Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This is one of my all-time favorite soups. It’s easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. I promise you will NEVER eat tomato soup from a jar or can again!

Ingredients

• TOMATO BASIL SOUP:
• 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 med. yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
• 4 c. chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz.) cans Hunts diced tomatoes, with liquid
• 1 (10 oz.) can Hunts tomato sauce
• 1 Parmesan rind
• 3/4 c. chopped fresh basil, divided
• 3 T. unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. heavy cream
• GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS:
• 2 T. unsalted butter
• 4 slices soft white bread
• 4 slices Sharp Cheddar cheese

 Directions

1. TOMATO BASIL SOUP: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes, cook until softened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth, diced tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, Parmesan rind and 1/4 cup of the basil and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Remove the Parmesan rind and puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue to cook, whisking, until the mixture is lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cream and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add the cream mixture to the soup and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS: Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place 2 slices of bread in the skillet; top each bread slice with 2 cheese slices, 2 tablespoons of the chopped basil and another bread slice. Cook until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is melted about 3 minutes per side. Cut each sandwich into 9 pieces.
4. Serve soup topped with grilled cheese croutons and remaining chopped basil, Enjoy!

Print the recipe here: Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons