Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast
When the weather grows colder, few meals provide the comforting warmth of a hearty tomato soup paired with golden, cheesy onion toast. This classic pairing brings together the tangy richness of tomatoes and the gooey, savory delight of cheddar cheese and caramelized onions on crusty bread. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to crafting this irresistible combination, guaranteed to elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients for Tomato Soup and Onion Toast
Tomato Soup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion (diced): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Crushed tomatoes (canned): 28 oz
- Vegetable broth: 3 cups
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity): 1 teaspoon
- Basil: ½ teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh
- Thyme (optional): ½ teaspoon dried
- Heavy cream or milk (optional): ½ cup
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Cheese and Onion Toast
- Onion (thinly sliced): 2 small
- Crusty bread slices: 4
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Tomato Soup
Create the Aromatic Base
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavors
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and basil to the saucepan. For added complexity, toss in thyme and sugar if the tomatoes are overly acidic. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer and Blend
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream or milk after blending. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Preparing the Cheese and Onion Toast
Preheat the Broiler
Set your oven’s broiler to high to create the perfect golden crust on your toast.
Assemble the Toast
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Layer each slice with thinly sliced onions and top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Broil to Perfection
Broil for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning. The cheese should melt completely, bubbling and turning a golden brown.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Plating the Dish
Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of freshness. Serve the cheese and onion toast on the side, or place it partially dipped in the soup for a cozy presentation.
This delightful pairing of rich tomato soup and cheesy onion toast is perfect for chilly days, offering comfort in every bite. Enjoy!