As the weather cools down and cozy evenings at home become the highlight of the week, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl of soup paired with crispy, cheesy toast. Enter this delightful Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic and Herb Toast, a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any time you crave comfort food that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re having a solo dinner or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tomato soup is a classic for a reason. Its tangy, rich flavors are both nostalgic and soothing, especially when infused with aromatic onions and garlic. Adding a touch of heavy cream elevates the dish to a velvety texture, while the garlic and herb toast brings a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch. The combination of creamy soup and cheesy toast is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Creamy Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, imparting a rich base flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes: The star ingredient that forms the body of the soup.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Helps thin out the soup and adds savory undertones.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a smooth, rich finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
For the Garlic and Herb Toast:
- 4 slices of bread: Your choice of bread; sourdough or a crusty artisan loaf works great.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened: The perfect base for spreading on the bread.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that garlicky punch.
- 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs: A mix of thyme and oregano enhances the toast’s flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
Instructions for Perfection
- Make the Soup Base: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent. This step builds the soup’s foundation with rich, aromatic flavors.
- Add and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.) Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Keep the soup on low heat while you prepare the toast.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Toast: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Spread softened butter on each slice of bread and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried herbs. Top each slice with shredded cheese.
- Broil to Perfection: Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure the cheese melts and bubbles without burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and serve with the hot, melty garlic herb toast on the side. Dunk the toast into the soup for an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures.
Tips for a Personal Touch
- Add a Twist: For extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
- Upgrade Your Toppings: Fresh basil leaves or a dollop of pesto on the soup can elevate its flavor profile even further.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the combination of creamy tomato soup and a crispy, cheese-topped toast. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet cozy enough to be the highlight of a relaxed weekend at home. Pair it with a warm blanket and your favorite movie for the ultimate comfort night in.
Try this Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic and Herb Toast today and discover why it’s bound to become a cherished addition to your go-to meal repertoire. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Tomato Soup with Garlic and Herb Toast
Description
Warm up with this comforting and easy-to-make creamy tomato soup paired with fragrant garlic and herb toast. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week, this dish takes just minutes to prepare and is a surefire family favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs (such as thyme and oregano)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer on low heat.
4. For the toast, preheat your oven’s broiler. Spread softened butter on each slice of bread. Sprinkle with garlic powder and mixed herbs. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve the steaming tomato soup in bowls alongside the hot garlic and herb cheese toast. Enjoy!