Okay, so the other day I was craving tomato soup, like, really craving it. But I didn’t want just plain old tomato soup. I wanted a whole meal, you know? So I started digging around in my kitchen and thinking about what goes well with that creamy, tangy goodness.
The Classic: Grilled Cheese
First, I had to consider the obvious. You can’t go wrong with grilled cheese and tomato soup. I mean, it’s a classic for a reason, right? I grabbed some sourdough bread – I love the tang it adds – and some cheddar cheese.
I buttered the outside of the bread, because that’s the key to a golden-brown, crispy crust. Then, I layered on the cheese, popped it in a pan, and cooked it low and slow until it was all melty and gooey. Perfection.
Getting Fancy: Croutons and Toppings
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to elevate things a bit. I made some croutons by cubing up some leftover baguette, tossing them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, and then baking them until they were nice and crunchy.
I also whipped up a quick basil pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. A little dollop of that on top of the soup? Chef’s kiss
Experiment Time: Other Sides!
Then I started thinking outside the box. What else could I serve with this? I had some leftover roasted vegetables – sweet potatoes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. I figured the sweetness of the sweet potatoes would pair well with the tartness of the soup, so I reheated those and served them on the side.
I also thought about a nice, crusty bread for dipping. Maybe a good baguette or even some focaccia. It’s perfect to soak every last tasty drop.
The Verdict
In the end, I had a feast! Here’s what I had with the tomato soup:
- Grilled cheese sandwich (sourdough and cheddar)
- Homemade croutons
- A swirl of basil pesto on top of the soup
- Roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts)
It was the perfect comforting meal. The grilled cheese was obviously amazing, the croutons added a great crunch, the pesto brightened everything up, and the roasted veggies made it feel a bit healthier. Next time, I might add that crusty bread, or maybe even a simple salad with a light vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless!
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