Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

There is nothing quite as cozy and satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade tomato basil soup paired with the irresistible crunch of grilled cheese croutons. This Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy classic comfort food with a flavor-packed twist. Creamy, aromatic, and bursting with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes, this soup brings together the perfect balance of richness and freshness, while the bite-sized grilled cheese croutons add a fun, melty surprise with every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly day or you simply crave something heartwarming, this recipe is an absolute must-try that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the best comfort foods start from simple, quality ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays an important role, from building the rich tomato base to adding fresh herbal notes and creamy texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this delicious soup adventure.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect foundation for sautéing onions and garlic, adding depth without overpowering flavors.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and soft texture that forms the soup’s backbone.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that makes each spoonful inviting.
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes with juices: The star ingredient that delivers vibrant tomato flavor and lovely red color.
• 2 cups vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and helps achieve that smooth soup consistency.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a richer, more robust soup.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle touch of heat and complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar: Cuts acidity and perfects the overall taste.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings in luxury with creamy texture and mellow richness.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Infuses fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every bite.
• 4 slices sandwich bread: The canvas to transform into crispy, golden grilled cheese croutons.
• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese: Melts wonderfully inside the bread, adding gooey goodness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For perfectly crisping the grilled cheese on the stovetop.

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent, unlocking their subtle sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. These simple steps build the savory foundation for your soup’s rich, comforting flavor.

Step 2: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer

Next, add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices, the vegetable broth, and tomato paste into the pot. Stir well while breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon to release their freshness. Season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 15 minutes. This slow simmering melds the ingredients beautifully, creating that signature rich tomato taste.

Step 3: Blend for Smoothness

Once simmered, remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. A velvety texture is crucial here—it’s what makes this soup so inviting and comforting.

Step 4: Add Cream and Basil

Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil leaves, letting the flavors marry for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. The cream softens the acidity of tomatoes, while fresh basil injects a refreshing herbal burst that brightens the entire dish.

Step 5: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

For the exciting twist, butter one side of each sandwich bread slice. Place cheese between two slices with the buttered sides facing out and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts completely. After cooling slightly, cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes. These croutons will add crunch and gooey pockets of cheese to every bite of the soup.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm tomato basil soup into bowls and top generously with the grilled cheese croutons. Each spoonful combines creamy tomato richness with crispy cheesy bites, making this Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe an ultimate comfort experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your soup presentation, sprinkle some extra freshly chopped basil or a small drizzle of cream on top. A few fresh cracked black pepper flakes add a nice touch of spice and visual contrast. These simple garnishes reinforce the fresh flavors and make your bowl look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own but can be paired beautifully with light salads, crusty bread, or simple roasted vegetables. For an extra indulgent meal, a small charcuterie board or pickled veggies complement the creamy tomato and cheese perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic mugs or shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant red color and the golden grilled cheese croutons floating on top. For a playful touch, serve the soup alongside a mini grilled cheese sandwich for dunking. You can also thread the croutons on small skewers as edible “soup stirrers” making for a fun eating experience, especially for kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps incredibly well, making it a convenient choice for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

The creamy tomato basil soup freezes nicely if you want to save it for later. Cool the soup completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Keep the grilled cheese croutons separate as they do not freeze well.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated soup, warm slowly over low heat on the stove to prevent curdling or separation. Stir occasionally until heated through, then add a splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the texture before serving with freshly made grilled cheese croutons.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using milk will lighten the soup, making it less rich but still delicious. You might want to add a bit more tomato paste for extra flavor since milk is less creamy than heavy cream.

What type of cheese works best for the grilled cheese croutons?

Cheddar and American are classic choices because they melt beautifully and have great flavor. However, mozzarella or provolone are fantastic alternatives if you prefer a milder, stretchier cheese.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this perfect Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe is completely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products. Just make sure your bread and cheese also align with your dietary preferences.

How can I make this soup vegan?

To veganize the recipe, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk or cream alternatives, and choose vegan bread and cheese substitutes. Vegetable broth typically is vegan already.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Carrots or roasted red peppers can add sweetness and depth. Just sauté them with the onions at the beginning and blend with the tomatoes for a tasty variation.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can blossom into an extraordinarily comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight supper or a dish to impress guests with warmth and flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes. So grab your pot and skillet, and dive into the creamy, crispy, and utterly delicious world of homemade tomato basil soup paired with grilled cheese croutons. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons offers a comforting blend of rich tomato flavors and fresh basil, paired perfectly with crispy, melty grilled cheese croutons. A classic American soup that’s easy to make on the stovetop, ideal for cozy meals any time of the year.

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Ingredients

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For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons

• 4 slices sandwich bread
• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or transferring it in batches to a countertop blender.
4. Finish the Soup: Return the smooth soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the soup is warmed through and fragrant.
5. Prepare Grilled Cheese Croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices of bread with the buttered sides facing out. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
6. Cut Croutons: Remove grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized cubes to serve as croutons.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot tomato basil soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons for a delightful twist on a classic comfort meal.

Notes

• You can substitute milk for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the soup.
• Mozzarella or provolone cheese works well as alternatives for the grilled cheese croutons.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American