Not many things bring back fond childhood memories of winter than a steaming bowl of tomato soup served with a crusty, buttery, grilled cheese sandwich. My mother usually served up tomato soup in a can, but with a few short steps you can make your own homemade version. This basil tomato soup recipe with grilled cheese is delicious and simple to make.
Easy Basil Tomato Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- Two 28oz cans of whole canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3-4 minced garlic gloves
- 2 Tbsp. of butter
- I Tbsp. of olive oil
- About 10 fresh large basil leaves or 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy cream (optional)
Making tomato soup is simple, and there are a few secrets to making it extra delicious:
Use quality tomatoes: I like to use canned San Marzano tomatoes from Italy as they have the reputation of being the most flavorful tomatoes in the world. I also like to use fire roasted Muir Glen tomatoes. If you have fresh grown garden tomatoes, you can use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead. You want to blanch them and remove their skins.
Use broth or stock: For added depth of flavor, use vegetable broth or stock instead of water. Homemade chicken stock will make your soup richer and more savory.
How To Make Tomato Soup From Scratch
Heat the butter and the olive oil in a soup pot at medium temperature. Add the garlic, sauté until minced garlic begins to brown. Sautéing the aromatics builds a solid flavor base for your soup.
Next, add both cans of whole tomatoes with their juices. Sauté for a few minutes to enhance their flavor. Add chicken stock. Let mixture simmer for five minutes.
Add approximately a handful of chopped basil leaves. You can adjust all ingredients to your own tastes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
At this point, I use my immersion blender to blend the mixture smooth. A standing blender works just as well. If you prefer a chunkier soup, just blend for less time. Once the soup is blended, let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to balance the flavors. There you have a simple homemade basil tomato soup! With these tips, you can make a delicious tomato soup that’s perfect for any occasion from a simple meal for one to a dinner party.
While the soup simmers, put together your grilled cheese. I like a crusty, multi-grain bread paired with Havarti or Cheddar. Use butter or olive oil on the bread to get a nice brown color when grilled. If you want more instructions, you can check out this best grilled cheese recipe.
Serve the soup with the grilled cheese. If you wish, you can drizzle heavy cream on the soup for a richer taste and a pretty swirl. Adding a splash of cream can make your soup creamy and luxurious.
If you have extra soup leftover, here is how to freeze soup.
Printable Recipe Card For Easy Tomato Soup
Tomato Soup Recipe With Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 28oz cans of whole canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3-4 minced garlic gloves
- 2 Tbsp. of butter
- I Tbsp. of olive oil
- About 10 fresh large basil leaves or 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the butter and the olive oil in a soup pot at medium temperature. Add the garlic, sauté until minced garlic begins to brown.
- Add both cans of whole tomatoes with their juices. Add chicken stock. Let mixture simmer for five minutes.
- Add approximately a handful of chopped basil leaves. You can adjust all ingredients to your own tastes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- At this point, I use my immersion blender to blend the mixture smooth. A standing blender works just as well. If you prefer a chunkier soup, just blend for less time. Once the soup is blended, let it simmer for 10 minutes. There you have a simple homemade basil tomato soup!
- If you wish, you can drizzle heavy cream on the soup for a richer taste and a pretty swirl.
Nutrition Facts
Tomato Soup Recipe With Grilled Cheese
Serves: 6
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 bowl
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 224.38 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 13.74 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat 6.46 g | 30% | |
| Trans Fat 0.16 g | ||
| Cholesterol 33.32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium 1072.38 mg | 44.7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 20.71 g | 6.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 5.67 g | 20% | |
| Sugars 9.8 g | ||
| Protein 7.49 g | ||
| Vitamin A 16.06 % | Vitamin C 42.51 % | |
| Calcium 13.51 % | Iron 12.56 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
The beauty of this meal is the many variations you can make to suit you and your family’s tastes. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a fuller flavor. Try pairing the soup with a grilled brie baguette. The possibilities are endless! I hope you enjoy this easy basil tomato soup recipe. Let us know how you like it and tag us in your pictures with @familyfocusblog
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Tim says
For the grilled cheese you can use mayonnaise instead of olive oil or butter. Works great
Scarlet says
You are so right. Lots of folks like it that way better. Me, I stick with the butter though because it tastes so good!
Carmen says
Great Recipe. This is a true comfort food. Thank you.
Kirsten says
I love grilled cheese with tomato soup. I’ve always used a store bought soup, but now I have a recipe thanks to you. Much appreciated!