Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
Warm up with this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese, the ultimate comfort food pairing that’s rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. This easy homemade tomato soup is blended until silky smooth with fresh basil, garlic, and cream, then served alongside a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich loaded with melty cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Tomato Basil Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- 8 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics : Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes u0026 Broth : Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir in sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Blend the Soup : Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Return to pot if using a regular blender.
- Add Cream u0026 Basil : Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese Sandwiches : Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place bread, butter side down, on the skillet. Layer cheese on top, cover with another slice of bread, butter side up. Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until cheese melts and bread is crisp.
- Serve Together : Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls and serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches on the side for dipping.