Brown Sugar-Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Croutons Recipe

Ingredients (14)

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons dark or light brown sugar
• Half a medium loaf of focaccia bread, cut into a 1/2" dice (about 3 cups bread cubes)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese (use a Microplane grater)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (see note)
• 4 large shallots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 large or 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• About 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup half and half