Gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Hearty Tomato Basil Soup paired with perfectly golden, crispy Grilled Cheese. This refined recipe, crafted with the finest ingredients, is a true celebration of sensory delight and sophisticated indulgence. Savor the rich, velvety tomato broth infused with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil, complemented by the gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between buttery, toasted bread.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible flavors and textures of this cozy, yet gourmet dish. The ultimate in comfort food, this Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese is a harmonious blend of decadent, refined elements and wholesome, satisfying goodness. Sip on the luscious, velvety broth while indulging in the indulgent, melted cheese and crisp, golden bread – a truly joyful and inspiring culinary experience.
Ingredients
This elegant, flavorful soup and sandwich combo is made with a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. From the vine-ripened tomatoes to the fragrant, fresh basil, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a sensory-rich masterpiece.
- 2 lbs – Ripe Tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup – Heavy Cream
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup – Grated Parmesan Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free bread — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
Elevate your comfort food experience with this step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by dicing the ripe tomatoes and onion, and mincing the garlic. Gather all your ingredients and prep your workstation for a seamless cooking process.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic in a generous amount of butter until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the soup on low heat for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to break down.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the mixture until smooth and velvety. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
As the soup simmers, prepare your grilled cheese sandwiches. Butter the outside of two slices of bread, then stack your favorite melty cheese in the middle. Grill the sandwiches in a skillet or panini press until golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Creamy Texture: For an even richer, creamier soup, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream or a touch of mascarpone cheese.
- Flavor Boost: Elevate the tomato-basil essence by adding a teaspoon of dried oregano or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cheddar and gruyère or a whiskey-infused cheddar for an extra indulgent grilled cheese.
- Bread Variations: Try slices of sourdough, rye, or even brioche for a rich, buttery twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a side salad, crusty bread for dipping, or a glass of your favorite red wine.
Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but any extras can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. For the grilled cheese, you can crisp it up again in a skillet or panini press.
Make-Ahead: The soup can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving for optimal crispness.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food without compromising your health. This Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a nourishing one, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and a satisfying balance of macronutrients.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with 1 grilled cheese sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! This Hearty Tomato Basil Soup recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the Instant Pot, sauté the onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this Hearty Tomato Basil Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What type of cheese works best for the grilled cheese?
For the ultimate indulgent grilled cheese, I recommend using a combination of creamy, melty cheeses like cheddar, gruyère, or fontina. You can also experiment with different cheese blends, such as a whiskey-infused cheddar or a smoked gouda, to add an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Hearty Tomato Basil Soup vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken or vegetable broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. For the grilled cheese, use plant-based cheese alternatives instead of the Parmesan cheese.
How can I make this dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use non-dairy milk or a plant-based cream alternative in place of the heavy cream. For the grilled cheese, opt for dairy-free cheese slices or shreds and use a plant-based butter substitute to grill the sandwiches.
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Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, served alongside perfectly grilled cheese sandwiches for an elegant indulgence.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 slices of bread
4 slices of cheddar cheese
Butter for grilling
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. 2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. 3. Add basil and heavy cream, stir well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. 4. For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese between two slices, buttered sides out, and grill until golden brown on both sides.
5. 5. Serve the soup hot with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheese for the sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups, Stews & Chilis
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg