Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tomato soup and grilled cheese are a classic combination, but when you add grilled cheese croutons to the mix, it takes the dish to a whole new level. The bisque itself is rich, smooth, and full of flavor, while the croutons bring a crispy, cheesy crunch that elevates the entire experience. It’s the kind of dish that’s not only comforting but also fun to eat. The addition of aromatic herbs like basil and thyme gives the soup a depth of flavor, while the heavy cream adds that luscious richness. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving something nostalgic or want to impress guests with a modern take on a classic.
Ingredients
For the Bisque:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a blender.)
- Stir in heavy cream and return the soup to a low simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter the outside of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of cheese between the bread, buttered side out, and grill until golden brown on both sides, with the cheese melted.
- Remove from heat, let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into small crouton-sized cubes.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Bisque: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
- Add Greens: For a fresh twist, try adding a handful of spinach or kale to the bisque during the simmering process for added nutrition.
- Spicy Tomato Bisque: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
- Different Cheese for Croutons: While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can swap it out for mozzarella, gouda, or even brie for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
This Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the soup and croutons separately, as the croutons may lose their crispiness when stored in the soup. To reheat the soup, simply warm it over medium heat on the stove. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of vegetable broth to thin it out. The grilled cheese croutons can be reheated in a toaster or oven to restore their crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bisque ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. The grilled cheese croutons are best made fresh.
Can I use canned tomato soup instead of crushed tomatoes?
You can, but homemade crushed tomatoes will give the bisque a fresher, richer flavor. If you use canned tomato soup, skip the vegetable broth and reduce the seasoning to taste.
Can I freeze the tomato bisque?
Yes, the bisque can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. Reheat on the stove, and add a little more cream if needed.
Can I make the grilled cheese croutons in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can make the grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet and baking at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they’re golden on both sides.
Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even a baguette for a different flavor and texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese for the grilled cheese croutons.
How can I make the bisque thicker?
If you prefer a thicker bisque, you can puree the soup for a longer time, or you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to help thicken it.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey for a more filling meal. Alternatively, beans like white beans or chickpeas would also pair nicely with the soup.
How do I make the grilled cheese croutons extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, grill the sandwiches on medium heat and press them down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread gets golden and crunchy.
Can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the soup to give it a bit of heat.
Conclusion
Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons is the perfect comfort food that combines a rich, creamy soup with the crispy, melty goodness of grilled cheese. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, with its nostalgic flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a cozy snack, it’s a simple yet elegant meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy every bite of this delightful twist on a classic!
Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Tomato Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a comforting and elegant dish that combines a velvety smooth tomato soup with crispy, cheesy grilled cheese cubes. It’s the perfect balance of rich tomato flavor, aromatic herbs, and creamy texture, topped with golden grilled cheese croutons for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bisque:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:
4 slices of bread
4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a blender.)
- Stir in heavy cream and return the soup to a low simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter the outside of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of cheese between the bread, buttered side out, and grill until golden brown on both sides, with the cheese melted.
- Remove from heat, let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut into small crouton-sized cubes.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons before serving.
Notes
If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.
Store the soup and croutons separately to preserve the crispiness of the croutons.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for the grilled cheese croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
