Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is that warm hug on a chilly evening when the world feels a tad too chaotic. Imagine biting into a crispy, gooey grilled cheese, paired with a bowl of velvety tomato soup that dances with fresh basil flavors. It’s like a cozy night in with your favorite fuzzy blanket and an old rom-com—pure comfort.
If you have ever experienced the delight of dipping crunchy bread into rich, fragrant soup, then you know this dish is not just food; it’s an experience. Perfect for rainy days or casual gatherings, this recipe will have you reminiscing about childhood kitchen adventures and the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The combination of fresh tomatoes and basil creates an explosion of flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.
- Visually, this dish is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and textures.
- Versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or hearty dinner, it fits any occasion perfectly.
Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; heirloom tomatoes are particularly sweet and juicy.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Choose bright green leaves to add aromatic depth to your soup.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; yellow onions are ideal for this recipe.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor; opt for firm cloves that smell fragrant.
- Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control the saltiness of your soup.
- Pesto Sauce: Store-bought or homemade pesto can transform your grilled cheese into something extraordinary.
- Bread: Sourdough or whole-grain bread adds texture and flavor; go for thick slices for optimal grilling.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella for that melty goodness everyone loves in grilled cheese sandwiches.
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: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, chop your tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes
Spread the chopped tomatoes and onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper over them, then toss everything together. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re caramelized and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Blend it Up
Once roasted, transfer tomatoes and onions into a pot along with garlic cloves (you can roast them too if you want!). Add vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. After about five minutes of simmering joy, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
Step 4: Season it Right
Stir in fresh basil leaves into the blended soup along with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low while you tackle those grilled cheeses.
Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Cheese
Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Layer cheese between two slices (pesto side out). Heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat and grill each sandwich until golden brown on both sides—about three minutes per side.
Step 6: Serve it Hot
Ladle hot tomato basil soup into bowls and serve alongside your gooey pesto grilled cheese sandwiches. Don’t forget to dunk!
Now you’re ready to savor every bite of this perfect duo! Whether you’re curled up at home watching Netflix or hosting friends for game night, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is sure to impress—and satisfy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese not only warms your soul but also makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can customize ingredients based on your pantry, ensuring every bowl is a personal masterpiece.
- Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this dish dazzles both the eyes and taste buds.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting your tomatoes to enhance their flavor and sweetness. While they’re baking, whip up the grilled cheese sandwiches with pesto for that perfect melty goodness. Finally, blend the roasted tomatoes with fresh basil and seasonings for a creamy soup that pairs beautifully with your cheesy delight.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fresh basil for cilantro or even spinach to add different flavors. If you want a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar cheese for your grilled cheese sandwiches. Get creative; this dish encourages it!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat while toasting new grilled cheese sandwiches or using the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and better texture in your soup.
- Don’t rush when blending; let it cool slightly first to avoid splatters.
- Always toast your bread on medium heat to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Sometimes I whip up this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese when I need a hug in a bowl—my family’s delighted reactions make all the effort worthwhile!
FAQs :
What are the key ingredients in Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese features simple yet flavorful ingredients. The soup requires ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. For the grilled cheese, select a good quality bread and your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar. Pesto adds a burst of flavor, making this combination irresistible. Using fresh ingredients enhances the taste and ensures a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
How long does it take to make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?
The preparation time for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is quite reasonable. Expect to spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and roughly 30 minutes for cooking the soup. The grilled cheese takes an additional 10-15 minutes to prepare, depending on how crispy you like it. Overall, you can enjoy this delightful dish in under an hour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can easily prepare Roasted Tomato Basil Soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving. For the pesto grilled cheese, assemble your sandwiches ahead of time but cook them just before serving for optimal crispiness. This makes it an ideal option for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
What can I serve alongside Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese?
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup pairs well with various side dishes. A light salad adds freshness; consider arugula or spinach with a lemon vinaigrette. You could also serve crispy garlic bread or croutons to enhance texture and flavor. For a heartier meal, add some roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa salad for extra nutrition and satisfaction.
Conclusion for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese :
In summary, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. By using fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, you create a soup that warms the soul. The addition of pesto grilled cheese elevates this meal into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese is the ultimate cozy meal for any chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices sourdough or whole-grain bread
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss chopped tomatoes and diced onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes until caramelized.
- In a pot, combine roasted tomatoes, onions, minced garlic, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning if necessary. Keep warm on low heat.
- Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place shredded cheese between two slices of bread (pesto side out).
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches until golden brown on both sides—approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Serve hot tomato basil soup in bowls alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One bowl of soup (about 1 cup) with one sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Substitute spinach or cilantro for fresh basil if desired. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Use thick slices of bread for optimal grilling results.
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