Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

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. This comforting and rich soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil creates a delightful flavor profile, while the crispy Gruyère toasts add a touch of elegance. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess or seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Warm up on cold days with this hearty and satisfying bowl of goodness.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• High-speed blender or immersion blender
• Large pot (for stovetop method)
• Oven-safe dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting vegetables evenly, ensuring they caramelize nicely.
• High-speed blender: Creates a smooth texture for your soup, blending all ingredients effortlessly.
• Large pot: Perfect for stovetop cooking, allowing you to control the simmering process easily.

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.

Ingredients:
– 6 roma tomatoes (halved)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes (whole)
– 1 medium yellow onion (roughly chopped)
– 1 head of garlic (halved, or 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 (with optional sugar adjustment)
– 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 Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

• In an oven-safe dish, combine:
• Halved roma tomatoes
• Whole cherry tomatoes
• Roughly chopped yellow onion
• Halved garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Toss everything together until well coated.

• Roast for 30–40 minutes until tender, allowing the tomatoes to burst and char.

Step 3: Stovetop Option (If Preferred)

If you prefer not using an oven:
* Place all the same ingredients into a large pot over medium heat.
* Let them simmer until everything bursts and becomes tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Gruyère Toasts

While your vegetables are roasting:
* Thinly slice your baguette and place them on a baking sheet.
* Drizzle olive oil over each slice and cover with shredded gruyère.
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Bake until gruyère is melted and slightly crispy, about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once roasted:
* Pour your vegetable mixture into a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
* Squeeze out roasted garlic from its skin into the blender.
* Add vegetable broth or chicken broth along with basil leaves. Include all liquid from roasting!
* Blend until smooth.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, sugar, heavy cream, and balsamic vinegar as needed. Serve in bowls topped with crispy Gruyère toasts and fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is a delightful dish perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting meal at home. Here are some creative ways to serve this scrumptious soup.

Pair with Fresh Basil

• Add freshly chopped basil on top of the soup for a burst of flavor and color. This herb complements the roasted tomatoes beautifully.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil before serving enhances the richness of the soup. It adds a smooth finish that elevates the dish.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Offer additional slices of crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping. A good baguette or sourdough will soak up the flavors wonderfully.

Add a Side Salad

• Pairing your soup with a fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Garnish with Parmesan

• For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top just before serving. This adds an extra savory element that pairs well with the soup.

Include Seasonal Vegetables

• Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the tomato soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Perfecting your Roasted Tomato Soup can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines every time you make it.

• Choose ripe tomatoes – The flavor of your soup hinges on the quality of tomatoes. Use ripe and juicy roma and cherry tomatoes for a naturally sweet taste.

• Don’t skip roasting – Roasting enhances the natural sugars in tomatoes, creating depth in flavor. Make sure to roast them until they are charred and bursting.

• Blend thoroughly – Achieve a smooth consistency by blending your soup well. If using an immersion blender, make sure all chunks are blended evenly.

• Adjust seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar as needed. This step ensures balanced flavors throughout.

• Experiment with herbs – While basil is traditional, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for added complexity.

• Add cream gradually – If you prefer creamier soup, add heavy cream gradually while blending until you reach your desired richness.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Complementing your Roasted Tomato Soup with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crisped slices of garlic bread provide an aromatic crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.

2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing salad that echoes flavors from the soup.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A classic pairing! Use hearty bread and melty cheese for dipping into your warm tomato goodness.

4. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad featuring diced vegetables offers nutrition and texture alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers add color and nutrients while complementing the sweetness of tomatoes.

6. Crispy Chickpeas – Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide an interesting textural contrast to creamy tomato soup.

7. Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and veggies make a hearty side that complements the flavors without overpowering them.

8. Potato Wedges – Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned lightly offer a satisfying crunch, making them an exciting addition to any meal featuring tomato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes you should watch out for:

• Ignoring the roasting time: Not roasting the tomatoes long enough can result in a bland soup. Ensure you roast until they’re tender and slightly charred for maximum flavor.

• Not blending thoroughly: If you don’t blend the soup well enough, you may end up with a chunky texture instead of a smooth consistency. Blend until completely smooth for the best results.

• Overseasoning: Using too much salt or pepper can overpower the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste as you go.

• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds depth to your soup that dried herbs can’t replicate. Always use fresh herbs for an aromatic boost.

• Underestimating toast preparation: If the toast is not crispy enough, it can turn soggy when placed in the soup. Bake until golden and crispy for the perfect texture.

• Neglecting cream adjustments: Adding too much or too little cream can alter the soup’s richness. Adjust according to your preference and desired creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store roasted tomato soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• For best results, portion out servings before freezing.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating for 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each session until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts that might help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I make Roasted Tomato Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts?

This delicious tomato soup pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a balanced meal.

How do I adjust the thickness of my Roasted Tomato Soup?

If your soup is too thick, stir in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered longer.

Can I customize my Roasted Tomato Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during roasting for extra flavor or nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful twist on classic comfort food!