Description
A quick, luxurious weeknight dinner featuring velvety tomato basil soup topped with crunchy, cheesy grilled cheese croutons. Ready in just 20 minutes using pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and add a pinch of sugar if needed. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and return pot to low heat. Warm through for about 1 minute without boiling to prevent curdling. Season with salt and pepper.
- Butter one side of each bread slice and place cheese between the unbuttered sides. Grill in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into 1-inch cubes.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls, top generously with grilled cheese croutons, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
The soup base is naturally gluten-free; use gluten-free bread for the croutons if needed. Store croutons separately to maintain crunch. Soup freezes well for up to 3 months, but do not freeze the croutons. If using a countertop blender, let soup cool slightly before blending to avoid steam pressure buildup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with croutons
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 12
Keywords: tomato basil soup, grilled cheese croutons, creamy tomato soup, quick dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, easy soup, 20 minute meals