Murrells Inlet Tomato Basil Soup with Herb Croutons

By · 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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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