# Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup with Crispy Sourdough Croutons: A Comforting Classic
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a steaming bowl of Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup with Crispy Sourdough Croutons. This recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening—a simple solution for your busy day that feels like a gourmet meal. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your weeknight rotation!
## Why You'll Love This Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup
First off, if you've ever found yourself staring into your fridge and wondering what on earth to whip up for dinner, this soup is your answer. It’s fast, delicious, and can even impress unexpected guests (you know, like the neighbor who pops in unannounced!). Plus, who doesn’t love the iconic pairing of tomatoes and cheddar? It’s a classic that never disappoints!
Not only is this soup effortlessly heartwarming, but it's also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies (shhh, don’t tell the kiddos!). So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
## Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:
### For the Soup:
- **2 lbs ripe tomatoes** (look for juicy, vibrant ones)
- **1 onion** (chopped)
- **3 cloves garlic** (minced)
- **2 cups vegetable broth** (or chicken, if you prefer)
- **1-2 tsp sugar** (depends on tomato sweetness)
- **1 tsp dried basil** (or fresh if you have it on hand!)
- **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
- **1 cup sharp cheddar cheese** (grated)
### For the Croutons:
- **4 slices sourdough bread** (cut into cubes)
- **2 tbsp olive oil**
- **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
- **Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder** (because garlic makes everything better!)
## Steps to Create Your Heavenly Soup
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (this way, your kitchen will smell divine before you know it!).
2. **Roast the Tomatoes:** Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, drizzle everything with a hint of olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they’re nice and caramelized—trust me, this step is where the magic happens.
3. **Blending Time:** Once your tomatoes are all roasted and smell like a Mediterranean getaway, transfer them to a large pot along with the vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, and some salt and pepper. Let everything simmer on the stove for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. **Cheddar, Please:** Stir in that gooey, luscious cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning—this is your soup, after all!
5. **Crispy Croutons:** While the soup is Simmering, toss your sourdough cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.
6. **Serve and Relish:** Ladle the soup into bowls, top it with those crispy croutons, and maybe even sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top—because why not?
## Cooking Tips for the Best Soup You've Ever Made
- **No Fresh Tomatoes? No Problem:** Canned tomatoes work just as well! Go for whole canned tomatoes if you're in a pinch; just make sure to drain some liquid.
- **Herb it Up:** Fresh herbs can elevate this dish tremendously. Add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish or even a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Your taste buds will thank you!
- **Lumpiness is Okay:** Don’t worry if your soup looks a little lumpy—it’s all part of the magic! If you're feeling fancy, a quick blend with an immersion blender can make it silky smooth.
## FAQs
**Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?**
Absolutely! If you’ve got a favorite cheese—like gouda or mozzarella—feel free to switch it up. Just remember, sharp cheese will give you that delicious extra flavor!
**How can I store leftovers?**
Pop any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove and add a little more broth if it seems too thick!
**What’s a quick side to serve with this?**
A simple side salad or some crusty bread can pair perfectly! And don’t forget dessert—a warm brownie always seals the deal.
It’s dishes like this Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup with Crispy Sourdough Croutons that transform a busy weeknight into a comforting gourmet experience. So go on, grab your apron, and let’s create some magic in the kitchen. You won't regret it!
Ready to explore more comforting dishes or a scrumptious dessert? Check out my blog for **[more delicious recipes](https://al3ab.tech)** that will inspire your culinary journey.
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**Meta Description:** Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup is the perfect recipe for quick comfort food. Easy and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup with Crispy Sourdough Croutons
This Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Soup is a comforting and easy dish, perfect for a busy weeknight. With crispy sourdough croutons, it’s warm and satisfying like a hug on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, drizzle everything with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they’re nice and caramelized.
Cooking
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a large pot along with the vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, and some salt and pepper.
- Let everything simmer on the stove for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
- While the soup is simmering, toss the sourdough cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy croutons, and sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top.
Notes
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work just as well. Fresh herbs can elevate this dish; consider adding a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.