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Cozy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyère Grilled Cheese Dippers

roasted tomato basil soup - featured image

A warm and comforting roasted tomato basil soup paired with melty Gruyère grilled cheese dippers, perfect for cozy nights and simple meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, halved (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
  • 1 cup (packed, about 25g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 8 slices good-quality sandwich bread (sourdough or country white)
  • 8 ounces (225g) Gruyère cheese, grated or thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: Dijon mustard for spreading inside the bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves and chopped onion around the tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle everything with olive oil (about 3 tablespoons) and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes until tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and fragrant. Remove garlic earlier if browning too quickly.
  5. Transfer the roasted veggies and juices to a large saucepan. Add 1 cup broth and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  6. Puree the soup using an immersion blender or stand blender until silky smooth. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  7. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream (optional) and chopped fresh basil. Warm through on low heat for 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning and add sugar if needed.
  8. Butter one side of each bread slice evenly.
  9. Place 4 slices buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat. Layer with Gruyère cheese and optional Dijon mustard.
  10. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula.
  11. Remove grilled cheese and cut each sandwich into strips or bite-sized dippers.
  12. Serve the hot soup with grilled cheese dippers alongside for dunking.

Notes

Keep an eye on the grilled cheese to avoid burning; medium heat works best. Blend hot soup in batches and vent lid slightly to avoid splatters. Roasting tomatoes deepens flavor without added sugar or salt. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based cheese with gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato soup, basil soup, grilled cheese dippers, Gruyère grilled cheese, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner