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Cozy Thermos Tomato Soup Recipe with Crispy Mini Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A comforting and easy-to-make tomato soup paired with crispy mini grilled cheese croutons, perfect for a quick lunch or portable meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk (optional)
  • 4 slices sandwich bread (white or whole wheat; day-old preferred)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz (115 g) cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for buttered side

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Break up the tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer the soup gently for 20-25 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  4. Remove from heat and puree the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return soup to pan.
  5. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk if using. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar. Keep warm on low heat.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. Sprinkle smoked paprika or garlic powder if desired. Place cheese on unbuttered side, close sandwich with buttered side out. Cut sandwiches into 1-inch squares.
  7. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook mini sandwiches 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts. Cook in batches.
  8. Ladle hot tomato soup into a thermos. Top with crispy mini grilled cheese croutons just before sealing to keep them crunchy.

Notes

Do not add grilled cheese croutons to soup too early to avoid sogginess. Use day-old bread for crispier croutons. Simmer soup gently to develop flavor. Butter bread evenly for best crispiness. For dairy-free, use vegan butter, plant-based cheese, and coconut or oat milk. For gluten-free, substitute bread with gluten-free loaf.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, thermos lunch, easy soup recipe, comfort food, portable lunch

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-thermos-tomato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-mini-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect/