Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts Recipe

Warm comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy tomato basil soup that promises pure deliciousness.

Memories of childhood lunches dance through every spoonful, inviting nostalgia and comfort.

Ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly with fragrant herbs, creating a velvety texture that feels like a gentle embrace.

Crisp grilled cheese hearts add a playful touch to this classic dish, turning an ordinary meal into something special.

Fresh basil whispers subtle notes of brightness against the rich, smooth soup base.

Each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked love and simple pleasures.

You’ll want to savor every moment of preparing and enjoying this heartwarming recipe that connects taste and emotion.

Pairing Suggestions for Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese

• Sip Crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the soup's creamy richness, balancing its tangy tomato profile with bright, zesty notes.
• Select a smooth, medium-bodied Pinot Noir to echo the soup's velvety texture and complement its warm, herbaceous basil undertones.
• Match golden, buttery grilled cheese hearts with an amber craft beer featuring malty, slightly hoppy characteristics that enhance the sandwich's crispy, cheesy goodness.
• Brew a warm chai tea with subtle spices that harmonize with the soup's comforting profile, offering a gentle, aromatic alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Storing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Hearts

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping grilled cheese separate to maintain crispiness.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for maximum 3 months without cream.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot, then add fresh cream.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, and add a splash of broth if too thick.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use 4-5 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped, as a direct substitute for canned tomatoes. Just ensure they are very ripe and flavorful.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses vegetable broth and no meat ingredients, making it completely vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I make the soup creamier?

To enhance creaminess, add an extra splash of heavy cream or blend in some softened cream cheese while simmering. This will create an even richer texture.

• What type of cheese works best for the grilled cheese hearts?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work wonderfully. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly and provides good flavor complement to the tomato soup.

Reasons to Love Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Hearts

• Craft Romantic Comfort: Perfect for date nights or Valentine's Day, this soup and heart-shaped grilled cheese combo creates a playful, love-filled dining experience that sparks connection and warmth.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple texture modifications by mashing or blending tomatoes, making it adaptable for different preferences and skill levels without complicated techniques.
• Cozy Flavor Fusion: Creamy tomato soup paired with crispy grilled cheese hearts delivers a classic comfort food combination that satisfies hunger and brings nostalgic, homemade goodness to the table.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, enabling even novice cooks to prepare a delicious meal that looks and tastes professionally crafted.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes that provide the rich base for the soup's vibrant flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that enhances the soup's depth and adds moisture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herbs that bring a bright, fresh taste to the creamy soup.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth and velvety texture.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté the vegetables and develop initial flavors.
• Onions, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that create a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.

• Bread, Cheese, Butter: Classic sandwich ingredients that combine to make crispy, golden grilled cheese hearts perfect for dipping into the soup.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking pot over medium flame. Gently sweat chopped onions until they become transparent and soft.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around the pot until its enticing aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Build Tomato Foundation

• Canned diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Allow the mixture to bubble and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, letting flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Create Perfect Texture

Gently crush tomatoes using a potato masher or blend to achieve your preferred soup consistency. Some like it chunky, others smooth – you decide!

Step 4: Elevate With Creamy Goodness

• Fresh basil leaves
• Heavy cream

Let the soup gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, creating a luxurious, velvety finish.

Step 5: Craft Adorable Grilled Cheese Hearts

Spread butter on bread slices.

Layer cheese between two pieces. Cook in a skillet until each side turns golden and crispy.

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to transform sandwiches into cute love-filled treats.

Step 6: Serve With Love

Ladle soup into bowls and accompany with charming grilled cheese hearts.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Advice for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Preparation

• Use a potato masher for chunky soup or blend completely for smooth consistency, depending on your preference.
• Roast tomatoes and onions before adding to the pot to enhance natural sweetness and create richer taste profile.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities, preventing bitterness from overcooking.
• Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning when preparing the heart-shaped sandwiches.

Variations for Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for grilled cheese hearts.
• Mediterranean Style: Add roasted red peppers and swap vegetable broth with chicken stock. Incorporate feta cheese crumbles and oregano for a Greek-inspired soup.
• Spicy Southwest Soup: Mix in diced green chilies, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Top with pepper jack cheese for grilled cheese hearts and garnish with cilantro.
• Roasted Veggie Boost: Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic before blending to intensify flavors. Use smoked gouda for grilled cheese hearts for extra depth.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy tomato basil soup combines classic flavors with whimsical grilled cheese hearts, creating a nostalgic culinary experience. Warm, velvety soup paired with crispy, golden bread cutouts brings pure love to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 14.5-ounce (400-gram) cans diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh basil leaves

Bread and Cheese:

• 4 slices sourdough or whole grain bread
• 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese

Additional:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature, gently caramelizing onions until they become translucent and develop a soft, glassy appearance.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom and intensify for approximately 30-45 seconds.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices and vegetable broth, elevating the mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Carefully break down tomato pieces using a potato masher or immersion blender, creating a rustic or smooth consistency according to personal preference.
5. Delicately fold fresh basil leaves into the simmering liquid, then swirl in rich heavy cream, allowing the soup to gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Prepare grilled cheese hearts by spreading softened butter on bread slices, layering with cheese, and grilling in a skillet until each side achieves a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Transform grilled sandwiches into heart shapes using a sharp knife, creating playful culinary silhouettes.
8. Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and accompany with whimsical heart-shaped grilled cheese for a charming, comforting meal.

Notes

• Customize soup thickness by adjusting liquid levels, using potato masher or immersion blender for preferred texture consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for vegan and lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Use roasted fresh tomatoes instead of canned for deeper, richer flavor profile and enhanced natural sweetness.
• Select high-quality, fresh basil leaves and add just before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic herb essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg