Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons: The Ultimate Comfort Combo

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Have you ever had one of those days where nothing feels quite right until you’re wrapped in the cozy warmth of your favorite comfort food? That’s exactly where this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons comes in. It’s not just a dish — it’s a memory, a mood, and a hug for your tastebuds.

Whether it’s raining outside or you’re simply craving something rich and soul-satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s packed with roasted tomato flavor, infused with creamy goodness, and topped with cheesy, golden grilled cheese croutons that will instantly transport you back to simpler times.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

To recreate this classic with a gourmet twist, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Everything on this list plays a role in delivering depth, comfort, and a little indulgence.

🍅 For the Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredient	Amount
Medium Tomatoes	6, halved
Yellow Onion	1 small, cut in wedges
Garlic Cloves	5, peeled
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon
Kosher Salt	½ teaspoon
Black Pepper	½ teaspoon
Granulated Sugar	1 teaspoon
Chicken Broth	1 ½ cups
Fresh Basil	2 tablespoons, chopped
Heavy Cream	¼ cup
Grated Parmesan	¼ cup
Garlic Salt	½ teaspoon

🧀 For the Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredient	Amount
Bread Slices	4
Butter	¼ cup (½ stick)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese	2 slices
Gruyere Cheese (shredded)	1 ¼ cups
Sharp Cheddar (shredded)	1 ¼ cups
Fresh Basil (for garnish)	To taste

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🔥 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Let’s break this process down into manageable, satisfying steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to elevate a classic combo into a dish that feels restaurant-quality.

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🧑‍🍳 Step 1: Roast the Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

The secret to a deeply flavorful tomato soup lies in roasting. This step caramelizes the tomatoes and garlic, giving you a sweet and smoky base.

Here’s what to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Add the halved tomatoes, onion wedges, and garlic cloves.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar.
5. Roast for 45 minutes until soft and slightly charred.
6. Let cool slightly, then peel the tomatoes and remove any stems.

Why this works: Roasting concentrates the flavor of tomatoes, making your soup richer and more layered.

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🧈 Step 2: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

While your veggies are roasting, it’s time to prep the iconic partner — grilled cheese. Only this time, you’re turning it into bite-sized croutons that are perfect for topping.

Steps to follow:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pan.
4. Add one slice of cheddar cheese and top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
5. Cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.
6. Repeat for the second sandwich.
7. Let cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into ½-inch cubes (about 16 pieces each).

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🥣 Step 3: Blend the Soup Until Silky Smooth

Once your vegetables are roasted and peeled, you’re ready to transform them into a smooth, velvety soup.

Instructions:

• Add the vegetables to a large pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth and chopped basil.
• Use an immersion blender to blend until creamy and smooth. If you don’t have one, a traditional blender works too (just blend in batches).

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🍶 Step 4: Add Creaminess and Seasoning

This is where your soup goes from good to unforgettable.

What to add:

• Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and garlic salt.
• Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and blended into the soup.

Pro Tip: Don’t let the soup boil. Gentle heat keeps the cream from curdling and preserves the texture.

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🔥 Step 5: Broil the Bowls for the Final Cheesy Touch

For a truly indulgent finish, you’ll broil the soup bowls topped with more cheese and grilled cheese croutons.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Here’s how:

1. Move the oven rack to the top-middle and preheat the broiler.
2. Place 5 oven-safe bowls or ramekins on a baking sheet.
3. Pour the soup into each bowl.
4. Top with 6–7 grilled cheese croutons.
5. Sprinkle ¼ cup Gruyere and ¼ cup sharp cheddar over each bowl.
6. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

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🌿 Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let the bowls cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness. Now sit back and enjoy what may be your new favorite comfort meal.

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🔍 Tips for Making the Best Creamy Tomato Soup

Elevating this dish is all about paying attention to small details. Here’s how you can ensure every bite is exceptional:

✔️ Ingredient Tips

• Use vine-ripened tomatoes: They’re naturally sweeter and more flavorful.
• Substitute vegetable broth: For a vegetarian version, use high-quality veggie broth.
• Upgrade your cheese: Aged cheddar or Fontina can give a sharper or smoother profile.

✔️ Cooking Tips

• Avoid high heat: Cooking over low heat prevents cream from separating.
• Cut grilled cheese small: Croutons that are too big will soak up too much soup and get soggy.
• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread crisps up better when pan-fried.

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🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	~15g
Carbohydrates	~30g
Fat	~30g
Fiber	~3g
Servings	5

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💬 FAQs about Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

❓ Can I make the tomato soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The soup base stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat when ready to serve.

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❓ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

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❓ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes. Freeze the soup (without toppings) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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❓ Are grilled cheese croutons optional?

Technically, yes — but why would you skip the best part? Still, the soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread if you prefer.

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❓ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and double-check your cheeses are rennet-free.

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❤️ Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Here’s what makes this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons a must-try:

• Nostalgic Flavors: It brings back memories but feels brand new.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love the cheese-packed croutons.
• Perfect Year-Round: Cozy in winter, refreshing in summer.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and save it for later.

Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or a solo self-care night, this recipe is reliable, memorable, and endlessly customizable.

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📢 Ready to Try It Yourself?

Now that you’ve got everything you need — from ingredients to expert tips — it’s time to turn your kitchen into a cozy soup haven. If you try this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons, share your version on social media and tag your foodie friends. Trust me, they’ll thank you later.

And if you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to bookmark the page or pin it for next time. Better yet, subscribe for more comforting, flavorful recipes sent straight to your inbox.

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