Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

It’s that cozy time of year again, and what better way to celebrate the cooler weather than with a warm bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts? This hearty soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or simply enjoying on a quiet evening at home. With its rich flavors and the delightful crunch of cheesy toasts, this dish stands out as a comfort food favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe comes together easily, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main course or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy consistency of the soup combined with crispy toasts makes each bite satisfying.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal produce for an added burst of flavor and nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

Ready to make your delicious roasted tomato soup? Gather your tools first to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Blender (high-speed or immersion)
• Large pot (if using stovetop method)
• Oven-safe dish (if roasting in the oven)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for achieving that smooth, creamy texture of the soup. A high-speed blender can create a velvety finish.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting vegetables evenly; it helps caramelize the tomatoes for added flavor.
• Large pot: Ideal for stovetop cooking; allows for simmering the ingredients thoroughly before blending.

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 (enough to fill the surface 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.

Step 2: Roast Your Vegetables

In an oven-safe dish, toss together:
* Halved roma tomatoes
* Whole cherry tomatoes
* Roughly chopped onion
* Halved garlic
Add olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast everything for 30-40 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Gruyère Toasts

While your veggies roast, prepare your toasts.
On a baking sheet:
1. Thinly slice your baguette.
2. Drizzle olive oil over each slice.
3. Sprinkle shredded gruyère cheese generously on top.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Your Soup

Once roasted, transfer your mixture into a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender directly in your pot.
1. Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the blender, discarding skins.
2. Add vegetable broth or chicken broth along with basil leaves.
3. Blend until smooth, incorporating all juices from roasting.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve!

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar as desired. Stir in heavy cream and balsamic vinegar before serving in bowls. Top each bowl with crispy gruyère toasts and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Enjoy this delightful bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Serving Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts makes for a cozy meal that warms both heart and soul. Here are some creative ways to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Basil

• Fresh basil leaves can add a burst of flavor. Simply sprinkle a few on top of the soup just before serving for an aromatic touch.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil can elevate the soup’s taste. It adds richness and depth, making each spoonful delightful.

Serve with a Salad

• A simple mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette complements the soup perfectly. The crunch of fresh greens balances the creamy texture of the soup.

Add Croutons

• For an extra crunch, consider topping your soup with homemade croutons. They can be seasoned with herbs and spices to match the flavors of your dish.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• Providing lemon wedges gives diners the option to add a splash of acidity. This brightens the dish and enhances the tomato flavors beautifully.

Incorporate Grated Cheese

• Beyond gruyère, offering other cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella can let guests customize their toast toppings for added flavor variety.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Creating a perfect roasted tomato soup requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here’s how you can make it even better.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Choose ripe roma and cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to create the perfect balance based on your personal preference.
• Blend thoroughly: Ensure you blend until completely smooth for a velvety texture. Any lumps can detract from the overall experience.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or oregano for additional depth in flavor.
• Control creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. More cream yields a richer soup, while less keeps it lighter.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Having side dishes alongside your Roasted Tomato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy bread infused with garlic butter complements the rich flavors of tomato soup beautifully.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic offer refreshing contrast and brightness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides great texture and nutrition.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with veggies adds protein while keeping things fresh and healthy.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains, beans, or vegetables create a hearty addition that pairs well.
6. Vegetable Chips: Crispy vegetable chips made from kale or sweet potatoes provide a crunchy side that’s fun to munch on.
7. Cheese Platter: Offering assorted cheeses enhances indulgence, allowing guests to enjoy diverse flavors alongside their soup.
8. Pesto Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad tossed in pesto offers a delightful contrast to warm tomato soup, making it a perfect pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making roasted tomato soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not using ripe tomatoes: Using under-ripe tomatoes can result in a sour soup. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if burnt. Roast it until soft and fragrant for the best flavor in your soup.
• Skipping the blending step: Not blending the soup can leave it chunky rather than creamy. Blend thoroughly to achieve that smooth texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning may lead to a bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
• Not letting flavors meld: Serving immediately after cooking can miss out on deep flavors. Letting the soup sit a few minutes allows flavors to combine beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making roasted tomato soup:

How do I make Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts vegan?

You can make this recipe vegan by omitting heavy cream and using plant-based cream alternatives. Additionally, use nutritional yeast instead of Gruyère cheese on your toasts.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute. Opt for high-quality whole or diced canned tomatoes for similar flavors.

What herbs can I add to Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts?

Consider adding thyme, oregano, or rosemary for extra depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives could also enhance freshness.

Can I substitute Gruyère cheese?

If you don’t have Gruyère, other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar work well too. Just ensure they melt nicely on your toast.

How spicy is this Roasted Tomato Soup?

The soup itself is not spicy but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a kick!

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is a delightful dish perfect for cozy evenings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it comforting yet versatile enough for customization. Feel free to add more vegetables or spices according to your preference!