Creamy Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil and Toasted Cheese Dippers
A marriage made in heaven-grilled cheese and tomato soup. All of us have opened a can of prepared tomato soup, but have you ever made it from scratch? I will admit, I never have in the past. This year I am trying not to serve or buy processed foods whenever possible. Homemade tomato soup-why not! Could it be just as good, worth the extra effort and just as easy to create as opening that can? I was on a mission to find out!
I started by using San Marzano tomatoes canned at their peak of freshness. Honestly, this is a case where fresh from the garden is not the best! These Italian tomatoes have amazing bold flavor, a great addition to the dish and well worth the extra price. To make this soup rich and creamy, I added Challenge Cream Cheese which gave me the velvety texture and the perfect touch of tang. Just a few pulses in the blender and a short time on the stove, and I had the most amazing tomato soup.
Now for the perfect grilled cheese. I accomplished this by broiling my sandwiches and covering them in parmesan cheese for a crunchy exterior. The filling, and the secret to these delicious sandwiches, is the blend of cheeses featuring Challenge Salsa Cream Cheese for an unexpected pop of flavor to complement the tomato soup. I then cut the sandwiches into strips to encourage dipping-yes dipping is allowed!
Mission accomplished, I truly created the BEST soup and sandwich ever! Next time instead of opening up that can of processed soup, cozy up to a warm bowl of rich and creamy homemade soup and the perfect grilled cheese. Comfort food made quick and easy!
