Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of creamy Homemade Tomato Soup, paired with crispy, gooey Grilled Cheese Croutons. This classic combination transforms a simple meal into a warm hug in a bowl. The velvety soup, made with pantry staples, is bright and full of flavor, while the buttery croutons add a playful crunch to every spoonful.
🍅 Ingredients Overview
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes – The heart of the soup, canned whole tomatoes bring rich, sun-ripened flavor to the dish. Opt for high-quality brands like San Marzano for the best results.
- Onion and Garlic – These aromatics form the foundation of the soup, delivering a savory base that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Adds depth and ensures a silky consistency. Vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the soup its signature creaminess while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors.
- Bread and Cheddar Cheese – The dynamic duo that transforms into irresistible grilled cheese croutons.
- Butter – Ensures golden, crispy perfection for the croutons.
🍲 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Start with Flavor: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
2. Build the Soup Base
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes and broth, using a spoon to break up the tomatoes slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Perfection: Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
3. Blend to Velvety Smoothness
- Blend Safely: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches. Blend until silky smooth.
- Stir in the Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot and mix in the heavy cream. Warm gently, but avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.
4. Prepare the Grilled Cheese Croutons
- Assemble Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Layer cheddar cheese between two slices, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Cut into Croutons: Once cooled slightly, cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the Soup: Pour the tomato soup into bowls.
- Top with Croutons: Generously scatter the grilled cheese croutons over the soup for a fun, delicious topping.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for the Perfect Tomato Soup and Croutons
- Tip 1: Roast the Tomatoes – For an extra layer of flavor, roast the canned tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the soup.
- Tip 2: Use Fresh Herbs – Add fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant twist. Stir in at the end to retain their vibrant flavors.
- Tip 3: Adjust Creaminess – If you prefer a lighter soup, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Tip 4: Customize the Cheese – Try a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for the croutons.
- Tip 5: Toast the Bread First – Lightly toasting the bread before assembling prevents sogginess.
🥣 Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store grilled cheese croutons separately in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing: The soup freezes well! Skip the cream when freezing; add it after reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- A1: Absolutely! Blanch and peel fresh tomatoes, then use about 6-8 large ones.
Q2: What’s the best type of bread for the croutons?
- A2: Thick-sliced sourdough or rustic white bread works best for crispy, golden croutons.
Q3: Can I make the soup dairy-free?
- A3: Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Q4: How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic?
- A4: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity.
Q5: What’s the best way to blend the soup?
- A5: An immersion blender is easiest, but a countertop blender yields the smoothest results.
Q6: Can I make this soup spicy?
- A6: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Q7: How can I thicken the soup?
- A7: Stir in a cornstarch slurry or simmer the soup longer to reduce it naturally.
Q8: Can I use pre-grated cheese?
- A8: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. For the best texture, grate your cheese fresh.
Q9: How do I keep the croutons crispy?
- A9: Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Q10: Can I make the croutons ahead of time?
- A10: Yes! Store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in a skillet before serving.
🌟 20 Secrets to Perfect Tomato Soup and Croutons
- Opt for Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – They bring a smoky depth to the soup.
- Simmer Low and Slow – Develops deeper flavors.
- Include a Parmesan Rind – Add it to the soup while simmering for a rich, umami flavor.
- Balance Flavors – Always taste and adjust salt, sugar, and acidity.
- Use Good-Quality Butter – It makes a noticeable difference in the croutons.
- Blend in Batches – Prevents accidents if using a countertop blender.
- Infuse with Herbs – Tie fresh herbs into a bundle and simmer in the soup for a subtle flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil – Finish with a touch of high-quality olive oil for extra richness.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – Crumbled bacon or toasted seeds can enhance texture.
- Keep It Simple – Let the tomatoes shine by not overloading with too many extras.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream – Prevents curdling when added to the hot soup.
- Season in Layers – Add salt gradually at each stage of cooking.
- Experiment with Cheeses – Brie or mozzarella makes indulgent croutons.
- Try Whole-Grain Bread – Adds a rustic touch to the croutons.
- Add Smoked Paprika – For a warm, smoky undertone in the soup.
- Top with Fresh Basil – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Go Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free bread for the croutons.
- Control Thickness – Add broth gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make It Vegan – Swap cream for plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese.
- Serve with a Side Salad – Completes the meal for a perfectly balanced plate.
This Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a nostalgic delight with a modern twist—perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing starter. Bon appétit
