There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons to warm the soul. Imagine dipping a crunchy, cheesy morsel into the velvety goodness, with steam rising and that rich aroma wafting through your kitchen like a cozy hug. cozy creamy potato soup It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for rainy days or when you need a little pick-me-up. You are about to embark on an adventure where tomatoes dance in harmony with creamy bliss, and grilled cheese croutons take center stage. For more inspiration, check out this No Bake Butterscotch Pie recipe.
Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, the rain pattering against the window while a movie plays in the background. You take a spoonful of that luscious tomato soup, and as it hits your taste buds, it’s like a flavor explosion. The nostalgia of childhood lunches comes rushing back to you, reminding you why this dish is simply unbeatable. pumpkin spice pancakes autumn pumpkin hummus Whether it’s a chilly evening or just because you want something deliciously indulgent, creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is here to save the day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tomato soup delivers rich flavors in every spoonful while being easy to prepare
- The crunchy grilled cheese croutons add visual appeal and texture that elevates the dish
- Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, it invites creativity with endless variations
- Enjoy a comforting meal that warms both your heart and soul!
I vividly remember serving this creamy tomato soup at a family gathering where everyone had seconds and thirds. The laughter filled the room as my cousin attempted to balance croutons on his nose. For more inspiration, check out this Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Whole Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them; they pack incredible flavor and sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: Use fresh cream for that luxurious texture; it makes all the difference in richness.
- Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still adding depth to your soup.
- Fresh Basil: Freshly chopped basil adds vibrant color and aromatic notes; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh cloves for optimal flavor; roasting them brings out their natural sweetness. garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Onion: A sweet yellow onion adds layers of flavor; sauté until translucent for perfect caramelization.
- Bread (for croutons): A sturdy bread like sourdough works best; it holds up well when toasted and layered with cheese.
- Cheese (for croutons): Sharp cheddar gives an excellent melt factor; feel free to experiment with different cheeses!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
Simmering the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells divine!
Blending for Creaminess: Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, let it cool slightly before blending in batches.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream along with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat for extra creaminess.
Preparing Grilled Cheese Croutons: While the soup simmers, make grilled cheese sandwiches with buttered bread and cheese of choice. Grill until golden brown on both sides before cutting into crouton-sized pieces.
Enjoy every moment of making this delightful dish! Each step brings you closer to that comforting bowl of creamy tomato goodness topped with crispy cheesy bites that you’ll crave again and again.
You Must Know
- This creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is a cozy classic
- The rich flavors and comforting textures make it a family favorite, perfect for chilly days
- Plus, the cheesy croutons add a fun twist that kids (and adults) will love!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add tomatoes and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes before blending. Meanwhile, prepare your grilled cheese croutons to enjoy them warm and crispy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap canned tomatoes for fresh ones or add herbs like basil or oregano. You can also experiment with different cheeses in your grilled cheese croutons for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness
- Don’t skip blending; it creates that signature creamy texture
- Always grill your bread on low heat to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup on a rainy day. I remember one time, my friends declared my homemade version “better than the can” after they devoured every last drop!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can enhance flavor but require more prep time.
How do I make this soup vegan-friendly?
Simply substitute vegetable broth and use vegan cheese for the croutons.
What can I serve alongside this soup?
A simple side salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully with creamy tomato soup.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy tomato soup topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Perfectly rich and velvety, this soup captures the nostalgia of childhood lunches while delivering a modern twist. The crunchy, cheesy croutons bring delightful texture, making it an ideal dish for cozy evenings or rainy days. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe will warm your heart and soul, inviting endless variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
- Pour in canned tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender (or regular blender, cooled slightly).
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh basil; cook on low heat for another 5 minutes.
- For croutons, grill buttered sourdough bread with shredded cheddar until golden brown; cut into crouton-sized pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
