Tomato Soup Recipe (Smoked Cheddar)

A great homemade tomato soup recipe, especially when paired with cheese sandwiches, offers the ultimate comfort. But what if you could combine both into one smoked cheddar tomato soup?

This Smoked Cheddar Tomato Soup with Cheesy Croutons does just that. It combines the rich taste of tomato soup with the crunchy goodness of grilled cheese. You get both flavors in one bowl.

This homemade tomato soup is incredibly easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy and quick.

With the smoky taste of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese, plus crunchy homemade croutons, this dish will be a family favorite. Don’t worry about finding special ingredients. This recipe works with both store-bought and homemade items. I’ve included affiliate links to help you find the best options.

Roasting for Maximum Flavor

The base of any great tomato soup recipe starts with high-quality, flavorful vegetables. For this recipe, we roast fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and red pepper.

Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature brings out their natural sugars. This creates a deeper, richer flavor that goes well with the cheese. I also add a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar to bring out the best in the veggies.

If you have a cast iron pan, I highly recommend using it for roasting the vegetables. It retains heat well and helps to deepen the roasted flavor. Once you lightly brown and tenderize the veggies, you can blend them into a velvety soup base.

The Power of Cheese in This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

For a special treat, this bowl of tomato soup has a rich, creamy finish. It comes from Monterey Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. These varieties of cheese add a balance of smokiness and sharpness that enhances the flavor of the roasted tomatoes.

When you stir the cheeses into the soup with heavy cream, they melt perfectly. This creates a rich texture that makes you enjoy every spoonful.

And if you don’t have Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar on hand, feel free to swap in your favorite varieties of cheese. From mild cheddar to a sharper cheese like Gouda or swiss cheese. Plenty of room exists to play around with the flavors to suit your preferences and those of your guests! This is a great soup for a crowd.

Blending for a Smooth, Creamy Texture

When your roasted veggies are ready, blend them with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option. Add heavy cream and cheese. Blend everything until smooth.

This is where an immersion blender truly comes in handy. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot, which means less mess and more convenience. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works just as well—just be sure to blend in batches if needed.

The soup comes together nicely. With a few simple additions of salt and pepper, you’ll have a tasty bowl of creamy tomato goodness.

Cheesy Croutons: A Grilled Cheese Experience in Every Bite

Of course, no homemade tomato soup recipe would be complete without the perfect accompaniment: cheddar cheese croutons. Instead of serving a separate grilled cheese sandwich, I combined both elements into one dish. I made crispy, cheesy croutons.

I like to use cubes of store-bought or homemade sandwich bread because they hold up well when toasted and are easy to find. Toss the bread cubes in olive oil and add a good amount of grated sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. Then, toast them in a pan until they are golden brown and crispy. You’ll get that satisfying crunch of a grilled cheese sandwich, but as bite-sized croutons perfect for topping your soup.

These croutons soak up the soup’s creamy goodness while maintaining just the right amount of crunch. They’re the perfect finishing touch to the dish, and they’re so addictive, you might find yourself making extra just to snack on!

Serving and Storing This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

This Smoked Cheddar Tomato Soup is best served immediately, with those cheesy croutons still crispy and warm. Make the soup in advance; it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up too much in the fridge. Let the soup come to room temperature before reheating for the best consistency.

If you’re cooking for a crowd or planning for leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. You can make the cheesy croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven to re-crisp them before adding them to the soup.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup Recipe

This Smoked Cheddar Tomato Soup with cheesy croutons is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Rich, creamy, and cheesy, this dish features the perfect balance of savory roasted veggies and melted cheese. The cheddar cheese croutons add a wonderful texture and crunch, giving you the full cheese sandwich experience right in your bowl.

This recipe is easy to make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, a cozy lunch, or a casual dinner party. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Both will taste great. You can also add your favorite cheeses or toppings to make it your own.

Don’t forget that this post may contain affiliate links. These links can help you find the best ingredients. They make it easier to prepare this dish.

So, next time you’re craving the classic pairing of Tomato Soup and a cheese sandwich, give this recipe a try. The roasted veggies, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy croutons all have great flavors. Together, they create a dish that is comforting and delicious. Enjoy!

Other soups you might love!

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Red Lentil and Turmeric Soup

Homemade Turkey Soup