Charred Tomato Soup with Cheesy Garlic Bread

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 40 min
This may look like your typical creamy tomato soup, but we found that broiling the tomatoes until deeply charred adds a whole other dimension of flavor. This bacon-and-garlic-forward creamy soup is accompanied by a nice toasty slice of garlic bread punched up with Parmesan cheese.
Advertisement

Ingredients

2 pounds red tomatoes (about 6), cored and halved

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

6 slices applewood-smoked thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 white onion, sliced

6 cloves garlic (3 smashed, 3 finely grated)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 large sprig basil, plus torn leaves, for topping

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 loaf soft Italian or French bread, split lengthwise

2 tablespoons heavy cream, plus more for drizzling

Directions

  1. Preheat the broiler with a rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Rub the tomato halves with the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning once, until charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat, stirring, until crisp, 8 minutes. Remove to paper towels. Add the onion and smashed garlic to the pot, season with salt and pepper and cook, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and any juices along with the basil sprig. Cook until the tomatoes lose their shape, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Mash together the butter, grated garlic, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread on the bread; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until toasted, about 10 minutes. Cut into pieces.
  4. Discard the basil and puree the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Divide among bowls. Top with heavy cream, the bacon and torn basil. Serve with the garlic bread.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

lori dahlin

Very good! Wouldn’t change a thing except discarding the basil. I just puréed it in with the soup.

See All Reviews