Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Craving a comforting and delicious meal? Look no further than this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. This recipe is a perfect combination of creamy tomato soup and crispy grilled cheese croutons, making it a warm and satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans of whole tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Add the tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate pan, grill the bread slices until toasted. Top each slice with cheddar cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grilled cheese croutons on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Popular Questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?
- Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes for whole tomatoes in this recipe.
Yes, you can use chicken broth as a substitute if you prefer.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh sourdough bread for the grilled cheese croutons for extra flavor.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the onions and garlic until they are caramelized for a deeper flavor profile.
- Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melty texture on the grilled cheese croutons.
