Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of tomato soup, especially when it's paired with deliciously crispy grilled cheese croutons. This classic combination of flavors and textures is a favorite among many, and it's easy to see why. In this article, we will explore how to make a creamy tomato basil soup from scratch and take it up a notch by adding grilled cheese croutons for an extra layer of yumminess.
Ingredients
To prepare the creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 slices of your favorite cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
Making the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Be cautious while blending hot liquids, and if using a regular blender, blend in batches if needed.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and remove from heat.
Preparing the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices, and then top each with another bread slice, buttered side facing up.
- Grill the sandwiches in the preheated skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, usually around 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute.
- Cut each sandwich into bite-sized squares or triangles to create the grilled cheese croutons.
Serving
To serve the creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Add a handful of grilled cheese croutons on top of each bowl. The croutons will add a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness to every spoonful of soup. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also sprinkle some grated cheese over the soup and let it melt slightly before serving. The combination of the creamy soup, the savory grilled cheese croutons, and the melted cheese on top will create a truly satisfying and comforting meal. This creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially during colder months when you crave something warm and filling. It can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or served as a starter before a larger meal. Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your own twist. You can customize the soup by incorporating additional herbs and spices like oregano or thyme, or by adding a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes. You can also try using different types of cheese for the croutons to create unique flavor combinations. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make soup, this creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and deliciousness. Bon appétit!
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