Homemade Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons is without a doubt one of my most favorite meatless meals to date.
It’s so easy to make, tastes absolutely delicious, and best of all, it doesn’t come out of a can!
I like to keep it real with all of you mamas out there, so I will tell you this: my husband was not a fan of this meal. He’s a big ole meat-eater and just doesn’t feel complete when there’s not a piece of meat on his plate.
I get it. Meat fills you up and makes you feel satisfied. It’s appetizing and totally needed. I’m a meat lover, too. But I ask you. Is there really anything better than a homemade tomato soup?! NO! My answer will always be a firm no.
For me, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort food turned a wee bit healthier. When you see just how easy and tasty this meatless meal is to make I’m pretty sure you’ll agree too!
Now, don’t let the grilled cheese croutons scare you.
All is I did was make my favorite grilled cheese using the best bread and cheddar cheese. Let it cool for just a minute, then cut it into cute little squares! Voila — grilled cheese croutons!
If you’re not feeling the croutons, cut the sammie into strips for easy dunking. Last, but certainly not least, this amazing meal can be made in 30 minutes. How’s that for comfort food?!
Because I know you love quick, easy, and delicious meals as much as the next mama, I hope this recipe checks all your boxes and puts a big smile on your face!
Bon appetit,
-Whitney
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup chopped carrots, optional (I added carrots because mine needed to be eaten ASAP!)
- 1 – 28 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp dried basil (sounds like a lot, I know. But tastes SO good!)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 – 2 tsp coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- a pinch or two cayenne pepper; optional
- 1/2 – 1 cup half and half or heavy cream; optional
- fresh parsley and basil for garnish
- shredded Parmesan cheese
- Use your favorite bread and cheese
- In a large saucepan on medium heat, add the olive oil and let it get hot. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook for a couple of minutes. If adding carrots, add them now as well.
- Next, add the tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for a couple more minutes.
- Carefully ladle the tomato mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth – about 1 minute.
- Pour the tomato soup back into the saucepan and add the half and half (or heavy cream), sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer the soup while you make your grilled cheese.
- Make as many grilled cheese sandwiches as you need. Once your sandwiches are made, let them cool for a minute, then cut them into bite size pieces or strips.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and the grilled cheese “croutons."
