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Cozy Rainy Day Loaded Tomato Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Dippers

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A warm and comforting loaded tomato soup paired with crispy grilled cheese dippers, perfect for cozy rainy days. This recipe features roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy finish with melty grilled cheese strips for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (optional)
  • 6 medium Roma tomatoes, halved (or canned whole tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Thick slices of sturdy bread (sourdough or artisan white)
  • 4 ounces (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 ounces (55 g) mozzarella cheese
  • Butter, softened (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables and tomatoes: finely chop onion, mince garlic, dice carrots and celery, halve tomatoes. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook 7-8 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Roast tomatoes on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir tomato paste into sautéed veggies; cook 2 minutes. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
  5. Add roasted tomatoes and broth to pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and puree soup with immersion blender until smooth. Add cream and fresh basil; stir and adjust seasoning.
  7. Prepare grilled cheese dippers: butter one side of each bread slice. Layer cheddar and mozzarella between two slices, buttered sides out.
  8. Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Cut into strips.
  9. Serve soup warm with grated Parmesan if desired and grilled cheese dippers on the side.

Notes

Roasting tomatoes is essential for deep, sweet flavor. Use sturdy bread about 3/4 inch thick for grilled cheese to avoid sogginess. Grill cheese on medium heat slowly for golden crust and melted cheese. If soup is too thick after blending, add broth or cream to loosen. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato soup, grilled cheese, comfort food, rainy day recipe, loaded tomato soup, crispy grilled cheese dippers, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-rainy-day-loaded-tomato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-dippers/