Canadian Cheddar Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Bake

Ingredients

• For The Tomato Soup Base
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (796 ml each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• For The Grilled Cheese Croutons
• 8 slices thick white bread
• 2 cups shredded Canadian cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• Optional Toppings
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped green onions