If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly combines the tangy richness of homemade tomato soup with the irresistible charm of crispy toast topped with melted cheese and sweet, tender onions. Whether you’re cooking for a chilly evening or just want to indulge in something hearty yet simple, this dish delivers layers of flavor and texture that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and balance—from the caramelized onions that add sweetness to the fresh herbs that bring a hint of garden freshness. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting classic.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil gives a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing your onions and garlic.
- Onions (large and small): The large onion forms the flavorful base of the soup, while the thinly sliced small onion tops the toast for sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Carrot: This veggie lends natural sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: Canned tomatoes create the rich tomato base, ensuring robust flavor and vibrant color.
- Vegetable broth: Adds savory notes and sets the perfect consistency for the soup.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the soup’s richness.
- Sugar: A small splash to mellow out the acidity and round out the flavors.
- Dried basil and oregano: These classic Mediterranean herbs bring an earthiness that complements the tomato base.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Fresh basil: For garnishing, adding brightness and a fresh herbaceous aroma.
- Crusty bread: The perfect sturdy base for your cheese and onion toast.
- Butter: Softened for spreading on bread to achieve that golden crisp texture under the broiler.
- Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses: A melty, gooey duo that creates perfectly luscious toast toppings.
How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped large onion and cook slowly until it turns soft and translucent; this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking softens the onion and releases its sweetness, setting the foundation for a flavorful soup base.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Carrot
Next, toss in the minced garlic and the chopped carrot. Continue to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrot adds natural sweetness, and the garlic infuses a lovely aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Spices
Now stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two. This step deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, and oregano, stirring everything well to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth, Then Simmer
Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low for a gentle simmer. Let it go for around 20 to 25 minutes; this slow cooking brings all the flavors together into a luscious harmony.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, use an immersion blender to puree it until silky smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer it in batches to a standard blender. Blending gives the soup that velvety texture that makes every spoonful soothing and rich.
Step 6: Season and Keep Warm
Season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Keep the soup warm on low heat, so it’s perfectly cozy and ready when you’re preparing your cheese and onion toast.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast
Preheat your oven’s broiler or toaster oven. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice. Place them butter-side up on a baking sheet, then add a layer of thinly sliced small onion. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top.
Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts until bubbly and slightly golden without burning. This toast will bring a crunchy, cheesy, and sweet twist to your tomato soup experience.
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves added right before serving not only brighten up the bowl with their vibrant green color but also lend a subtle herbal aroma that elevates the tomato soup. It’s a delightful finishing touch that makes this dish look and taste so inviting.
Side Dishes
Although this tomato soup and cheese onion toast combo is pretty satisfying on its own, a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber and radish slaw adds a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to those warm, velvety flavors. A glass of chilled white wine or your favorite herbal tea would round out this meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in vibrant bowls paired with your golden cheese and onion toast artfully arranged on the side or cut into fingers for dipping. For a rustic vibe, drop in a dollop of crème fraîche or swirl in a spoonful of pesto on top of the soup before garnishing. You can even sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the cheese toast to add a lovely nutty crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tomato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the cheese and onion toast separate and fresh by storing the components individually to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This tomato soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Since the toast doesn’t freeze well, prepare it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the soup again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly without burning. The toast is best reheated under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed and crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can add a brighter, fresher flavor, but you may want to simmer the soup a bit longer to develop a rich, deep taste that canned tomatoes naturally provide.
What cheeses work best for the toast?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack provide the perfect melt and flavor balance, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Gruyere, or even a sharp feta for different tastes and textures.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe as written uses vegetable broth and contains no meat products, making it fully vegetarian and suitable for those following that diet.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegan butter or olive oil for the toast, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute, and ensure your vegetable broth contains no animal products.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup is mildly seasoned with herbs and has no added chili or heat; it’s perfect for those who prefer a gentle, comforting tomato flavor without any spice heat.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe has quickly become a go-to for cozy nights and casual lunches alike. Its simplicity makes it approachable, while the combination of fresh flavors, creamy textures, and that irresistible toasty cheesy crunch makes it feel special every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite comfort food moment.
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Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast combines a rich, smooth tomato soup made from whole peeled tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and Italian herbs with crispy, buttery toast topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and caramelized onions. Perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
For the Cheese and Onion Toast:
- 4 slices of crusty bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Carrot: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped carrot. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes to develop flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until creamy.
- Season and Keep Warm: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Keep the soup warm on low heat until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Broiler: Turn on your oven’s broiler or a toaster oven’s broiler function to preheat while preparing the toast.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly over one side of each slice of crusty bread.
- Add Onion and Cheese: Place the buttered bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Top each slice with thinly sliced onion and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Broil the Toast: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve the Soup and Toast: Ladle the hot tomato soup into serving bowls. Serve each bowl with a slice of cheese and onion toast on the side.
- Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves on top of the soup for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor.
Notes
- Use an immersion blender for a quicker and safer blending process directly in the pot.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and mix back with the unblended portion.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending.
- To add heat, sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes into the soup with the spices.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite melty varieties like mozzarella or gouda.
- If you don’t have a broiler, toast the bread separately, then add cheese and onions and melt under a microwave or small grill.
- The soup can be made a day ahead and reheated gently to enhance flavor.
