Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Alright, let's dive into this yummy soup situation! ever crave that warm, fuzzy feeling only a bowl of soup can provide? i do! are you looking for easy soup recipes ? let's be honest, sometimes you just need something simple, delicious, and comforting without slaving away in the kitchen all day.

Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup: Grilled Cheese Upgrade!

This isn't your average tomato soup. we're talking a flavour explosion! imagine rich, roasted tomatoes blending with fragrant basil, finished with creamy goodness.

It's basically like giving your childhood favourite a michelin star makeover, but without the fuss.

This comfort soup recipe is inspired by Italian flavours, like a gentle hug from Nonna. I think tomato soup's one of those classic comfort soup recipes that we all know and love, right? Plus, those grilled cheese croutons? Genius!

Origin and Ease

Think of this homemade soup recipe as a comforting classic with a twist. roasting the tomatoes brings out so much more flavour! it elevates the soup to something truly special.

This is super easy, even for a total beginner. prep is about 20 minutes, and cooking takes around 40. perfect for a weeknight! you'll end up with about 4 servings, enough to feed the family or have leftovers for lunch.

Why This Soup Rocks!

This soup is more than just tasty; it's good for you too. tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, which are like little superheroes fighting off bad stuff in your body.

It's a nutritional win! imagine this simmering away in your crockpot , filling your kitchen with amazing smells. i love to make this when i need a warm soup that's both satisfying and good for me.

Plus, hello, who doesn't love grilled cheese?

The Delicious Details

Okay, now let's talk ingredients. i always say that the secret to any delicious soup recipes is starting with good quality ingredients.

For the roasted vegetables, it's roma tomatoes, yellow onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. you will also need vegetable broth, heavy cream, and fresh basil.

I know. it's already sounding delish! and for the croutons, bread, butter, and cheddar cheese is a must.

I honestly feel like I have a flavor nectar creamy parmesan italian sausage soup on my hands!. What did you think?

Okay, let's dive into the heart of our creamy tomato & basil soup with grilled cheese croutons ! no fancy chef jargon here, just good, honest ingredients and the bits we need to make some magic.

Honestly, this is one of my fave easy soup recipes , even better than some italian sausage parmesan soup 12 tomatoes recipes i’ve seen!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

This isn't Thomas Keller stuff, just simple ingredients. We need:

• 2 lbs (900g) Roma Tomatoes, halved. Look for tomatoes that smell, well, like tomatoes!
• 1 large (200g) Yellow Onion, quartered. Doesn't matter much, they'll be roasted.
• 4 cloves Garlic, unpeeled. The pungent ones are best!
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling. Extra virgin is always a win.
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano.
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional). For a lil' kick!
• 4 cups (950ml) Vegetable Broth. Chicken broth works too if you aren't veggie.
• ½ cup (120ml) Heavy Cream. Or go the Flavor Nectar Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup route and use coconut cream if you're feeling vegan!
• ¼ cup (10g) Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped. You know, the fragrant green stuff!
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste. Seasoning is key, people!

For the croutons.

• 4 slices Bread. Sourdough is amazing.
• 4 tbsp (56g) Butter, softened. Real butter, not that spreadable stuff.
• 4 slices Cheddar Cheese. The sharper the better, honestly.

Seasoning Notes

• Oregano and basil are the heart of this. Don’t skimp!
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth.
• Salt and pepper? Essential!
• For a Creamy Parmasen Italian Sausage Soup vibe, add a pinch of fennel seeds!

Honestly, it is up to you!

Equipment Needed

No crazy gadgets needed for these warm soup recipes !

• Large Baking Sheet.
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven. Perfect for simmering all that goodness.
• Immersion Blender. Game changer for creamy soups. Or you can do it in batches with a regular blender, but be careful. Hot soup + blender = potential disaster.
• Small skillet or griddle. For the croutons, obviously!

Don’t have an immersion blender? A regular blender works, but blend in batches and be CAREFUL! Hot liquids can explode. Seriously. I’ve seen it happen! We are talking comfort soup here, guys!

So, that's it. time to get cracking and make some amazing soup! you'll be saying goodbye to store-bought after you discover these delicious soup recipes ! next up, we will delve into instructions.

This homemade soup recipe will be a total breeze.

Alright, let's dive into this easy soup recipes adventure! We're making Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Honestly, I can almost smell the deliciousness already.

Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup: Reimagined Comfort Food

This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. i used to just grab a can of soup.

Now? i roast my own tomatoes. trust me, it's worth it. you know? this comfort soup recipe transforms the classic into something extra special, especially those grilled cheese croutons! no sad soggy sandwich anymore.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!

Essential mise en place is key to Delicious Soup Recipes . Think of it like prepping your workspace for a DIY project.

• Halve 2 lbs Roma Tomatoes . Quarter 1 large Yellow Onion . Have 4 cloves of Garlic ready. Soften 4 tbsp of Butter . Grab 4 slices of bread too. Honestly, getting everything ready beforehand makes cooking so much easier!
• Time saving tip: Chop the basil right before you need it. It stays fresher.
• Safety reminder: Watch those fingers when you chop. We don't want any accidents.

step-by-step: Let's Get Cookin'!

1. Roast those veggies! Toss tomatoes, onion, and garlic with 2 tbsp Olive Oil , 1 tsp Dried Oregano , ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes , salt, and pepper. Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 30 minutes .
2. Sauté and simmer. Squeeze that garlic out of its skin. Add everything to a large pot with 4 cups of Vegetable Broth . Simmer for 15 minutes . This is when the magic happens.
3. Blend it up. Immersion blender time! Or use a regular blender carefully . Stir in ½ cup Heavy Cream and ¼ cup Fresh Basil . Season to taste.
4. Grilled cheese croutons! Butter one side of each bread slice. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheesy. About 2- 3 minutes per side .
5. Crouton chop! Cut those grilled cheese sandwiches into lovely croutons.
6. Serve it! Ladle soup, add croutons, and garnish with more basil.

Pro Tips: Secret Soup Hacks

Want to take this soup to the next level? Try these!

• Roasting is the secret weapon. It brings out the sweetness. This is what Thomas Keller would do.
• Common mistake to avoid : Over blending! It can make the soup gummy.
• make-ahead option: The soup base can be made 3 days ahead ! Just add the cream and basil before serving.

This homemade soup recipe is a winner, whether you use a soup recipes slow cooker , or just a regular pot.

This comfort soup recipe is perfect, try to substitute half and-half or milk for a lighter version.

I've had so many "aha!" moments cooking, and this soup is one of them. it's simple, satisfying, and always a hit.

And this creamy tomato soup is a great warm soup recipes .

Enjoy this soup dinner , i hope you love it as much as i do! i love the flavor nectar creamy parmesan italian sausage soup recipe.

But this one is even better! also you can try to add some sausages instead of croutons, it's a creamy italian sausage soup crockpot.

Alright, let's chat about this amazing soup, shall we?

Recipe Notes: Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Let's face it, sometimes the best easy soup recipes have a few secrets. honestly, it's the little details that elevate them from "meh" to "wow!".

Here’s what i’ve learned, you know, the stuff i wish i knew when i started.

Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe

Presentation matters! for this creamy tomato & basil soup with grilled cheese croutons, i like to swirl a tiny bit more cream on top.

A few extra basil leaves? absolutely! honestly, it's like giving your soup a little spa treatment. for sides, think light.

A simple green salad is perfect! or a bit of garlic bread.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? lucky you! this comfort soup will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. just make sure to cool it completely before popping it in.

Freezing is also an option. but leave out the cream if you plan on freezing, add it when you reheat.

To reheat, gently warm it on the stove. or nuke it, but stir it halfway through so it heats evenly.

Variations: Spice It Up (or Down!)

Want to change things up a bit? Easy peasy!

• Vegan Version: Swap the cream for coconut cream. Use vegan cheese and bread for the croutons. Boom, vegan heaven!
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your fave hot sauce, it's awesome.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but this soup is packed with vitamins from the tomatoes. you also get a good dose of dairy from the cream.

It’s a comfort soup that's not terrible for you.

Listen, finding great warm soup recipes or sausage soup recipes can be tough. this ain't thomas keller level cooking, but it's darn good.

I think that by using creamy tomato & basil soup with grilled cheese croutons, you have an original easy soup recipes .

It's perfect for weeknights. think of it as a hug in a bowl. so give it a go, yeah? i know you'll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good variations for easy soup recipes like this creamy tomato one?

Besides the variations already mentioned, you could try adding a swirl of pesto for extra flavor, or even a dollop of goat cheese for a tangy twist. Roasting other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini along with the tomatoes would also add depth.

Think of your fridge as a blank canvas for delicious, soupy experimentation!

Can I freeze this tomato soup, and how long will it last?

Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing, so you may want to give it a good stir before reheating.

Hold off on adding the cream until after thawing and reheating for best results.

What if I don't have an immersion blender? Can I still make this easy soup recipe?

No worries, mate! A regular blender works just fine. Just be super careful when blending hot liquids. Let the soup cool slightly and work in batches, filling the blender only about a third full each time. Remove the center piece of the lid and cover with a folded tea towel to allow steam to escape while blending.

This prevents any potential kitchen explosions nobody wants a tomato soup Jackson Pollock situation!

I'm watching my weight, any tips for making this easy soup recipe healthier?

You bet! Swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even milk (although it won't be quite as creamy). You can also bulk it up with extra vegetables like chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and fibre. Using whole wheat bread for the grilled cheese croutons will boost the fibre content.

And remember, portion control is key even healthy food can contribute to weight gain if you overindulge.

My soup tastes a bit bland, what can I do to give it more flavour?

Don't despair! A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar can brighten up the flavor. A pinch more salt and pepper (taste as you go!) or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat can also do the trick.

If you have any Parmesan cheese rinds hanging around (as you do!), simmering one in the soup for the last 15 minutes adds a wonderful umami depth. Just remember to remove it before blending!