Irresistible Roasted Tomato Basil Soup & Pesto Grilled Cheese

The aroma of roasted tomatoes mingling with fresh basil fills the air, promising a warm embrace in every spoonful of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese. Picture this: a creamy, velvety soup that dances on your taste buds, while crispy grilled cheese oozes with pesto goodness. It’s that perfect combination that warms your heart and soul, making it the ultimate comfort food.

I remember the first time I tried a version of this dish during a rainy afternoon. My mom, donning her flour-dusted apron, transformed our kitchen into a sanctuary of warmth and happiness. As we gathered around the table, laughter mixed with the aroma wafting from our bowls. Now, I whip up this delightful duo anytime I crave nostalgia or simply need to impress my friends at dinner parties—because who doesn’t love a classic?

Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor; vine-ripened varieties work best in this soup.
• Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves to infuse your soup with an aromatic touch.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves give your soup a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding richness to your soup.
• Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its luxurious texture; you can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Bread: Choose hearty bread like sourdough or whole grain for grilling; it holds up well against melting cheese.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar or mozzarella creates that gooey cheese pull we all love in grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Pesto: Store-bought or homemade pesto adds an extra layer of flavor to elevate your grilled cheese experience.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

Place halved tomatoes, sliced onions, and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper over them, then roast everything in the oven for about 30 minutes until they’re caramelized and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Once roasted, transfer the veggies into a large pot. Add vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let those flavors mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender (or transferring it carefully in batches to a regular blender), blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you want it even silkier, add in some heavy cream at this point.

Step 5: Prepare Your Grilled Cheese

While your soup simmers away joyfully, butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, spread a generous layer of pesto before adding cheese on top. Top it off with another slice of bread (butter side out) and grill on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Step 6: Serve Up Happiness

Ladle your rich tomato basil soup into bowls and slice your grilled cheese into triangles—because everything tastes better cut into triangles! Serve together and enjoy dipping those cheesy morsels into your comforting bowl of warmth.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every last spoonful while reminiscing about childhood lunches or planning future rainy days!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the most delicious results, start by roasting your tomatoes for maximum flavor. While they are roasting, chop your basil and prepare the grilled cheese. Assemble the sandwich in advance, then grill it while blending the soup for a seamless cooking experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe! Swap out fresh basil for other herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also add a splash of cream for richness or toss in some roasted garlic for an extra flavor punch. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove until hot. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped in foil at room temperature.

Sharing my first attempt at making roasted tomato basil soup brings back fond memories. Friends raved about it so much that I was convinced I had discovered culinary magic in my kitchen!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?

To make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese, you will need ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the grilled cheese, gather sourdough bread, mozzarella cheese, pesto, and butter. These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.

How long does it take to prepare Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?

The preparation time for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is around 15 minutes, while the cooking time is about 30 minutes. This means you can enjoy this delicious dish in under an hour. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch with family.

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving. The grilled cheese sandwiches taste best when made fresh but can be assembled ahead of time and cooked just before serving for optimal flavor.

What are some variations for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?

There are numerous variations for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese. You might try adding roasted red peppers or carrots to the soup for added sweetness. For the grilled cheese, experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda. You can also use whole-grain bread instead of sourdough for a healthier option.

Conclusion for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese:

In conclusion, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese offers a delightful combination of flavors that warms the heart and soul. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a comforting dinner, it brings joy to your table while being quick to make. Enjoy this classic dish that never fails to impress!

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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting/Grilling
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm your soul with this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup paired with crispy Pesto Grilled Cheese. A comforting classic perfect for any meal or gathering!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place halved tomatoes, sliced onion, and unpeeled garlic on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes until caramelized.
3. Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot and add vegetable broth. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Carefully peel the garlic and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Stir in heavy cream for added richness.
5. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the unbuttered side, spread pesto and top with shredded mozzarella.
6. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread (butter side out). Grill on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup (about 1 cup) with half a grilled cheese sandwich
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating roasted red peppers or herbs like thyme into your soup. For a creamier texture, use additional cream when blending.