Description:
Sheet Pan Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food pairing. This recipe combines the heartiness of a savory soup with the crunchiness of grilled cheese croutons, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings with loved ones.
Background and Origin:
The concept of sheet pan meals has gained popularity in recent years due to their simplicity and convenience. By roasting all the ingredients on a single pan, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with minimal cleanup. This recipe takes the concept a step further by incorporating grilled cheese croutons, adding a nostalgic touch to the dish. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, and turning them into bite-sized croutons adds a fun and creative twist to traditional soup recipes.
Health Concerns:
While Sheet Pan Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons offers comfort and flavor, it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices to maintain a balanced diet. Opt for whole grain bread and low-fat cheese for the grilled cheese croutons to reduce saturated fat and increase fiber content. Additionally, choose a homemade or low-sodium soup broth to control the sodium levels. Incorporating plenty of vegetables into the soup base adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber while keeping the dish light and nutritious. Enjoying this meal in moderation as part of a varied and well-rounded diet will help ensure overall health and well-being.
Ingredients:
| For the Soup: | For the Grilled Cheese Croutons: |
|---|---|
| 4 cups Vegetable broth | 4 slices Whole grain bread |
| 2 cups Diced tomatoes | 4 slices Cheddar cheese |
| 1 cup Diced carrots | 1 cup Butter |
| 1 cup Diced celery | |
| 1 cup Diced onion | |
| 2 cloves Minced garlic | |
| 1 tsp Dried thyme | |
| 1/2 tsp Dried oregano | |
| To taste Salt and pepper |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- While the soup is roasting, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the slices of bread, butter side down, on a baking sheet.
- Top each slice of bread with cheddar cheese.
- Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the soup from the oven and carefully transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Divide the soup into bowls and garnish with grilled cheese croutons.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Grilled cheese croutons can be stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Advantages of Sheet Pan Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- Convenient one-pan meal preparation.
- Provides a balanced combination of vegetables and protein.
- Offers a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Easy to customize with preferred ingredients.
- Great way to use up leftover vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.
- Minimal cleanup required.
- Suitable for vegetarians (if using vegetable broth).
- Can be made gluten-free with appropriate bread choice.
- Grilled cheese croutons add a fun and tasty twist.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with grilled cheese croutons
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 12g
Additional Information:
- To reduce calorie and fat content, opt for low-fat cheese and use less butter for the grilled cheese croutons.
- Add extra vegetables to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve with a side salad for added vitamins and minerals.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for optimal freshness.
FAQs: Sheet Pan Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
- Can I use different types of cheese for the croutons?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Can I make the soup ahead of time and reheat it later?
- Absolutely! The soup can be prepared in advance and reheated on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- While you can freeze the soup, it’s best to leave out the grilled cheese croutons as they may become soggy when thawed. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own?
- Yes, store-bought vegetable or chicken broth works well in this recipe. Just be sure to choose low-sodium options if watching your salt intake.
- Can I add protein to the soup?
- Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans to the soup for added protein and texture.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Sheet Pan Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. With its convenient one-pan preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner on a cold evening or a hearty lunch any day of the week, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm and delicious soup with crispy grilled cheese croutons!