Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Hey there, soup lovers! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food combos: Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. This isn’t just any tomato soup; roasting the veggies brings out a depth of flavor that’ll knock your socks off. And the grilled cheese croutons? They’re like tiny bites of cheesy heaven that add the perfect crunch and flavor to every spoonful5.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: 4-6

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Roasting the tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a rich and satisfying soup5.
• Cheesy Goodness: Grilled cheese croutons are a fun twist on the classic soup pairing, adding a delightful crunch and melty cheese21.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or extra cheesy, this recipe is super versatile5.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for chilly days or when you just need a little pick-me-up2.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Tomato Soup:

• 28-ounce can whole, peeled tomatoes5
• 4 cups vegetable broth5
• 3-4 fresh tomatoes, chopped5
• 1 large onion, chopped5
• 1 bell pepper, chopped5
• 4 cloves garlic, minced5
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, plus more for garnish5
• Olive oil5
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste5
• Fresh black pepper to taste5
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)5
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)5

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough works great!)57
• 4-5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, or your favorite melting cheese257
• 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter5

Let’s Get Cooking!

Roasting the Veggies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper5.
2. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic to the baking sheet5.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh thyme5.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant5.

Blending the Soup:

1. Place the roasted vegetables into a blender5.
2. Add the canned tomatoes (including juices), vegetable broth, remaining fresh thyme, salt, and pepper5.
3. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the flavor is too acidic, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne5.

Making the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

1. Preheat your oven to broil5.
2. Place bread slices on a baking sheet lined with foil and spread butter on one side of each slice5.
3. Place the bread butter-side down and add cheese on top of each slice5.
4. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly5.
5. Place two open-faced sandwiches together to create two closed-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. Let cool for about 5 minutes and cut into crouton-sized chunks5.
6. Alternatively, you can prepare the grilled cheese croutons in a skillet on medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted1.

Serving Time:

1. Ladle the roasted tomato soup into bowls.
2. Top with grilled cheese croutons and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Dip the crusts: Don’t toss the grilled cheese crusts; they’re perfect for dunking in the soup2.
• Add a swirl of cream: A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream can add extra richness.
• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad complements the soup beautifully8.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for extra heat.
• Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary for a unique flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Try Gruyère, Havarti, or Fontina for the grilled cheese croutons7.
• Garlic Butter: Use garlic butter instead of regular butter for extra flavor in your grilled cheese croutons3.

FAQs

Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The soup can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, tomato soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.What kind of bread is best for grilled cheese croutons?
Sourdough, white sandwich bread, or any bread you like for grilled cheese works great257.Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, and zucchini are great additions.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)1

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Protein: 10-12 grams
• Carbs: 25-30 grams