Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Delve into the delightful world of comfort food with our Tomato Dream Soup and Toasty Cheese Delight. This classic pairing not only warms the soul but also tantalizes the taste buds with rich flavors and creamy textures. Tomato soup, a timeless dish, has been a staple in kitchens around the globe for generations. With its vibrant color and luscious taste, this comforting soup provides a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction that few dishes can match. In this article, we will explore the origins of tomato soup, its health benefits, and how this recipe elevates traditional comfort food to a gourmet experience. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to create a heartwarming meal perfect for any occasion.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Experience a delightful culinary journey with Tomato Dream Soup and Toasty Cheese Delight, the perfect comfort food duo that warms both heart and soul. This rich, creamy tomato soup, paired with a golden grilled cheese sandwich, makes for an unforgettable meal that blends nostalgia with gourmet flair. Discover the origins of tomato soup, its health benefits, and follow simple, step-by-step instructions to create this heartwarming dish at home. Enjoy the ease of crafting a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 tsp sugar

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese:

8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or white)

4 tbsp butter, softened

8 slices of cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

Optional: a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of mustard for flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Soup:

- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

- Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.

- Once simmered, remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or blend in batches in a blender if you don’t have an immersion blender).

- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to low heat to warm through, but do not let it boil.

Make the Grilled Cheese:

- While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter side down, in the skillet.

- Layer two slices of cheese on each piece of bread. You can sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or a dash of mustard on the cheese for added flavor if desired.

- Top with another slice of bread (butter side up). Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Flip gently and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

- Repeat for the remaining bread and cheese.

Serve:

- Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls. Garnish with extra basil on top.

- Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve alongside the soup for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings