Soup-er Creamy Tomato with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Ultimate Comfort Food

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tomato Soup, a rich and velvety blend of sweet tomatoes and savory herbs. Each spoonful is perfectly complemented by golden, buttery Grilled Cheese Croutons, adding a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness. Ideal for a cozy lunch or a simple yet satisfying dinner, this classic combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to whip up. This #tomatosoup recipe is a FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com staple, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends.

Why This Recipe Works

• Rich & Creamy: The soup is luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
• Sweet & Savory: A perfect balance of sweet tomatoes and savory herbs.
• Textural Contrast: The creamy soup is beautifully offset by the crunchy croutons.
• Easy to Make: Surprisingly simple for such a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for lunch, dinner, or any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Soup:

• 1kg (2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 480ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices bread
• 50g (2 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, oregano, and basil; cook for 1 minute more.
2. Simmer Tomatoes: Add tomatoes to the pot. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened.
3. Blend Soup: Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
4. Add Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Heat through.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Make Croutons: While the soup simmers, prepare the croutons. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of two slices. Top with the remaining bread slices (butter-side up).
7. Grill Croutons: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill croutons until golden and cheese is melted (2-3 minutes per side).
8. Cut Croutons: Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into cubes.
9. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes beforehand adds a deeper flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Use Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone cheese.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This #comfortfood is perfect on its own, but a side salad or a crusty bread would complement it nicely. A simple side of grilled cheese would also go well, for a more generous and cheesy meal.

More Comfort Food Classics

For more heartwarming and satisfying recipes, visit FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We have a delightful collection of comfort food classics waiting for you!