Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Ultimate Comfort Food
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Tomato Soup, a velvety smooth blend of rich tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness, perfect for warming you from the inside out. Toasted, buttery grilled cheese croutons elevate this classic to a new level of deliciousness, adding a satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness to every spoonful. Simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying, this soup is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch on a chilly day. This #tomatosoup recipe from FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
- Velvety Smooth Texture: Creamy and luxurious tomato soup base.
- Rich Tomato Flavor: Deep and satisfying tomato taste.
- Satisfying Crunch: Perfectly toasted grilled cheese croutons add texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a comforting and delicious meal.
- Perfect for Cozy Nights: Ideal for a warm and satisfying meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 790g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 480ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
- 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices bread (sourdough or Italian recommended)
- 55g (2 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
Make the Soup:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer Soup: Stir in tomatoes, broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- Prepare Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle cheese on the other side.
- Grill Croutons: Grill cheese-side down in a skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Cut Croutons: Cut grilled cheese into 1-inch cubes.
Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh basil or parsley.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegan Option: Use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This #comfortfood is perfect on its own, but a side salad would complement it well. A crusty bread roll would also soak up the delicious soup perfectly.
More Comfort Food Classics
For more heartwarming and delicious comfort food recipes, visit FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We have a collection of recipes that will warm you from the inside out!