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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Best Grilled Cheese Croutons

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This creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is a quick and easy weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The secret is sautéing the tomato paste for deep flavor and baking the croutons for perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter one side of each bread slice. Flip and pile on the shredded cheddar and Parmesan. Press gently. Cut each slice into 1-inch squares. Place cheese-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  5. Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let cool for 5 minutes first, then blend in batches.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and pile the grilled cheese croutons on top. Garnish with extra basil and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip sautéing the tomato paste—it deepens the flavor. Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling. For extra crispy croutons, toast the bread lightly before adding cheese. Season in layers for best flavor. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to avoid burning. Always remove bay leaves before blending if used.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-with-best-grilled-cheese-croutons-40-chars/