Thick Tomato and Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A rich and comforting tomato soup simmered with fresh basil and served with crunchy garlic croutons for dipping, perfect for cozy lunches or dinners. This French-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups day-old baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 2 cups day-old baguette cubes with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tsp garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
4. Step 4: Remove the soup from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Serve the soup hot topped with garlic croutons.