Okay, so, you know how sometimes you just *crave* that feeling of being cozy and warm, like a big hug in a bowl? That’s what this recipe is all about! I’ve always been a sucker for comfort food, and for me, nothing beats a classic tomato soup with grilled cheese. But, hold on, because I’ve kicked it up a notch!
I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**, because it’s got that classic deliciousness with a fun twist! Those adorable heart-shaped grilled cheeses? They’re the secret weapon. They’re so cute, and totally make this soup perfect for a date night, a special treat for your kids, or even just some self-love on a chilly day. I’ve been cooking and creating recipes for years, and trust me, this one is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Honestly? This **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts** is the BEST. Let me tell you why:
- It’s ridiculously easy! Seriously, you can whip this up on a weeknight.
- The flavor? Unbelievable! The creamy tomato soup is like a warm hug.
- And the grilled cheese hearts? Come on! How cute are they?! Guaranteed smiles.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for any time of year!
Trust me, you’re going to love it. I know I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Okay, so, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this is. Really, it’s about good quality stuff, and a little bit of love. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**:
- 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
- 1 medium onion, chopped nice and small.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh is *best*, trust me!)
- 2 (28 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes. I usually go for the fire-roasted kind for a bit of extra oomph!
- 4 cups of vegetable broth. Or chicken, if you prefer!
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously – don’t be shy!
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes it so luscious.
- 8 slices of bread. Nothing fancy here, just your favorite kind.
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese. Or whatever cheese makes you happy!
- And, of course, butter for grilling. Gotta have that *perfect* golden-brown crust!
See? Nothing too crazy, right? Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Make *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the good stuff – actually making this amazing **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**! Don’t you worry, it’s easier than you think. I promise, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this. I’ve got you!
Preparing the *Creamy Tomato Soup*
First things first: that delicious tomato soup base. Start by heating up your olive oil in a big ol’ pot over medium heat. Now, throw in your chopped onion and let it soften. It should take about five minutes, and you want it nice and translucent – not browned. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Be careful, though, because garlic burns *fast*! Trust me, I’ve done it! Next, toss in those crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. I like to be generous with the salt! Bring it all to a simmer. Time for a little patience: let that simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Stir it every once in a while to keep things moving. Finally, swirl in that heavy cream! Oh my goodness, it smells heavenly at this point! And *that’s* the soup.
Crafting the Adorable Grilled Cheese Hearts
While your soup is simmering, let’s get those grilled cheese hearts happening! This is where the magic really starts. Grab your bread and a heart-shaped cookie cutter (you know, the kind you probably have from Valentine’s Day or something!). Cut out hearts from your bread slices. Now, butter one side of each heart. Because, melted butter, ya know? Take two bread hearts and put a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar is classic!) in between. See? Easy peasey!
Assembling the *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Almost there, isn’t this fun? Now, for the grand finale. Heat up a skillet and grill those cheesy hearts, butter-side down, until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You want them to be perfectly toasty! I recommend grilling those cheesy hearts over medium heat, so they don’t burn! And *that’s it*! Ladle that creamy tomato soup into bowls, and gently place a few of the adorable grilled cheese hearts right on top. You can even cut some extra bread hearts to garnish! Serve immediately and watch everyone’s smiles appear. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed moment of joy!
Tips for Success with Your *Creamy Tomato Soup*
Okay, so you want to make the absolute *best* **Creamy Tomato Soup** ever, right? I got you! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup sing. First off, get the good stuff! Those crushed tomatoes? Don’t skimp! Get a brand you love, because their flavor is the foundation. And fresh garlic is a must! It just adds so much more flavor. Another big tip? Don’t rush the simmering! Let those flavors meld together for a good 20 minutes; it makes all the difference. And when it comes to the grilled cheese? Low and slow, people! You want that cheese perfectly melty and the bread *perfectly* golden brown. Trust me on both accounts. It might take a few tries, but you’ll get it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Okay, let’s talk about some of the superstars in this **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**, and what you can do if you need to make some tweaks! Because, hey, sometimes you’ve got to work with what you’ve got, right?
First off, the tomatoes! I *swear* by good quality crushed tomatoes. They’re the heart and soul of this soup! I tend to pick a brand that I trust but if you can’t get crushed, diced tomatoes will work just fine too. For the cheese? Oh, the cheese! Cheddar is classic, but please! Get creative! Gruyere? Gouda? Pepper Jack if you want a little kick? Go wild! You can even switch up the bread if you like. Sourdough? Brioche? Whatever tickles your fancy! It’s all about making it *your* own version, you know?
Variations to Spice Up Your *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Ready to jazz things up a bit? Making this **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts** is always fun, but there are so many ways to make it even more exciting! For the soup itself, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Or, try throwing in some extra veggies– maybe sauteed bell peppers or a handful of spinach. You could also get wild with the grilled cheese! Try different kinds of cheese like provolone with pesto, or some fancy bread like sourdough. Honestly? The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions for *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Okay, so, you’ve got this amazing **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**, right? Now, what to serve it with? Honestly, it’s pretty perfect all on its own, but sometimes you want a little *something* extra. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping in that amazing soup! And if you’re feeling fancy? Maybe grill the bread the same way as your hearts for extra flavor! Yum!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for *Creamy Tomato Soup*
So you’ve made a big batch of this **Creamy Tomato Soup**, and you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! First, let it cool completely down. Don’t trap it warm in a closed container, or it’ll mess with the whole shebang. Pop it in an airtight container or even just a zip-top bag (squeeze out that air, though!). It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, easy peasy.
To reheat, I like the stovetop best. Just gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring every once in a while. You can microwave it too, but stir occasionally, as it may splatter.
Nutritional Information for *Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts*
Okay, so, let’s talk numbers! I know a lot of us are watching what we eat, and you’re probably wondering about the nutrition in my **Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts**. Now, I’m not a nutritionist, and I’m definitely not claiming to provide a perfect, accurate breakdown, because, honestly, it can *vary* so much! It depends on the ingredients you use, the brands, and how generous you are with the butter (we all have our moments!).
So, here’s the deal: What I can tell you is, I used some online tools to estimate the nutrition based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. But it’s just an estimate, okay? Nutritional info out there is always a guideline, so it’s best to take anything with a grain of salt. If you *really* need those exact numbers, I recommend plugging the ingredients you use into a nutrition calculator. That’s the best way to get a personalized breakdown.
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Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Hearts
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting soup with grilled cheese hearts.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Cut heart shapes from bread slices.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two bread hearts.
- Grill the sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve soup with grilled cheese hearts.
Notes
- You can use any type of cheese for the grilled cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
