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 delightful dish is perfect for cozy nights at home or gatherings with friends. With the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes and creamy accents from gruyère cheese, it’s a comforting recipe that stands out for its simplicity and warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this comforting soup ready in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with various toppings and sides, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, this dish is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or an elegant gathering, this roasted tomato soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

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 while allowing maximum caramelization.
• High-speed blender: Ensures a smooth texture by thoroughly blending the soup ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts, you will need the following ingredients:

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 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. This temperature will help roast your vegetables perfectly.

Step 2: Roast Your Vegetables

In an oven-safe dish:
1. Toss in your halved roma tomatoes, whole cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped onion, halved garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast for 30-40 minutes until everything is tender and the tomatoes begin to burst and char.

Step 3: Make Your Toasts

While your vegetables are roasting:
1. On a baking sheet, thinly slice your baguette.
2. Drizzle olive oil over each slice.
3. Top generously with shredded gruyère cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Your Soup

Once roasted:
1. Pour your vegetable mixture into a high-speed blender or use an immersion blender directly in the dish.
2. Squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skin into the blender.
3. Add vegetable broth and basil leaves; include all liquid from roasting.
4. Blend until smooth.

Step 5: Serve!

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Finish by stirring in heavy cream and balsamic vinegar. Serve hot in bowls topped with crispy gruyère toasts and fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts—perfect for fall!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Serving roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts is a delightful experience. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and texture.

With Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil as a garnish not only brightens the dish but also adds an aromatic touch that complements the tomatoes beautifully.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil on top of the soup before serving can enhance its richness and depth.

Croutons

• For added crunch, consider topping your soup with homemade croutons. You can easily make them by toasting leftover bread in olive oil and seasoning.

Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Cheese Garnish

• Shredded or grated cheese, such as parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, can add a savory finish and an extra layer of flavor.

Lemon Zest

• A touch of lemon zest sprinkled on top can brighten the flavors and add a hint of citrus that balances the rich tomato soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Perfecting your roasted tomato soup takes just a few simple steps. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Choose fresh, ripe roma and cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting will caramelize the sugars in the tomatoes and onions. This step is crucial for achieving depth in flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Each batch may require different amounts based on tomato ripeness.
• Blend well: For a creamier texture, ensure you blend the soup thoroughly until smooth. If you prefer some texture, blend partially.
• Experiment with herbs: While basil is classic, feel free to try other herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Serve warm: Always serve your soup hot for the best experience. It brings out all the flavors and aromas beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Pairing side dishes with roasted tomato soup enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements any soup. The buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with tomato soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This timeless combo never fails! Use your favorite bread and cheese for a comforting side.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices offer a nutritious and colorful addition alongside your soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provide a healthy side that enriches your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers freshness while being filling enough to satisfy hunger.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with vegetable sticks or crackers makes for a delightful contrast to the warm soup.
7. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an elegant bite-sized treat.
8. Vegetable Platter: Fresh raw veggies served with hummus make for a crisp and healthy pairing that balances the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

• Not using ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes enhance flavor. Choose in-season tomatoes for the best taste.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting develops deeper flavors. Don’t rush this process; allow the vegetables to caramelize.
• Overlooking seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to your liking.
• Ignoring broth quality: A flavorful broth makes a difference. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for better results.
• Not blending thoroughly: A smooth texture is key. Blend until completely smooth for the best consistency in your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to make Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts creamy?
Adding heavy cream or coconut cream at the end of cooking will make your soup extra creamy and rich.

Can I use different types of cheese for the toasts?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer something different than Gruyère.

How can I customize my Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts?
You can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary, or include spices like red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based cheese alternatives for the toasts.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or using different types of bread for the toast. Try it out this fall, and enjoy a delightful bowl of warmth!