Introduction

Classic Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the ultimate comfort food combination. Rich, creamy tomato soup infused with fresh basil pairs perfectly with crispy, buttery grilled cheese cubes that float on top, adding texture and indulgence. This soup is warm, cozy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for chilly evenings, casual lunches, or even dinner when paired with a salad.

The soup itself is vibrant, slightly tangy, and naturally sweet from ripe tomatoes, while the basil adds aromatic freshness. The addition of grilled cheese croutons transforms the dish into a fun and satisfying meal that’s loved by kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, nostalgic, and versatile. The soup is creamy and rich without being heavy, and the grilled cheese croutons elevate it from a simple starter to a full meal. It’s a playful twist on two classic favorites — tomato soup and grilled cheese — creating the ultimate cozy experience.

It’s also incredibly satisfying to make: the flavors meld together beautifully, and the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and basil fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it takes a classic soup and adds a fun, delicious twist that makes it feel special. The homemade soup is flavorful and creamy, while the grilled cheese croutons add crunch, cheesy indulgence, and visual appeal.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch with friends, or as a starter for a special meal, it’s approachable, quick to make, and universally loved. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back to plain tomato soup!

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra drizzle of cream

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add canned tomatoes (with juice), broth, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil and heavy cream.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
   • Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend carefully.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 3: Make Grilled Cheese Croutons

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place cheese slices between two slices of bread, buttered sides out.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
4. Cut sandwiches into bite-sized cubes for croutons.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle soup into bowls.
2. Top with grilled cheese croutons.
3. Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of cream.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add extra croutons for a fun twist.
• Perfect with a glass of light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a mild red wine.

Recipe Tips

• Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
• Blending: For extra smooth soup, strain after blending to remove tomato skins.
• Cream: Adjust cream amount to make soup lighter or richer.
• Basil: Add basil at the end to retain its bright, fresh flavor.
• Croutons: Use your favorite cheese; cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss work well.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
2. Vegan Version: Omit cream and use plant-based milk, and vegan cheese for croutons.
3. Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast tomatoes, onion, and garlic before blending for a deeper flavor.
4. Herb-Infused: Add thyme or oregano along with basil.
5. Cheese Swap: Use gouda, fontina, or mozzarella for croutons for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store soup (without croutons) in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup in airtight containers for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
• Croutons: Best served fresh; can be toasted again before serving if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for soup
• Skillet for grilled cheese
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Cutting board and knife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes — about 2 lbs of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, work well.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes — use plant-based cream and vegan cheese for croutons.

Q3: Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes — make the soup ahead and store in the refrigerator. Add croutons fresh before serving.

Q4: How can I make the soup creamier?
Add more cream or a splash of milk during blending.

Q5: Can I freeze the grilled cheese croutons?
Not recommended — they lose texture when frozen. Best to make fresh.

Conclusion

Classic Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, tangy tomato soup with cheesy, crispy bites of grilled cheese. This dish is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make, perfect for cozy lunches, dinners, or family gatherings.

With its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and fun presentation, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food with a playful twist. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.