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Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

creamy fresh tomato basil soup - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy tomato basil soup made with fresh ingredients and blended cottage cheese for smoothness, topped with crispy grilled cheese croutons for a nostalgic crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups grated cheese (sharp cheddar or blend)
  • 4 slices bread (sandwich bread or sourdough), cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prep the tomatoes and basil: rinse tomatoes, remove stems, and roughly chop. Rinse basil leaves and pat dry. (10 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until tomatoes break down and soften, about 10 minutes. Add broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat. Add cottage cheese and fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy. Return to pot and warm gently without boiling. (5 minutes)
  5. Season soup with salt and black pepper to taste. (2 minutes)
  6. Prepare grilled cheese croutons: butter one side of each bread slice. Place buttered side down in a hot skillet over medium heat. Layer shredded cheese on top, press with another slice buttered side up to form a sandwich. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized cubes. (10 minutes)
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with grilled cheese croutons. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves. (2 minutes)

Notes

Use firm ripe tomatoes for best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, peeled canned tomatoes can be used. For dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with coconut cream and use vegan cheese and butter alternatives. Watch heat carefully when making grilled cheese croutons to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth. Add basil last to preserve flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, comfort food, quick soup recipe, easy dinner, fresh tomato soup

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