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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy roasted tomato basil soup - featured image

A cozy and flavorful roasted tomato basil soup with a creamy texture, topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons for a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 4 slices sturdy bread (like sourdough or country white bread)
  • 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the halved Roma tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is tender.
  4. While the veggies roast, butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices on the unbuttered side, then sandwich and grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  5. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic (skins and all) to a blender. Add 1 cup (240ml) of broth and blend until smooth. Blend in batches if needed.
  6. Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Add remaining broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cream and chopped basil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with the crispy grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

Use fresh basil added at the end for best flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan butter and cheese. Day-old bread crisps better for croutons. When blending hot liquids, vent the lid to avoid splatters. Adjust soup thickness with extra broth if needed.

Nutrition

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