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Cozy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyère Grilled Cheese Croutons

roasted tomato basil soup - featured image

A comforting roasted tomato basil soup paired with melty Gruyère grilled cheese croutons, perfect for chilly nights and busy evenings. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a special roasting technique for deep, rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved (Roma or heirloom preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for creaminess
  • 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or country white)
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves on a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread out in a single layer.
  3. Roast the vegetables for 30-35 minutes, until tomatoes are soft and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. While the veggies roast, butter one side of each bread slice. Place half the bread slices, butter side down, on a skillet over medium heat. Add Gruyère evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining slices, butter side up. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  5. Once the tomatoes and garlic have cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic from their skins into a large pot. Add the roasted tomatoes, onions, basil leaves, broth, and sugar. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender.
  6. Bring the blended soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk if desired for creaminess.
  7. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with the Gruyère grilled cheese croutons.

Notes

Roasting at a high temperature (425°F) caramelizes the tomatoes and garlic, deepening the flavor. Use medium heat when making grilled cheese to avoid burning the bread. Let hot soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters. Adjust soup thickness with additional broth if needed. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato soup, basil soup, grilled cheese croutons, cozy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Gruyère cheese, weeknight dinner