Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe

If you crave a hug in a bowl, Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast is the ultimate comfort food experience. This British-inspired classic brings together a velvety tomato soup, rich with the sweetness of slow-cooked onions and a hint of thyme, paired with golden, bubbling cheese toast topped with sweet onion slices. Whether you’re chasing away a chilly day or just want to relive the nostalgic taste of home, this recipe delivers on every front—simple ingredients, big flavors, and a warming, satisfying finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, from the sweet sharpness of the onions to the creamy finish of the soup and the irresistible crunch of the toast. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to make every element shine.

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base and helps soften the onions for a sweet depth of flavor.
• Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Essential for sweetness and a mellow, aromatic backbone.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings warmth and complexity to the soup.
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely richness.
• Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat—leave out if you prefer a milder soup.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 28-ounce can): The heart of the soup, providing deep color and robust flavor.
• Vegetable or chicken broth (2 cups): Gives body to the soup and balances the tomato’s acidity.
• Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch to mellow out the tanginess of the tomatoes.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Heavy cream or milk (1/2 cup, optional): Adds luscious creaminess—feel free to skip for a lighter soup.
• Crusty bread (4 slices): The perfect vehicle for all that gooey cheese and onion topping.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts beautifully and gives a punchy, tangy bite to the toast.
• Red or yellow onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Adds sweet, juicy crunch to the cheesy toast.
• Butter, softened (1 tablespoon): Ensures the bread toasts up golden and crisp under the broiler.

How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it gently cook for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent, releasing its natural sugars and laying the flavor foundation for the soup. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Cook for another minute until everything smells wonderfully fragrant—it’s the kind of aroma that draws everyone into the kitchen.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in your crushed tomatoes and broth, followed by a touch of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble away uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This time lets the flavors meld and the tomatoes cook down to a deeper, more robust taste. You’re looking for a slightly thickened, vividly red soup—the anticipation at this point is real!

Step 3: Blend Until Velvety Smooth

Once your soup has simmered and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a quick, mess-free process, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until silky smooth, then stir in the cream or milk if you’re after that extra luxurious texture. Keep the soup warm over low heat while you make the toasts.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese and Onion Toast

While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Butter the slices of crusty bread generously, then top each with a heap of shredded sharp cheddar and a scattering of thinly sliced onion. Arrange the toasts on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch closely—the cheese should be golden and bubbly, with the edges of the bread crisp and irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve right away with the cheese and onion toast either on the side or, if you’re feeling indulgent, dunked straight into the bowl. The contrast between creamy soup and crunchy, melty toast is pure magic—each bite is comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast

Garnishes

To give your Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast a little extra flair, try topping the soup with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or chives, or an extra crack of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few homemade croutons can also make each bowl feel special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

While the cheese and onion toast is a star in its own right, you can round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, a handful of crunchy pickles, or even a bowl of olives. These sides cut through the richness of the soup and toast, adding freshness and balance to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the soup in mugs with mini cheese and onion toast soldiers for dipping. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider assembling bite-sized toasts on a platter next to shooter glasses of soup for a fun appetizer. Layering the toast partially on top of the soup bowl also makes for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast keeps surprisingly well. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the toast, it’s best to keep the bread and topping components separate, then assemble and broil fresh for best texture.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, the tomato soup itself freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The cheese and onion toast is best made fresh, as freezing can impact the texture of the bread and cheese.

Reheating

To reheat the soup, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. If you’ve added cream, stir frequently so it doesn’t separate. For the toast, re-broil or re-toast the bread, adding fresh cheese and onion for optimal meltiness and crunch. This way, your Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast tastes just as good as the day it was made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Roast your fresh tomatoes to intensify their flavor, then blend and substitute for the canned tomatoes. It’s a bit more work but adds a lovely homemade touch to your Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast.

What’s the best bread for cheese and onion toast?

Go for a sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or a rustic country loaf. These hold up beautifully under the broiler and provide the perfect base for all that melty cheese and sweet onion topping.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

It’s easy! Swap in plant-based butter, your favorite vegan cheese, and a splash of dairy-free cream or milk for the soup. You’ll still get all the cozy, comforting vibes of classic Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast.

Can I add protein to the soup?

Definitely. Stir in some cooked white beans or lentils for extra heartiness, or top the finished soup with a poached egg for a luxurious, protein-rich upgrade.

How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat, so the soup stays family-friendly. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount, or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a soul-soothing, crowd-pleasing meal, you can’t go wrong with Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for slow Sundays, and every spoonful is a reminder of just how good classic comfort food can be. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This comforting British-inspired Tomato Soup with Cheese and Onion Toast is a perfect blend of rich, tangy tomato soup and crispy, cheesy toasted bread topped with sweet onions. Ideal for a cozy lunch or light dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and offers optional creamy variations to suit your preference.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier texture)

For the Cheese and Onion Toast

• 4 slices crusty bread
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red or yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated.
3. Simmer Soup: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, sugar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and let cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to develop rich flavors.
4. Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
5. Add Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture, and keep the soup warm on low heat while preparing the toast.
6. Prepare Toast: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Butter each slice of crusty bread thoroughly, then evenly top with shredded cheddar cheese and thinly sliced onions.
7. Broil Toast: Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls and serve immediately alongside the cheese and onion toast, perfect for dipping or enjoying separately.

Notes

• Use fresh tomatoes by roasting and blending them before simmering for a fresher flavor.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup for an added depth of acidity.
• For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter, cheese, and cream alternatives.
• You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth.
• Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: British-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl soup + 1 toast
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg