Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe is a creamy and comforting classic, which uses crushed tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1½ cups chopped yellow onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled plum tomatoes in juice
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper
• ¾ cup fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ¾ cup heavy cream

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:

• 4 slices of white or sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese, grated

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Croutons Recipe

1. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Simmer the soup: Add chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, whole tomatoes with their juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
3. Blend and finish the soup: Turn off the heat and add basil leaves and heavy cream. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Taste and stir in sugar if needed to balance acidity.
4. Make grilled cheese croutons: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Add cheese between two slices (buttered sides facing out). Grill until golden and the cheese is melted. Cool slightly and cut into 1-inch cubes.
5. Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons. Garnish with additional basil or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Best cheese for croutons: Sharp cheddar or Gruyère melt well and add rich flavor.
• Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze the soup (without croutons) in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Can I use canned tomato soup? For a shortcut, yes—but homemade gives deeper flavor.
• How to make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.

What To Serve With Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese Croutons

This cozy meal is great on its own or with a few light sides:

• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread or crostini
• Roasted veggies
• Pickles or olives
• A cold glass of milk or iced tea

How To Store Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons

Refrigerate: Store soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store croutons separately in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Freeze: Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Do not freeze croutons.
Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. Toast croutons in the oven to re-crisp.

Tomato Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Protein: ~6g
• Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Sodium: ~800mg
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, make the soup a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon dried basil in a pinch.

Why add sugar to tomato soup?
Sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

How to make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip butter in the croutons.

How long do the croutons stay crisp?
They’re best fresh, but can stay crisp for 1–2 days in a sealed container.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Recipe
• Ina Garten Lobster Corn Chowder Recipe
• Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Soup