Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings.

Tomato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 ounce cans) diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Chopped basil for garnish

Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 slices (1/8-inch thick) French country bread

Directions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.

Step 2: Add 1 cup of chopped onions and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the onions don't burn.

Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in 2 cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, pulse, and then return it to the pot.

Step 6: Once the soup is pureed, pour it back into the saucepan. Slowly add 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and stir to blend. Keep the soup warm over low heat.

Step 7: For the grilled cheese croutons, spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter on each of the 8 slices of bread.

Step 8: Place 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese on each slice of bread in a non-stick skillet. Place the bread, butter side down, onto the cheese. Top each slice of bread with another 1 tablespoon of cheese.

Step 9: Allow the cheese to melt and form a crispy crust. Once melted, place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up, and add another tablespoon of cheese to the buttered side.

Step 10: Flip the sandwich to brown the outside until golden and crispy. Once browned, remove from the skillet and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 11: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls, garnish with chopped basil, and top with the grilled cheese croutons.

Step 12: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons!

Cook's Note

If you dont have an immersion blender, fill a regular blender halfway with tomato soup. Cover and hold the lid with a potholder, pulse a few times, and then blend until smooth. Pour back into the pot and repeat with the remaining soup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	746	-
Total Fat	54g	69%
Saturated Fat	28g	142%
Cholesterol	128mg	43%
Sodium	1959mg	85%
Total Carbohydrate	46g	17%
Dietary Fiber	7g	24%
Total Sugars	13g	-
Protein	23g	45%
Vitamin C	30mg	33%
Calcium	607mg	47%
Iron	4mg	22%
Potassium	682mg	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

The combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches has been a beloved classic in American cuisine for generations. Known for its comforting and nostalgic flavors, the dish offers a perfect balance of creamy soup paired with crispy, cheesy croutons. This article will explore the history, regional variations, and unique aspects of this popular dish.

Origin and History

Tomato soup, as we know it today, traces its roots back to the early 20th century, though tomatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years. The modern version gained widespread popularity after the introduction of canned tomato soup by companies like Campbells in the 1940s. Grilled cheese sandwiches, on the other hand, were a product of the Great Depression, when inexpensive ingredients like bread and cheese became accessible to many American families. The pairing of these two humble foods into a single meal was both practical and comforting, making it a go-to choice for many.

Regional Variations

While tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is a quintessential American dish, variations exist across different regions. For instance, in the Southern United States, tomato soup is often served with a touch of hot sauce or spicy seasonings to add heat, reflecting the regions love for bold flavors. In New England, the soup may be served with a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream, making it richer and more luxurious. Some versions of the grilled cheese also incorporate regional bread, such as rye or sourdough, to add a distinctive twist.

What Sets It Apart?

Although the combination of soup and a cheesy sandwich is widely familiar, the addition of grilled cheese croutons makes this recipe stand out. Unlike a traditional grilled cheese sandwich, where the bread is whole, this dish features the sandwich cut into cubes, adding an element of texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the tomato soup. Additionally, the crispy cheese crust on the croutons provides a more intense, indulgent flavor compared to the more subdued taste of a regular grilled cheese sandwich.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is commonly served in casual dining settings and family kitchens across the United States. It is a popular choice for lunch or a light dinner, especially on chilly days. It can also be found in many bistros and cafes, where it may be presented as an upscale, gourmet version of the childhood classic. Whether at a home gathering or in a cozy restaurant, this dish provides a comforting, heartwarming meal.

Fun Facts

• In 2015, the National Tomato Soup Day was celebrated on February 7th, honoring the popularity of this dish in American homes.
• The first commercially available canned tomato soup was introduced by the Campbell Soup Company in 1897, and it remains one of the brands best-selling products today.
• In 2004, the worlds largest grilled cheese sandwich, weighing over 500 pounds, was made in the United States, further solidifying the dishs iconic status.
• While grilled cheese croutons are a fun twist on the classic sandwich, some chefs have taken this dish even further, adding gourmet cheeses like brie or Gruyre to elevate the flavor.

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