Tomato Soup with Cheese Crouton Topper

Featured in Warm Bowls of Comfort.

This gourmet tomato soup elevates the classic by roasting fresh tomatoes and whole garlic cloves until they develop incredible sweetness and depth of flavor. But what makes it truly special is the finishing touch - crusty sourdough croutons and a trio of melted cheeses that create the most amazing cheesy crown on top. As the cheese melts and mingles with the rich tomato base, it creates these perfect strings with every spoonful. It's like having the best grilled cheese and tomato soup combo all in one incredible bowl!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:07:33 GMT
A bowl of creamy tomato soup topped with golden croutons, melted cheese, and fresh thyme. Pin it
A bowl of creamy tomato soup topped with golden croutons, melted cheese, and fresh thyme. | tasteofcook.com

My twist on classic tomato soup started when I craved something more than just dunking grilled cheese. Now those cheesy croutons floating on rich roasted tomato soup make everyone smile. It's comfort food dressed up just enough to feel special but still cozy as can be.

Simple Magic

The secret's in roasting those tomatoes brings out their sweetness perfectly. Add our crunchy cheese topped croutons and suddenly that familiar soup feels brand new. Perfect for those nights when you want something that hugs you from the inside out.

For The Soup

  • Whole Tomatoes: Two big cans for deep flavor.
  • Onion: One large diced sweet and soft.
  • Garlic: Four cloves minced fine.
  • Butter: Two tablespoons makes it silky.
  • Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for roasting.
  • Broth: Three cups vegetable keeps it light.
  • Seasonings: Italian herbs salt pepper to taste.
  • Fresh Herbs: Basil or thyme makes it pretty.

For Those Amazing Croutons

  • Sourdough: Four slices torn up rustic style.
  • Butter: Three tablespoons melted golden.
  • Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon adds zip.
  • Cheese Mix: Cheddar mozzarella parmesan creates magic.

Making Your Soup

Start Here
Mix tomatoes onion garlic butter oil in your pot.
Into The Oven
Roast at 400° for 45 minutes gets all caramelized.
Blend It Up
Smooth it out with your blender leave some chunks if you like.
Final Touch
Pour in broth add seasonings let it simmer together.

Crouton Magic

Prep Your Bread
Toss those torn pieces with butter and herbs.
Toast Them Up
Quick trip to the oven till golden.
Layer Of Love
Top your soup with croutons shower with cheese.
Under The Broiler
Watch close till bubbly and brown.
A bowl of tomato soup topped with melted cheese, crispy bread pieces, and fresh thyme, sitting on a gray napkin. Pin it
A bowl of tomato soup topped with melted cheese, crispy bread pieces, and fresh thyme, sitting on a gray napkin. | tasteofcook.com

Good To Know

Soup keeps nice in the fridge 5 days. Make those croutons ahead store them 3 days in a sealed bag. Play with different cheeses just make sure one melts real nice. Making for a crowd? Double the soup recipe use half again as many croutons.

Make It Perfect

Use good quality tomatoes makes such a difference. Get that bread evenly buttered for perfect crunch. Keep an eye on that cheese while it broils turns quick. Taste your soup before serving adjust those seasonings just right.

Time To Serve

Serve it up steaming hot fresh herbs on top. A green salad alongside keeps it light. Want to go all out? Add some garlic bread or classic grilled cheese. Glass of red wine makes it fancy.

Save Some For Later

Keep soup covered in the fridge up to 5 days. Store those croutons separate stay crunchy longer. Warm soup gentle on the stove or quick in the microwave. Pop croutons in the oven 5 minutes brings back the crunch no microwaving those.

Mix It Up

Try swirling in some cream or dollop of sour cream. Like it spicy? Add chili flakes or hot sauce. Different herbs make it new oregano or dill work nice. Want protein? Toss in some chicken or crispy bacon.

Pure Comfort

This soup brings together everything we love about comfort food. That rich roasted tomato base those crunchy cheesy croutons on top. Perfect for family dinner fancy enough for company simple enough for just you.

A bowl of tomato soup topped with crispy bread, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl of tomato soup topped with crispy bread, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, make soup up to 5 days ahead and freeze for 3 months. Croutons keep 3 days in airtight container.
→ How can I make it creamier?
Add up to 1/2 cup cream before blending for a richer, creamier texture.
→ Can I use different herbs?
Thyme can replace basil for a different flavor profile. Use fresh herbs for best results.
→ Why roast the tomatoes?
Roasting develops deeper, richer flavor by caramelizing tomatoes and garlic.
→ What's the best bread for croutons?
Use good crusty sourdough for best texture and flavor. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the cheese.

Conclusion

A comforting and flavorful soup that elevates the classic tomato soup with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and cheesy croutons.

Tomato Soup with Cheese Crouton Topper

Rich roasted tomato soup topped with cheesy sourdough croutons, combining two comfort food favorites in one cozy bowl.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Whole peeled tomatoes - 28 ounces.
02 Yellow onion, thinly sliced - 1 small.
03 Garlic cloves, crushed - 4.
04 Butter, divided - 4 tablespoons.
05 Fresh basil leaves - 4.
06 Olive oil - 3 tablespoons.
07 Kosher salt - 1 teaspoon.
08 Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon.
09 Hot sauce - 1/4 teaspoon.
10 Cheddar cheese, grated - 4 ounces.
11 Mozzarella cheese, grated - 2 ounces.
12 Parmesan cheese, shredded - 2 ounces.
13 Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon.
14 Sourdough bread - 1/2 loaf.
15 Vegetable broth - 4 cups.
16 Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon.

Instructions

Step 01

Position racks and heat oven to 425°F. Place one rack second from bottom, one second from top.

Step 02

Combine crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, butter, basil, oil and seasonings in Dutch oven. Roast 45 minutes.

Step 03

Toss bread cubes with melted butter and Italian seasoning. Toast 13-15 minutes until golden.

Step 04

Add broth and vinegar to roasted mixture. Blend until smooth.

Step 05

Layer cheeses and croutons over soup. Broil 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.

Notes

  1. Can make soup 5 days ahead.
  2. Croutons keep 3 days in container.
  3. Can add cream for richer texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large stock pot.
  • Cheese grater.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Immersion blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~