Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade tomato soup, especially when paired with warm, gooey cheese and onion toast. This recipe has become a favorite in my household because it combines the warmth and richness of a classic tomato soup with the indulgence of melted cheese on crunchy toast. It’s simple to make but so satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. My family absolutely loves it—whether it’s the creamy, slightly tangy soup or the crisp, cheesy toast. Every time I make it, the house fills with the amazing aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic, and everyone can’t wait to dig in.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

For the Cheese and Onion Toast:

• 4 slices of crusty bread
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Tomato Soup:

1. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the Garlic and Carrot: Add the minced garlic and chopped carrot to the pot, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavor of the soup. Then, add the sugar, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to combine.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The soup will begin to thicken as the flavors meld together.
5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until velvety and smooth, then return it to the pot.
6. Season and Simmer: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Keep the soup warm on low heat until ready to serve.

Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast:

1. Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven.
2. Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter generously on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Top the Bread: Place the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Top each slice with thinly sliced onion, followed by an even sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
4. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil the toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on the toast to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Serve:

1. Ladle the Soup: Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls.
2. Add the Toast: Serve each bowl of soup with a slice of cheesy, onion-topped toast on the side.
3. Garnish: Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1 bowl of soup + 1 slice of toast)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with 1 slice of toast
• Calories: 450-500 calories
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve:

• With fresh basil: Add a few fresh basil leaves as garnish for an extra burst of flavor.
• As a full meal: Serve this soup and toast combo as a light lunch or dinner on its own.
• With a salad: Pair it with a side salad, such as a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, for a more complete meal.
• For dipping: Serve the toast on the side for dipping into the soup, or you can place the toast right on top of the soup for a more indulgent touch.

Additional Tips:

1. For a smoother soup: For an extra-silky texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining bits of tomato skin or seeds.
2. Use fresh tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them for the canned tomatoes. Use about 6-7 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped.
3. Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick in your soup.
4. Cheese variety: If you prefer different cheeses, feel free to swap the Monterey Jack for mozzarella or add some Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
5. Vegan option: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.

Recipe Variations:

• Creamy Tomato Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup after blending for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
• Bacon: Sprinkle some crumbled cooked bacon on top of the cheese toast for added flavor and texture.
• Roasted Garlic Soup: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the soup for a deeper, caramelized garlic flavor.
• Grilled Cheese: For a fun twist, make a grilled cheese sandwich with the cheese and onion on the bread before adding it to the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

• For a casual gathering: This soup and toast combination is perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family. Serve with a simple appetizer like stuffed mushrooms or a vegetable platter.
• As an appetizer: Serve this soup as a starter at a dinner party, with the toast cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
• For kids: This recipe is a great way to get kids to eat vegetables. You can add extra cheese to the soup for a more kid-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing the soup: Store any leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Freezing the soup: The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
• Storing the toast: While the cheese toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQ:

1. Can I use store-bought bread for the toast?
   Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, but for best results, use a crusty bread like sourdough or baguette for the ideal texture.
2. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The soup can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the toast?
   Yes, feel free to swap out the cheeses. Mozzarella or gouda are great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like celery, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. How do I avoid the toast burning under the broiler?
   Keep an eye on the toast while it’s broiling. Since broilers can vary, check every 2 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
6. Can I make the soup smoother without an immersion blender?
   Yes, you can use a regular blender. Just let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
7. Can I add cream to the soup for a richer texture?
   Yes, a splash of cream will make the soup creamy and rich. Add it after blending for a silky finish.
8. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, this tomato soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bread for the toast.
9. Can I freeze the cheese toast?
   While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the prepared but unbaked toast. Just bake it directly from the freezer when ready to serve.
10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
    Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 6-7 medium tomatoes will be a good substitute for 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes.

Conclusion:

Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion

Toast is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, flavorful soup pairs beautifully with gooey cheese toast, creating a satisfying and cozy meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a dish that both beginners and seasoned cooks will love. Whether you’re serving it as a casual dinner or as part of a more elaborate meal, this soup will warm you up from the inside out and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Print