Creamy Tomato Soup

A rich and comforting Creamy Tomato Soup made with fresh basil, a hint of spice, and creamy Greek yogurt for smooth texture. Served with buttery grilled cheese croutons for a nostalgic yet elevated twist on a classic favorite.

Recipe Information

Total Time:

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

3 (1-inch) slices Italian bread

¼ cup olive oil, divided

1 cup chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, undrained

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 cups chicken stock

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons butter, softened

4 (½-inch) slices Italian bread

4 slices sharp Cheddar cheese

‍

Directions

For soup, remove crusts from 1-inch bread slices; discard. Tear bread into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is softened.
Stir in tomatoes and basil. Using a potato masher, mash until tomatoes break down. Stir in brown sugar and bread pieces. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until bread begins to break down.
Transfer cooked mixture in two batches to a blender or food processor; add 1 tablespoon oil to each batch. Cover and blend until smooth. Return soup to pot. Stir in chicken stock. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Stir in yogurt and simmer until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm topped with grilled cheese croutons.
For grilled cheese croutons, heat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each ½-inch bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, in skillet. Top each with two cheese slices and remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Cook about 2 minutes or until bottoms are golden. Turn sandwiches over; cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or until bottoms are golden and cheese melts. (Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent overbrowning.) Cool slightly. Cut into 1-inch cubes.