
This roasted tomato soup with cheese toastie is my cold weather comfort staple. I love how the roasted garlic and herbs deepen the flavor of the soup while the crunchy cheesy toastie makes the perfect companion. It is hearty satisfying and perfect for sharing with family.
I have made this soup dozens of times and it never disappoints. The garlic toastie vanishes before the soup is even served sometimes.
Ingredients
- Roma tomatoes: for deep tomato base use ripe and firm
- Red capsicums: add sweetness and vibrant color
- Brown onions: for savory richness choose medium size
- Whole garlic: brings mellow depth when roasted
- Fresh rosemary: for earthy aroma strip before blending
- Olive oil: for roasting enhances natural sweetness
- Flakey sea salt: helps break down veggies
- Cracked black pepper: adds gentle heat
- Fresh basil: for bright herbal finish add just before blending
- Chicken or vegetable stock: choose quality for depth
- Heavy cream: optional adds creamy texture and richness
- White sourdough: makes perfect toastie base firm and thick sliced
- Cheddar cheese: for sharp cheesy bite
- Jarlsberg cheese: adds a smooth nutty flavor
- Parmesan or pecorino romano: creates crispy edges
- Dijon mustard: adds tang and balance
- Garlic confit: optional for gourmet boost
- Mayonnaise: creates golden crust on toastie
- Butter: for slow frying keeps bread tender inside
- Olive oil: helps even cooking and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Halve tomatoes capsicums and onions. Place in baking dish with rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil then season. Roast garlic head separately covered in pot or foil with oil salt and pepper. Bake for 1 hour until soft and caramelized.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Squeeze garlic cloves from skins. Strip rosemary leaves. Transfer all roasted vegetables to pot with stock and most of the basil. Bring to boil then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes for deep flavor and thickness.
- Blend the Soup:
- Cool soup slightly then blend until smooth in blender or with stick blender. Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in cream if using and garnish with fresh basil.
- Assemble the Cheese Toastie:
- Spread garlic confit and mustard on one slice. Top with cheese blend then cover with second slice. Coat both sides with mayonnaise and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Cook the Toastie:
- Heat butter and olive oil in non stick pan on medium. Reduce to low and cook toastie 10 to 15 minutes per side until golden and crunchy. Slice and serve hot with soup.

One of my favorite touches is the garlic confit which takes this toastie to another level. We always sneak a bite while waiting for the soup to heat.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup without cream in airtight container up to four days in fridge. Reheat on stovetop until hot. Cheese toasties are best fresh but can be crisped up in a pan or oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use yellow capsicum or heirloom tomatoes for a twist. Replace rosemary with thyme or parsley. If dairy free skip cream and use plant based cheese or spread.

Serving Suggestions
Top soup with extra cream fresh herbs or a spoonful of pesto. Serve with a side salad or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Cultural Context
This soup and toast combo reflects cozy European home cooking where simplicity and roasted flavors create a rustic satisfying dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of bread do you recommend for the cheese toastie?
My personal preference is a white sourdough however a white ciabatta or simple white sandwich loaf works perfectly as well.
- → Is this tomato soup vegan?
This tomato soup can absolutely be vegan. Use vegetable stock and omit the cream or replace it with a plant based version.
- → Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes this soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
- → Can I change the herbs to my preference?
Absolutely. Basil and rosemary are recommended but thyme chives and parsley also work wonderfully.
- → What cheeses work best for the toastie?
A mix of cheddar Jarlsberg and parmesan or pecorino romano provides a rich and melty flavor. Adjust based on what you have available.