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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 winter nights. This recipe balances rich roasted flavors with fresh basil and crunchy cheesy bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe Roma tomatoes, halved (or quality canned whole peeled tomatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 4 slices good-quality sandwich bread (sourdough or white bread)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded (or a mix with mozzarella)
  • Optional garnishes: extra fresh basil leaves, drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Place halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and smashed garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. While the veggies roast, butter one side of each bread slice. Place buttered side down on a skillet over medium heat. Top each slice with cheddar cheese, then place another slice on top, buttered side up, to form sandwiches. Cook each side 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  5. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a soup pot. Add broth and fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or blend in batches carefully with a regular blender).
  6. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

If soup tastes flat after blending, add a splash of good balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to brighten flavors. Roasting tomatoes and garlic slowly brings out natural sweetness and softens bitterness. Use softened butter and medium heat for grilled cheese croutons to avoid burning. Cover skillet briefly once cheese starts melting to help it along. Blend hot liquids carefully to avoid splashes.

Nutrition

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

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