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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons that soak up the soup’s flavor without getting soggy. Perfect for cozy meals and easy to make in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or country white)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or favorite melting cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with juices and break them up with a wooden spoon. Add broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree soup until silky smooth. Return soup to pot.
  6. Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and fresh basil leaves. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. For grilled cheese croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter side down in a skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add cheese slices on top, then cover with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
  9. Cook until golden and crispy on one side, then flip carefully and cook until both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
  10. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls and float grilled cheese croutons on top before serving.

Notes

Use softened unsalted butter for best grilled cheese croutons. Avoid microwaving croutons to keep them crispy; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes instead. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Adding smoked paprika or chili flakes during simmering adds a mild kick. If soup is too thick, add broth or cream; if too thin, simmer longer. Blending hot soup with an immersion blender is safer and less messy than a countertop blender.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meals

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect/