1. Grilled Cheese Croutons

   Elevate your tomato soup by adding grilled cheese croutons. Simply make a classic grilled cheese sandwich with your favorite cheese and bread. Cut the sandwich into bite-sized cubes and toast them until golden and crispy. These cheesy croutons add a delicious crunch to your soup.

2. Roasted Garlic and Basil

   Enhance the flavor of your tomato soup by adding roasted garlic and fresh basil. Roast a head of garlic by cutting off the top, drizzling it with olive oil, and wrapping it in foil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to your soup along with some chopped fresh basil leaves. The roasted garlic adds a rich, smoky flavor while the basil brings a fresh and aromatic touch.

3. Spicy Kick with Jalapenos

   Give your tomato soup a spicy twist by adding diced jalapenos. Start by removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos to control the heat level. Sauté the diced jalapenos in a little olive oil until they soften. Add the jalapenos to the soup and let the flavors meld together. The jalapenos will add a fiery kick and depth of flavor to your tomato soup.

4. Creamy Coconut Milk

   Create a creamy and indulgent tomato soup by adding coconut milk. After simmering your basic tomato soup, stir in a can of coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness to the soup. Top it off with some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a tropical twist.

5. Crunchy Parmesan Crisps

   Add a gourmet touch to your tomato soup with homemade Parmesan crisps. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop small mounds of grated Parmesan cheese onto the baking sheet and flatten them slightly. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Let them cool and use them as crunchy toppings for your tomato soup. These crispy Parmesan crisps add a burst of savory flavor and a delightful texture.

By trying these creative upgrades, you can transform your simple 5-ingredient tomato soup into a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures these additions bring!

References:

• Food Network - 50 Things to Make with Tomato Soup
• Bon Appétit - 22 Tomato Soup Ideas
• Delish - 48 Tomato Soup Recipes