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 dish is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or a delightful weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it will surely become a favorite. Plus, the crispy gruyère toasts add a gourmet touch that elevates your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, creating a deliciously rich soup.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this soup as a starter or a main course paired with salads or sandwiches.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the creaminess and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe seamlessly, having the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Perfect for evenly roasting your tomatoes and garlic, enhancing their flavors.
• High-speed blender: Ensures a smooth texture for your soup without any chunks.
• Oven-safe dish: Ideal for roasting vegetables; it can handle high heat without damage.

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 Base

• 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 (adjust with sugar if needed)

For the Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• 1 french or sourdough baguette (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil and shredded gruyère cheese (enough to cover 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:
1. Toss together halved roma tomatoes, whole cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped onion, halved garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast everything for 30-40 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Step 3: Prepare Stovetop Alternative

If you prefer not using an oven:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot on medium heat.
2. Allow it to simmer until everything is tender.

Step 4: Make Your Toasts

While your vegetables roast:
1. Thinly slice the baguette and arrange on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the slices and cover them generously with shredded gruyère cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper before baking until golden brown—about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Your Soup

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

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and sugar if necessary:
1. Stir in heavy cream and balsamic vinegar before serving.
2. Ladle into bowls, top with crispy gruyère toasts and fresh basil before enjoying!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Serving roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to elevate your presentation and flavor profile.

Pair with Fresh Basil

• Adding freshly torn basil leaves on top of the soup not only boosts flavor but also adds a pop of color.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the soup just before serving enhances richness and adds a beautiful sheen.

Add Croutons

• For extra crunch, sprinkle homemade or store-bought croutons on top of your soup. They provide texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, making for a balanced meal.

Offer Additional Toppings

• Consider providing grated cheese, such as parmesan or more gruyère, for guests to sprinkle on their soup according to their taste.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Achieving the perfect roasted tomato soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use ripe tomatoes – Selecting ripe roma and cherry tomatoes will result in a sweeter and more flavorful soup.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed for balance.
• Blend thoroughly – Ensure you blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth for a velvety texture.
• Experiment with herbs – Try adding fresh thyme or oregano along with basil for added depth of flavor.
• Garnish creatively – Top your dish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
• Serve warm – Make sure the soup is served hot for the best flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

Complementing your roasted tomato soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some side dish ideas that pair wonderfully:

1. Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad made of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

2. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, making it an ideal pairing with the creamy soup.

3. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice and veggies add heartiness to your meal.

4. Vegetable Crudités – A platter of sliced raw vegetables served with hummus or dip offers a healthy crunch alongside the soup.

5. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses such as brie, gouda, or cheddar paired with crackers can complement the flavors beautifully.

6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and textures to round out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making roasted tomato soup may seem simple, but it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the roasting: Not roasting your tomatoes can lead to a bland flavor. Always roast them until they char slightly to enhance their sweetness.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup taste flat. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or even a bit of sugar if needed.
• Overlooking the broth choice: Using low-quality broth can impact the overall taste of your soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality vegetable or chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Not blending enough: Failing to fully blend the soup results in a chunky texture instead of a creamy consistency. Blend until completely smooth for a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Using stale bread for toasts: Old bread won’t give you the crispy texture you want. Use fresh baguette slices for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• The roasted tomato soup will last for up to 3 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake the soup until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese alternative for the toast topping.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes can work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Look for whole peeled canned tomatoes and adjust seasoning accordingly.

How long does Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts take to make?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

What are some customization options for this soup?

You can add herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor. Try incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or carrots while roasting.

Can I use other cheeses instead of Gruyère?

Absolutely! Cheddar or mozzarella would also work great on your crispy toasts.

Final Thoughts

This roasted tomato soup with crispy gruyère toasts is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect as a light meal or an appetizer and invites endless customization options based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall!