Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused Croutons
A vibrant tomato soup simmered with fresh basil, topped with croutons that absorb the soup's herbaceous essence for a deeply flavorful bite. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs diced tomatoes, finely diced 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 2, 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 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 slice, 1/2-inch cubes baguette
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth to the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp dried thyme, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 4: While soup simmers, toss 1 slice baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp dried thyme. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls, top with herb-infused croutons, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused Croutons take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused 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 tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused 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 Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused Croutons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tomato-Basil Soup with Herb-Infused Croutons?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
