The comforting warmth of Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons brings together two beloved favorites in one irresistibly rich bowl. This version uses roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, fresh basil, and a creamy finish to create depth, while the golden, melty croutons add a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or preparing a special cold-weather meal, this soup balances homestyle simplicity with gourmet flavor for a dish that always feels special.

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Classic)

Author: Cindy
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 5 servings

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Description

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons made creamy, roasted, and comforting. Try this easy, flavorful recipe for a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup:
- 6 medium tomatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1½ cups chicken broth (boneless and pork-free)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- ¼ cup butter, divided
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1¼ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roast Vegetables: Place tomatoes (cut side up), onion wedges, and garlic cloves on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar. Roast for 45 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Allow to cool slightly, then peel the tomatoes and remove any stems.
Make Grilled Cheese: While vegetables roast, butter one side of each bread slice. In a skillet over low heat, place one slice buttered side down, add cheddar, and top with another slice buttered side up. Cook until golden and cheese is melted (about 3 minutes per side). Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese. Cut each sandwich into small cubes.
Blend the Soup: Add roasted vegetables to a large pot. Pour in chicken broth and chopped basil. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
Heat and Finish Soup: Warm the blended soup over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic salt. Cook until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
Broil the Bowls: Move oven rack to the top middle and switch oven to broil. Divide soup into five small oven-safe bowls on a baking sheet. Top each with 6–7 grilled cheese croutons, ¼ cup shredded Gruyere, and ¼ cup shredded cheddar.
Melt the Topping: Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped basil and serve warm.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: SOUPS
Method: Roasting, Blending, Broiling
Cuisine: American

Why This Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Stands Out

The balance of roasted tomatoes and creamy richness

Roasting tomatoes, onions, and garlic creates a sweet, concentrated base that delivers deeper flavor than stovetop simmering alone. The vegetables caramelize in the oven, developing notes that add complexity without requiring extra ingredients. When blended with broth, basil, and a touch of cream, the result is a silky, full-bodied soup with natural sweetness and subtle savory edges.

What makes grilled cheese croutons better than classic toppings

Classic bread croutons add crunch, but grilled cheese cubes bring melted cheddar, buttery bread, and crisp edges that hold up beautifully in hot soup. They’re not just a garnish—they’re a textural layer that makes each bite richer. By broiling the soup with extra Gruyere and sharp cheddar on top, the final dish takes on a bubbly, golden finish.

How this tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons elevates weeknight meals

This comforting meal fits into everyday cooking thanks to simple prep and affordable ingredients. Much of the time is hands-off roasting, and the blending process is quick. Even better, the recipe is flexible: you can adjust creaminess, tweak cheese choices, or add extra herbs to suit your preferences. The final bowl feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough to prepare anytime.

Ingredients That Build Flavor in This Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Simple produce that delivers deep roasted flavor

Fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic form the heart of this soup. Roasting them cut-side up keeps moisture locked in while allowing their natural sugars to develop. The softened vegetables blend smoothly and create a vibrant base that doesn’t require canned tomatoes or long simmering.

The cheeses that create irresistibly melty croutons

Cheddar melts smoothly inside the grilled cheese sandwiches, while Gruyere and sharp cheddar add a bubbling, broiled topping. This combination ensures balanced flavors, a gooey interior, and crisp exterior once the sandwiches are cubed. Their saltiness helps round out the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes.

Pantry staples that enhance overall texture and depth

Ingredients like broth, olive oil, Parmesan, sugar, pepper, and garlic salt ensure the soup has the right structure, seasoning, and richness. The broth thins the puree to a spoonable consistency, while the Parmesan melts in to create a velvety finish without overpowering the tomato flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Roasting the vegetables for maximum sweetness

The oven does much of the work by softening the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until tender and caramelized. A drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of pepper, salt, and sugar help the vegetables roast evenly and deepen in taste. After cooling slightly, the tomatoes peel easily, leaving you with a smooth, pulp-rich base.

Blending the soup to achieve a silky finish

Once roasted, the vegetables are transferred to a pot with broth and basil. Blending them with an immersion blender produces a creamy mixture that showcases the vibrant color of the tomatoes. With heat added back to the pot, cream, Parmesan, and garlic salt melt into the soup, thickening it and enhancing the savory notes.

Making golden, crispy grilled cheese croutons

While the vegetables roast, buttered bread is layered with cheddar and toasted in a skillet until both sides are golden. Cutting the sandwiches into small cubes creates crisp, sturdy bites perfect for topping the soup. These bites soak slightly into the heat yet maintain their structure, releasing melted cheese with every spoonful.

Tips for Perfecting Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Every Time

How to adjust thickness, seasoning, and creaminess

If the soup feels too thick after blending, add a splash of broth until you achieve your desired texture. For a richer version, increase the cream or Parmesan. If you want a brighter flavor, add an extra handful of basil or a squeeze of lemon at the end. The recipe is forgiving and easy to tailor.

Cheese combinations that improve melt and flavor

Gruyere is excellent for broiling thanks to its smooth melt and nutty flavor. Sharp cheddar adds tang, and mild cheddar creates the classic grilled cheese pull. For a smoky twist, try smoked Gouda; for a sharper profile, consider Asiago or Fontina. All melt well and complement the tomato base beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips to keep croutons crisp

The soup stores well for up to four days, but the croutons should be kept separate to maintain texture. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop and warm the croutons in a skillet or toaster oven. This ensures they stay crisp and ready to top a fresh bowl.

Serving Ideas and Pairings for Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Fresh garnishes that brighten the dish

A sprinkle of chopped basil adds a vibrant finish that contrasts the creamy soup. Parmesan shavings or cracked black pepper also enhance the presentation and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil offers a velvety sheen for an elevated touch.

Side dishes that complement this comforting soup

Pair this soup with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside pasta or a protein option like baked chicken. Soups like this creamy tortellini favorite pair wonderfully in a cozy meal rotation.

Creative ways to serve grilled cheese croutons

Stack the croutons in the center for a dramatic presentation, scatter them across the surface for even coverage, or serve extra on the side for dipping. You can also vary the size—tiny cubes for texture or larger chunks for more indulgence.

More Delicious Soups to Try

Creamy options similar to this tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons

If this soup becomes a household favorite, you’ll enjoy exploring other creamy, blended recipes. Many follow the same roasting and blending principles, making them easy to integrate into your meal plan.

Brothy vegetable soups perfect for meal prep

For lighter options that store well in the fridge, brothy vegetable soups offer flexibility and flavor. They’re excellent for lunches and reheating through the week.

Reader favorites like this veggie orzo soup variation and more

Fans of hearty, plant-forward meals love recipes like this flavorful veggie orzo soup for its nourishing ingredients and quick cook time. Rotating these soups keeps meals exciting and seasonal.

Tomato soup topped with grilled cheese croutons in a bowl — Creamy tomato soup finished with golden grilled cheese croutons

FAQ: Tomato Soup Essentials

What is roasted garlic tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons?

It’s a rich blended soup built from roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic. When finished with cream and topped with grilled cheese cubes, it becomes a comforting meal that offers both smooth texture and satisfying crunch.

What makes a tomato soup recipe truly flavorful?

The key is roasting. Dry heat transforms tomatoes and onions into sweeter, deeper versions of themselves. Adding basil, cream, and Parmesan enhances body and aroma, creating a layered profile that tastes slow-simmered.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes. The blended soup stores beautifully and reheats without losing texture. Prepare the grilled cheese croutons fresh or refresh them in a skillet before serving.

How do I keep grilled cheese croutons crispy?

Store them uncovered until fully cooled, then keep them separate from the soup. Reheat quickly in a skillet or toaster oven before topping your bowl.

Conclusion

Why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation

This soup offers a comforting mix of roasted flavor, creamy texture, and the irresistible appeal of buttery grilled cheese bites. It’s indulgent yet simple, elevating everyday ingredients into something memorable.

How customization makes each batch unique

From cheese variations to changes in thickness or seasoning, each pot can reflect your personal taste. A few adjustments can produce an entirely new experience while maintaining the same comforting core.

Final thoughts on serving and enjoying this comforting dish

Whether prepared for family dinner, a cozy night in, or a weekend cooking ritual, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s a modern take on a nostalgic pairing that continues to win hearts with every bowl.

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