.
Notes
- For additional flavor, add fresh basil leaves to the soup while simmering.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter, less rich soup.
- Grilled cheese croutons can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
