Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This creamy tomato soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold day. It's made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, and it's pureed until smooth. The grilled cheese croutons add a touch of cheesy goodness that takes this soup over the top.

Tomato soup has been around for centuries, and it's one of those dishes that everyone seems to have their own favorite recipe for. This recipe is my take on the classic tomato soup, and it's one that I've been making for years. I love the way the fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic come together to create a flavorful and comforting soup. And the grilled cheese croutons add a touch of cheesy goodness that takes this soup over the top.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (one can)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and basil.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened.
6. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, if using.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot with grilled cheese croutons.

Why It Works

• The fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic give this soup a delicious flavor.
• Pureeing the soup until smooth gives it a velvety texture.
• The grilled cheese croutons add a touch of cheesy goodness that takes this soup over the top.