Tomato Soup with a Twist: Grilled Cheese Croutons

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: Ultimate Comfort Food

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tomato Soup, a velvety smooth blend of rich tomato flavors subtly brightened with aromatic herbs. Toasted grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and cheesy indulgence to every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting lunch, this surprisingly simple soup is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. This #tomatosoup recipe is a FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com staple for its ease and deliciousness.

Why This Recipe Works

• Velvety Smooth Texture: The soup is luxuriously creamy and satisfying.
• Flavorful & Aromatic: The herbs add depth and complexity.
• Cheesy Crouton Crunch: The croutons provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Perfect for Any Season: Enjoy it warm on a chilly day or slightly chilled on a warmer one.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 790g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 390g (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 400ml (1 3/4 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough recommended)
• 80g (3 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blend Soup: Blend soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a regular blender and blend in batches.
5. Stir in Cream: Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
6. Prepare Croutons: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle cheese on two slices; top with remaining slices, butter-side up.
7. Grill Croutons: Grill sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Cut Croutons: Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized croutons.
9. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes beforehand adds deeper flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
• Bread Variations: Try different bread types like ciabatta or rye.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese for the croutons.

Serving Suggestions

This #comfortfood is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would make a lovely accompaniment.

More Comfort Food Recipes

For more heartwarming and comforting recipes, head over to FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com. We have a collection of delicious recipes that are perfect for cozy nights in!