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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyère Croutons

creamy roasted tomato basil soup - featured image

A cozy, creamy roasted tomato basil soup with crispy Gruyère croutons that offers a rich, velvety texture and intense tomato flavor from roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 4 slices crusty bread (sourdough works great), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Place halved tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, and chopped onion on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes are caramelized and slightly shriveled around the edges.
  4. While roasting, toss bread cubes in melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a separate baking sheet and sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the top. Roast alongside the tomatoes for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, turning once halfway through.
  5. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion to a blender or use an immersion blender in a pot. Add fresh basil leaves and 2 cups broth. Blend until completely smooth. Optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve for ultra-smooth texture.
  6. Place the pot over medium heat and stir in the cream. Add sugar if needed to cut acidity. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to marry flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls, top generously with Gruyère croutons, and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not skip roasting the tomatoes as it enhances the flavor significantly. Use day-old bread for croutons to ensure crispiness. Vent blender lid slightly when blending hot liquids to avoid splatters. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Gruyère with nutritional yeast on toasted nuts or seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato soup, roasted tomato soup, basil soup, creamy soup, Gruyère croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, gluten-free option