Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

It’s time to cozy up with a warm bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts! This delightful soup is not only perfect for chilly evenings but also makes a wonderful starter for gatherings or a comforting family meal. The rich flavors of roasted tomatoes, combined with the cheesy crunch of Gruyère toasts, create an irresistible dish that warms the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness in tomatoes, creating a deep and satisfying flavor.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess or seasoning to suit your personal taste, making it versatile for any occasion.
• Perfect Pairing: These crispy Gruyère toasts complement the soup beautifully, adding texture and richness.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients, this soup is a nourishing option that’s low in calories yet high in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this comforting soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe dish or baking sheet
• Large pot (if stovetop method is used)
• High-speed blender or immersion blender
• Baking sheet for toasts

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe dish: Allows even roasting of tomatoes and vegetables, enhancing their flavors.
• High-speed blender: Provides a smooth, creamy texture that elevates your soup.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for achieving crispy toast without burning.

Ingredients

It’s almost the start of Fall, which means it’s official soup season in my book! Let’s welcome this special roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts.

For the Soup

• 6 roma tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (whole)
• 1 medium yellow onion (roughly chopped)
• 1 head of garlic (halved; use 2 small heads if you like it more garlicky)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (adjust with more cream if you prefer)
• 5 large basil leaves (plus more for serving)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• 1 french or sourdough baguette (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil and shredded gruyère cheese (enough to cover the surface area of the toasts)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This temperature will help roast the vegetables perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

In an oven-safe dish:
1. Toss together the halved roma tomatoes, whole cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, halved garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. The tomatoes should burst and char slightly.

Step 3: Alternatively Cook on Stovetop

If you prefer not to use an oven:
1. Place all ingredients from Step 2 into a large pot over medium heat.
2. Allow them to simmer until tender, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Toasts

On a baking sheet:
1. Thinly slice your baguette.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle shredded gruyère cheese over each piece.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake until melted and slightly crispy—about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Your Soup

Once roasted:
1. Pour everything into a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
2. Squeeze out roasted garlic from its skin into the mixture.
3. Add vegetable broth or chicken broth along with basil leaves.
4. Blend until smooth.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar as needed:
1. Stir in heavy cream and balsamic vinegar.
2. Serve hot in bowls topped with crispy Gruyère toasts and fresh basil leaves!

Enjoy your delicious Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts! This hearty dish is sure to become a favorite during soup season!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Serving roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dish.

With Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil leaves on top enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color to your bowl.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving will provide a rich finish and extra depth of flavor.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pairing the soup with a crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the creamy soup and cheesy toasts.

Garnished with Croutons

• Toasted croutons made from leftover baguette add an extra crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a delightful edible container.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Perfecting your roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Use ripe tomatoes – The best flavor comes from fresh, ripe tomatoes. Choose vibrant, in-season tomatoes for optimal taste.
• Roast longer if needed – If your tomatoes aren’t bursting after 30 minutes, give them more time. The caramelization adds sweetness.
• Blend until smooth – Ensure you blend the soup thoroughly for a creamy texture. If you prefer it chunkier, blend less.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed for balance.
• Experiment with herbs – Besides basil, try adding thyme or oregano for an interesting twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Pairing side dishes with your roasted tomato soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – Classic garlic bread pairs perfectly, providing additional crunch and flavor alongside the soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for a hearty side that complements the meal beautifully.
4. Vegetable Platter – Crisp raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers can add crunch and freshness between bites of creamy soup.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can enhance the meal, offering various textures and flavors that pair well with tomato soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring caramelized sweetness that works wonderfully with the savory tomato flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making roasted tomato soup can be simple, but there are a few mistakes you should avoid for the best flavor and texture.

• Using unripe tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the deepest flavor. Unripe tomatoes can lead to a bland soup.
• Not roasting long enough: Ensure you roast your vegetables long enough to develop their flavors. Aim for 30-40 minutes until tender.
• Skipping the seasoning: Season your soup throughout the cooking process. A pinch of salt and pepper can enhance all the flavors.
• Not blending thoroughly: Blend your soup until it’s completely smooth. This creates a creamy texture that’s enjoyable with every bite.
• Overcooking the cream: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking. Overheating can cause it to curdle and ruin the soup’s consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making roasted tomato soup? Here are some common queries and their answers.

Can I use different types of tomatoes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts?

Yes! You can mix different varieties like heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes. Each type adds unique flavors.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust to taste!

Can I substitute vegetable broth in Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts?

Absolutely! Chicken broth works well too, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your soup.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

If you want an alternative cheese, try Swiss or mozzarella for a similar melting quality.

Final Thoughts

This roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts is perfect for cozying up during fall. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it deliciously comforting. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs like thyme or spices that suit your taste preferences.