Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Ultimate Comfort Food
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup, a vibrant blend of rich, sun-ripened tomato flavor punctuated by fresh, aromatic basil. Toasted grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and cheesy depth, transforming this classic soup into a satisfying and playful meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick yet comforting lunch, this is a simple pleasure everyone will adore. The unexpected addition of grilled cheese croutons elevates this classic soup to a whole new level, adding a textural and flavorful dimension that’s both surprising and delightful. #CreamyTomatoSoup #TomatoSoup #BasilSoup #GrilledCheeseCroutons #ComfortFood
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner because it's both comforting and sophisticated. The creamy tomato base is a classic, but the addition of fresh basil brightens the flavor profile, preventing it from becoming one-note. The grilled cheese croutons are the unexpected star, providing a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup and adding a layer of cheesy richness. This is a recipe that's easily adaptable to different tastes and skill levels – perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual get-together. #EasyRecipe #DeliciousSoup #QuickMeal #CrowdPleaser
Ingredients: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredient list is remarkably simple, showcasing the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a truly satisfying and flavorful experience. The focus is on letting the natural flavors of the tomatoes and basil shine, complemented by the richness of the cheese and the comforting warmth of the cream. #SimpleIngredients #FreshIngredients #FlavorfulSoup
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity (for 4 servings) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Aromatics | Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Aromatics | Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Tomato | Canned Crushed Tomatoes | 790g (28 oz) |
| Tomato | Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained) | 390g (14 oz) |
| Liquid | Vegetable Broth | 500ml (2 cups) |
| Dairy | Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Herbs | Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped | 1/4 cup + extra for garnish |
| Sweetener | Granulated Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Seasoning | Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Grilled Cheese Croutons Ingredients | ||
| Bread | Bread (sourdough or your favorite) | 4 slices |
| Cheese | Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 50g (2 oz) |
| Fat | Butter, softened | 2 tbsp |
Instructions: From Simple to Stunning
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- While soup simmers, prepare grilled cheese croutons: spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Layer cheese on unbuttered sides of two slices, top with remaining slices (butter-side up).
- Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Cut sandwiches into cubes. Stir heavy cream, basil, and sugar into soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend soup using an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully in a regular blender).
- Serve hot, garnished with basil and grilled cheese croutons.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Roast tomatoes before adding to soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different cheeses for the croutons, such as Gruyère or mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons as a light lunch or a comforting dinner. A side salad or crusty bread for dipping adds to the experience. #SoupRecipe #LunchIdea #DinnerIdea #EasySoupRecipe
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values (per serving, based on 4 servings): 400 calories, 15g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 20g fat. (This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
More Delicious Recipes
Explore more comforting and flavorful recipes on our blog at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com!