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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
When comfort is calling and your budget’s giving side-eye, this Hearty Tomato Basil Soup with Toasted Cheese Dippers has your back. It’s rich, velvety, and tastes like it simmered all day—but takes less than 30 minutes to make with pantry staples. Bonus: those cheesy dippers make it feel downright luxurious.
Simmer & Side Hustle
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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned crushed tomatoes (15 oz) | $1.00 | Go for fire-roasted if available |
| Onion (1/2, diced) | $0.25 | Or use frozen onion to save time |
| Garlic (2 cloves, minced) | $0.10 | Jarred garlic works too |
| Olive oil (1 tbsp) | $0.10 | For sautéing |
| Dried basil (1 tsp) | $0.05 | Or 1 tbsp fresh if you have it |
| Sugar (1/2 tsp) | $0.02 | Balances acidity |
| Salt and pepper | $0.05 | To taste |
| Water or broth (1 cup) | $0.10 | Use broth for more flavor |
| Milk or cream (1/4 cup) | $0.20 | Optional, for richness |
Toasted Cheese Dippers:
- Bread (2 slices) | $0.40 | Any bread works |
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup) | $0.40 | Cheddar or mozzarella |
- Butter or oil (1 tbsp) | $0.10 | For toasting |
Total Cost:
$2.77 for the whole meal ($0.92/serving)
How to Make It
- Sauté Base: In a pot, heat oil and cook onions for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Simmer: Add tomatoes, basil, sugar, broth, and seasoning. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Blend (Optional): For smooth soup, blend with an immersion blender. Stir in milk or cream.
- Make the Dippers: Butter bread, sprinkle cheese between slices, and grill until golden. Cut into strips.
Cozy Up with These Too:
- Zucchini Corn Fritters for a crispy side
- Mashed Potato Cakes to round out the comfort
Warm Bites, Bigger Paydays
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This tomato basil soup is proof you don’t need cream, a $5 loaf of sourdough, or a fancy immersion blender to eat like royalty. Dip, sip, and savor every spoonful—your wallet will thank you later.
