Name: Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole canned tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup fresh basil (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp sugar (optional); 2 cups bread cubes (day-old or fresh); 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for croutons); Chopped parsley or dried herbs (optional, for garnish)

Description

Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons is a comforting classic made with rich tomatoes and smooth cream, topped with crispy, golden garlic croutons for the perfect texture contrast. Ideal for chilly days or cozy meals.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole canned tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup fresh basil (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)
2 cups bread cubes (day-old or fresh)
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for croutons)
Chopped parsley or dried herbs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Add fresh basil if using, and blend the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a blender in batches.
Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in cream, and season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer gently until heated through.
To make garlic croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic or garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning once halfway through.
Serve the soup hot, topped with garlic croutons and optional chopped parsley.

Notes

Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
For extra flavor, use roasted tomatoes instead of canned.
Blend in a swirl of cream cheese for added richness.
Keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg