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Amazing 1-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Croutons

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
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Make this comforting Creamy Tomato Basil Soup topped with crunchy Grilled Cheese Croutons. It is a perfect, kid-friendly meal for a chilly winter day. Get ready to bring some Sunday Flavor into your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For Croutons: 4 slices bread
  • For Croutons: 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • For Croutons: 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  6. While the soup simmers, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  7. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Top each with cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
  8. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before cutting into bite-sized cubes.
  9. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the fresh basil leaves. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy.
  10. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and the optional sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top generously with the grilled cheese croutons and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup if you have time.
  • You can make the soup ahead of time; reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
  • Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor payoff.
  • If your family prefers a very smooth soup, strain it after blending.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-grilled-cheese/