Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Comfort Food Reimagined
Imagine a bowl of luxuriously smooth tomato soup, its vibrant flavor deepened by a hint of creaminess. This isn't just any tomato soup; it's elevated to pure comfort food heaven with the addition of golden, buttery grilled cheese croutons. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a simple yet satisfying lunch, this recipe transforms a classic into something truly special, offering a delightful play on textures and flavors. The combination of creamy, smooth soup and crispy, cheesy croutons is a match made in culinary heaven. This elevated take on a childhood favorite is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
- Elevated Comfort Food: A classic combination made even better.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The soup is rich and satisfying.
- Textural Delight: The contrast between the smooth soup and crispy croutons is delightful.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tomato Soup:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400ml (1 3/4 cups) vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or brioche work well)
- 50g (2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the unbuttered side of two slices. Top with the remaining slices, butter side up.
- Grill the Croutons: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook grilled cheese for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Cut into cubes.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, roast tomatoes at 200°C/400°F for 20 minutes before adding to the soup.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack.
- Herb Variations: Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this #tomatosoup with a side salad or a crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad would complement the richness of the soup beautifully. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, would be a lovely accompaniment.
More Delicious Soup Recipes
Explore more comforting and flavorful soup recipes on FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We've got a wide variety of delicious soups perfect for any occasion.