Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe

If you have asoft spot for cozy comfort foods, then this Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorites. It’s a luscious, velvety tomato soup enriched with cream and fires up your taste buds with a hint of sherry and sweet roasted tomatoes. Sitting atop each bowl is a golden, flaky puff pastry crown studded with sharp cheddar cheese that melts into crispy, irresistible pockets of flavor. This delightful combination not only warms you up from the inside but also brings a touch of elegance and fun to a classic soup night. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends or savor on a chilly evening when you crave something both hearty and fancy-feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an essential role—sherry adds a subtle depth, fire-roasted tomatoes bring a smoky sweetness, and sharp cheddar gives the puff pastry that irresistible savory bite. These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that’s richer and more memorable than the average tomato soup.

• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté the shallots and garlic, adding a rich base flavor.
• Shallots (2, sliced): Bring a delicate sweetness and gentle onion flavor to the soup.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuse the broth with aromatic warmth.
• Tomato paste (1 ½ tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds depth.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes (1 28 oz can): Provide smoky, robust flavor and vibrant color.
• Cooking sherry (⅔ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and complex, savory notes.
• Chicken stock (⅓ cup): Creates a savory broth base that’s light and flavorful.
• Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances acidity and enhances tomato sweetness.
• Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Adds an herbaceous hint that complements the tomatoes.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together.
• Heavy cream (¾ cup): Gives the soup its silky, luxurious texture.
• Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed if frozen): Forms the crunchy, golden top that makes this dish special.
• Large egg + water (1 teaspoon beaten together): Used as egg wash to give the pastry a perfect gleaming finish.
• Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy bite atop the pastry.
• Freshly snipped chives (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich soup and pastry.

How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Gently cook the sliced shallots and minced garlic, stirring frequently, until they become soft and lightly golden—this process takes about 8 to 10 minutes and is key for developing the soup’s base flavor. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 5 more minutes to deepen that rich, umami-packed character.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer Soup Ingredients

Next, add the fire-roasted tomatoes, cooking sherry, chicken stock, brown sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper into the pot. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to gently simmer for 20 minutes. This simmer allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, intensifying the smoky, sweet tomato essence.

Step 3: Puree and Add Cream

Carefully transfer the soup to a high-powered blender in batches if necessary and blend until smooth and velvety. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. At this stage, give your soup a taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if you want it more balanced or savory.

Step 4: Prepare Puff Pastry Toppings

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place four ramekins on a baking sheet. Use one ramekin as a template to cut four rounds from the thawed puff pastry sheet, ensuring they fit nicely on top of each bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Soup and Puff Pastry

Ladle the rich tomato soup evenly into each ramekin—choose larger ones, about 6 ounces capacity, to comfortably hold the soup and toppings. Sprinkle about a quarter cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese atop the soup surface in each ramekin. Then, place a puff pastry round over the top of each bowl. Brush the pastry gently with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish, and sprinkle another tablespoon or two of cheese on top of the pastry for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the ramekins on the baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is gloriously puffed and golden brown. The cheese on top will crisp up beautifully, making each spoonful a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Once baked, garnish with freshly snipped chives to add a fresh and colorful touch.

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chives are the perfect finishing touch for this dish. Their mild onion flavor and bright green color enhance the presentation and add a refreshing bite that complements the richness of the soup and cheddar pastry. You might also try a small dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe is a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely. Crusty bread or a light grain salad also works well for those who want added texture alongside the pampering warmth of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini cast iron skillets or small ovenproof bowls to impress guests with an elegant restaurant feel. You could also experiment by sprinkling different cheeses on top, like Gruyère or smoked gouda, giving the puff pastry a unique flavor each time you make it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the soup separately from the puff pastry topping in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The soup will keep nicely for up to 3 days, and you won’t want to keep the pastry too long since it loses its crunch.

Freezing

This soup freezes well on its own. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers—leave out the heavy cream if you prefer and add it after thawing for the freshest texture. Avoid freezing the puff pastry because it can become soggy or lose its delicate flakiness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze it without cream, stir in the cream once hot. For the puff pastry, it’s best to bake fresh or reheat briefly in a very hot oven to regain some crispness, but it won’t be quite the same as right out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep the soup rich and flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, keeping all the deliciousness intact.

What can I use instead of cooking sherry?

If you don’t have cooking sherry on hand, a dry white wine or even apple cider vinegar diluted with a little water works well to add acidity and complexity. Just use sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup’s delicate balance.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly—as long as you thaw it according to package instructions before cutting and baking. Proper thawing ensures the layers puff up beautifully in the oven.

How do I get the puff pastry extra crispy?

Brushing the puff pastry with an egg wash before baking helps achieve a shiny, crispy finish. Also, avoid covering the pastry with soup to keep it from becoming soggy before it bakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The soup itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken or vegetable stock and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. However, traditional puff pastry contains gluten, so you’d need a gluten-free puff pastry if you want a full gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting and downright fun about this Tomato Soup with Cheddar Puff Pastry Recipe. It takes a classic, humble tomato soup and transforms it into a special occasion meal with minimal fuss. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe promises warmth, flavor, and a little bit of magic in every spoonful and bite. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this beautiful dish into your kitchen repertoire!

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