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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting and easy creamy tomato basil soup paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons, perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned whole peeled)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 4 cups (960ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bread (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 6 ounces (170g) cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

  1. If using fresh tomatoes, score a small “X” at the bottom and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel off the skins, core, and roughly chop. (Skip if using canned tomatoes.)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chopped or canned tomatoes with juices and 4 cups broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  4. Remove pot from heat and puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a blender carefully.
  5. Stir in chopped basil leaves and heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Warm gently over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
  6. To make grilled cheese croutons: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized croutons.
  7. Serve soup in bowls topped generously with grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

[‘For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan butter and cheese or omit cheese.’, ‘Use a mix of Roma and vine-ripened tomatoes for balanced flavor.’, ‘If soup is too thick after blending, add broth or water to adjust consistency.’, ‘Stir cream in off heat or over low heat to prevent curdling.’, ‘Make grilled cheese croutons last to keep them crispy; keep warm in a low oven if needed.’, ‘Use sharp cheddar or blend with mozzarella for best melt and flavor.’, ‘Blending hot liquids requires caution; vent blender lid or use immersion blender.’]

Nutrition

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

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