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Cozy tomato soup recipe with a cream swirl and crispy grilled cheese croutons on top

Cozy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons

Creamy, rich tomato soup topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons — one pot, pantry tomatoes, ready in 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups medium yellow onion diced (about 1 1/2 cups / 200 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste browned in the pot for deep flavour
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz / 400 g each, or one 28 oz / 800 g can
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 480 ml
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar to tame the acidity
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda optional
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt plus black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream 120 ml, plus more to swirl
  • Fresh basil optional, to serve
  • 4 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread for the grilled cheese croutons
  • 4 oz cheddar or American cheese 115 g, sliced or grated
  • 2 Tbsp softened butter for the sandwiches

Equipment

  • Large pot for the soup

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5-6 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes until it darkens slightly — do not skip this step, it builds the deep flavour.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, stock, sugar, baking soda, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, make the croutons: butter the outsides of two cheese sandwiches and toast in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melted. Rest for 1 minute, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  5. Blend the soup completely smooth with an immersion blender, or in batches in a counter blender with the lid vented.
  6. Return to low heat, stir in the cream, and warm through without boiling. Adjust the seasoning.
  7. Ladle into bowls, add a swirl of cream, pile the warm grilled cheese croutons on top, and serve immediately.