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Creamy Thermos Tomato Soup Recipe with Crispy Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A creamy, comforting tomato soup that stays warm in a thermos, paired with crispy grilled cheese croutons that maintain their crunch. Perfect for on-the-go lunches or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or country white, slightly stale)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar or favorite melting cheese (Colby Jack also works)
  • Butter, softened (for spreading on bread)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Pour in canned whole peeled tomatoes with juices and broth. Break up tomatoes slightly with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook gently for about 10 minutes.
  4. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth and creamy. Leave slightly chunky if preferred.
  5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Add salt, pepper, and sugar or honey to balance acidity. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese slices on the unbuttered side and top with the second slice, butter side out.
  7. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  8. Let grilled cheese sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into small bite-sized squares to make croutons.
  9. Pour warm soup into a preheated thermos and seal tightly. Keep grilled cheese croutons in a separate container to maintain crispness.
  10. When ready to eat, add grilled cheese croutons on top or dunk them in the soup. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Preheat your thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes before adding soup to keep it warmer longer. Store grilled cheese croutons separately to keep them crispy. If soup is too thick after blending, add more broth or cream to desired consistency. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese croutons, thermos soup, easy lunch, comfort food, portable meal

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/creamy-thermos-tomato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-grilled-cheese-croutons-easy-and-perfect/