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Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Perfect Grilled Cheese

creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese - featured image
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A comforting and quick meal featuring silky tomato basil soup paired with a perfectly crispy grilled cheese sandwich. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800g) canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 thick slices sourdough bread
  • 4 oz (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 oz (55g) mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the entire can of whole peeled tomatoes with juices, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Pour in the broth and stir.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth. (If using a regular blender, let cool 5 minutes first and blend in batches.)
  6. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Keep warm on low heat.
  7. Grate cheeses and mix together. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
  8. Place bread mayo-side down, add cheese mixture, then top with another slice of bread, mayo-side up.
  9. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula halfway through.
  10. Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately with hot soup.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving. The soup tastes even better the next day. Use mayo on the outside of the bread for a crispier crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, grilled cheese, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, rainy day meal

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/easy-creamy-tomato-basil-soup-with-perfect-grilled-cheese/