Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish perfect for any time of the year. Slow-roasted tomatoes deepen in sweetness, blending with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs to create a velvety, robust soup. Paired with crunchy, cheesy Gruyère toasts, this meal is an elevated take on a classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Rich Tomato Flavor: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness and umami of the tomatoes.
- Creamy Without Heavy Cream: Blending creates a silky-smooth texture without needing extra dairy.
- Crispy, Cheesy Gruyère Toasts: Buttery, crunchy bread with nutty Gruyère pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort for a gourmet-level meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the soup and toasts can be prepped ahead for easy serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Roasted Tomato Soup:
- Fresh tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or vine-ripened)
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves (whole, unpeeled)
- Onion (quartered)
- Carrot (for natural sweetness)
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Fresh thyme or basil
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For the Crispy Gruyère Toasts:
- Baguette or sourdough bread (sliced)
- Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Halve the tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet with onion and whole garlic cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Roast:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and slightly charred.
Step 2: Blend the Soup
- Simmer the Base:
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic (peeled) to a large pot.
- Add broth, tomato paste, and fresh thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until silky.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Gruyère Toasts
- Toast the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to broil. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Butter each slice, sprinkle with garlic powder, and top with shredded Gruyère.
- Broil:
- Toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or thyme.
- Serve with the crispy Gruyère toasts on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Roasting Time: 40 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Chunky Soup: Blend only half the soup for a thicker, rustic texture.
- Cheese Swap: Try Swiss, cheddar, or gouda instead of Gruyère for different flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
- Freezing: Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use high-quality canned tomatoes and skip the roasting step for a quicker version.
What’s the best bread for Gruyère toasts?
A baguette or sourdough works best, but any crusty bread will do.
Can I make the soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when made a day ahead.
What pairs well with this soup?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie board complement it perfectly.
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, but be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even Parmesan are great substitutes.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Reduce the broth slightly or add a small potato while roasting.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese toasts or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How do I get extra caramelized flavors in the soup?
Roast the tomatoes longer and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Add shredded chicken, cooked lentils, or white beans for extra protein.
Conclusion
Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for cozy nights or elegant dinners. The deep, caramelized tomato flavor, creamy texture, and crunchy, cheesy toasts make this a must-try recipe. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, it’s sure to impress!
Print
Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Gruyère Toasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Roasting & Blending
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This homemade roasted tomato soup is packed with deep, caramelized tomato flavor and finished with a touch of cream for extra richness. It’s paired with crispy Gruyère toasts, which add the perfect cheesy crunch to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomato Soup:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved (Roma or vine-ripened work best)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
For the Crispy Gruyère Toasts:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Roast the Tomatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange tomatoes (cut-side up), onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Blend the Soup:
- Transfer the roasted veggies to a blender. Add vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Prepare the Gruyère Toasts:
- Preheat the broiler.
- Brush baguette slices with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese and place on a baking sheet.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve with crispy Gruyère toasts on the side or for dipping.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Make it vegan! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese on the toasts.
- Add protein! Stir in cooked lentils or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.