Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic tomato soup enriched with fresh basil and garlic, served with herb-dusted croutons for a satisfying bowl of comfort. This italian-american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs diced ripe tomatoes, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian-American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs diced ripe tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and reduce slightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return soup to low heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes without boiling.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, toss 1 slice baguette cubes with 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls, top with herb croutons, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced ripe tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons?

Italian-American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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