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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Perfect for Cozy Nights

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A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices good-quality sandwich bread (sourdough or white bread)
  • 4 oz (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 4 oz (115 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Butter, softened, for spreading on bread

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat in a soup pot. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with their juice. Break up tomatoes slightly with a spoon.
  4. Add broth and 1 tsp sugar. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat and puree soup until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender in batches, venting lid carefully.
  6. Return blended soup to pot. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Warm soup over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
  8. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices buttered side down on a preheated non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  9. Layer cheddar and mozzarella cheese on each slice, then top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  10. Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
  11. Remove sandwiches from pan and let rest for a minute before slicing.
  12. Ladle soup into bowls and serve immediately with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

Notes

If soup tastes too acidic, add a pinch more sugar or a small knob of butter to smooth it out. Blend hot soup carefully to avoid splashes. Grill sandwiches on medium heat for best results. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check broth ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy soup, grilled cheese, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meal, quick dinner

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-perfect-for-cozy-nights/