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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting and creamy roasted tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy nights and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup (25 grams) fresh basil leaves
  • 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or whole milk (optional, can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 thick slices sturdy bread (sourdough or country white)
  • 6 oz (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (can mix with mozzarella or gouda)
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the Roma tomatoes and place cut-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet. Nestle unpeeled garlic cloves around them. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35-40 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and soft, and garlic is tender.
  2. While tomatoes roast, butter one side of each bread slice. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Place two slices buttered-side-down, top with shredded cheddar, then the other bread slices buttered-side-up. Grill until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly and cut into bite-sized cubes.
  3. In a large saucepan or pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins into the pot. Add roasted tomatoes with juices, broth, and fresh basil leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches), puree soup until smooth and creamy. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  6. Stir in cream or milk, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Warm gently without boiling.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle crispy grilled cheese croutons on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Roast tomatoes until caramelized but still juicy. Keep garlic unpeeled for mellow sweetness. Blend hot liquids carefully to avoid splatters. Use a mix of cheeses for grilled cheese croutons for best melt and flavor. Add balsamic vinegar if soup tastes flat. Soup stores well in fridge for 3 days; add croutons fresh before serving. Soup freezes well but not the croutons.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato soup, basil soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-roasted-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect/