That familiar chill of autumn has always brought a specific craving to our home. One blustery afternoon, my youngest, Leo, came in from playing, nose red, declaring, “Mom, I need something warm and cheesy!” My heart melted, as it always does for my kiddos. That’s when I knew it was time for our ultimate comfort classic: grilled cheese tomato soup.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a cherished memory, and pure, unadulterated comfort. This particular grilled cheese tomato soup recipe is a staple in our family. It brings smiles every single time.
There’s nothing quite like dipping a crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich into a rich, creamy bowl of tomato soup. It’s the ultimate pairing, isn’t it? This grilled cheese tomato soup recipe truly encapsulates simple, nourishing goodness.
Table of Contents
grilled cheese tomato soup
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This grilled cheese tomato soup recipe truly encapsulates simple, nourishing goodness. It is incredibly easy, quick and satisfying, offering pure comfort, and is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a timeless favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onio
2 cloves garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
0.5 cup heavy cream (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
8 slices good quality bread
0.5 cup unsalted butter
8 slices cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender (in batches) and blend
- Stir in heavy cream, if using, until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep warm while you make the grilled cheese
- Generously butter one side of each slice of bread
- Place a slice of bread (butter-side down) in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Top with two slices of cheese, then another slice of bread (butter-side up)
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Press gently with a spatula
- Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches in half. Serve immediately with the warm tomato soup
Notes
Feel free to customize your grilled cheese tomato soup. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For the cheese, try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick in your grilled cheese. Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for the grilled cheese part. Make the soup dairy-free with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Add red pepper flakes to the soup for a hint of heat. Roasted red peppers blended into the soup intensify the flavor of your grilled cheese tomato soup. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity in the tomatoes.
Always use a good quality, sturdy bread for your grilled cheese to prevent sogginess. Cook the grilled cheese on medium-low heat to ensure a golden crust and fully melted cheese without burning. Do not skip the immersion blender for the soup; it creates a wonderfully smooth texture. Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for a deeper flavor in your grilled cheese tomato soup. Fresh basil garnish adds a lovely fresh touch.
Keep the tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them separately from the soup. Reheat the grilled cheese in a dry skillet or toaster oven for crispness. Reheat the tomato soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This classic grilled cheese tomato soup is truly a meal in itself. However, you can enhance it further. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Some fresh apple slices or a handful of grapes add a touch of sweetness. For a heartier meal, serve a side of roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup soup, 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 12.5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 17.5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, tomato soup, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, vegetarian
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRILLED CHEESE TOMATO SOUP RECIPE
You will absolutely adore this grilled cheese tomato soup recipe. First, it is incredibly easy. Busy weeknights are no match for this quick and satisfying meal.
My children devour this grilled cheese tomato soup, making dinner a breeze. Furthermore, it offers pure comfort. Each spoonful of the creamy tomato soup complements the crispy, gooey grilled cheese.
It is a nourishing dish, packed with wholesome ingredients. This classic grilled cheese tomato soup combination hits all the right notes for both kids and adults. It’s truly a timeless favorite.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| For the Tomato Soup | For the Grilled Cheese |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | 8 slices good quality bread (sourdough or brioche work well) |
| 1 medium onion, chopped | 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | 8 slices cheese (Cheddar, American, or a blend) |
| 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes | |
| 2 cups vegetable broth | |
| 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess) | |
| 1 teaspoon dried basil | |
| Salt and black pepper to taste | |
| Fresh basil for garnish (optional) |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize your grilled cheese tomato soup. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For the cheese, try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick in your grilled cheese.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for the grilled cheese part. Make the soup dairy-free with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Add red pepper flakes to the soup for a hint of heat.
Roasted red peppers blended into the soup intensify the flavor of your grilled cheese tomato soup. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity in the tomatoes.
Just as you can customize your grilled cheese and soup with different ingredients and variations, exploring new flavor combinations keeps mealtime exciting. For a hearty and adaptable dinner option that allows for plenty of personal touches, you might enjoy these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creating this comforting grilled cheese tomato soup is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
For the Tomato Soup:
1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender (in batches) and blend.
4. Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream, if using, until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep warm while you make the grilled cheese.
For the Grilled Cheese:
1. Prepare Bread: Generously butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Assemble Sandwiches: Place a slice of bread (butter-side down) in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Top with two slices of cheese, then another slice of bread (butter-side up).
3. Grill to Perfection: Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Press gently with a spatula.
4. Serve: Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches in half. Serve immediately with the warm tomato soup. This makes the best grilled cheese tomato soup experience.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Achieving perfection in the kitchen often comes down to mastering a few essential techniques and choosing quality ingredients. Similarly, when you apply thoughtful cooking methods to other dishes, the results can be truly amazing, like the Amazing Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe, which shines with simple, fresh components.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
You can easily store leftover grilled cheese tomato soup. Keep the tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the grilled cheese, it is best enjoyed fresh.
If you have leftovers, store them separately from the soup. Reheat the grilled cheese in a dry skillet or toaster oven for crispness. Reheat the tomato soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This ensures your grilled cheese tomato soup remains delicious.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
While simple sides beautifully complement the classic comfort of grilled cheese and tomato soup, sometimes you might crave an even more decadent main course. For those occasions when you want to elevate your comfort food experience to gourmet levels, you must try the Lobster and Crab Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Gourmet Comfort Food.
FAQS
How long does grilled cheese tomato soup last?
The tomato soup component of your grilled cheese tomato soup lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Grilled cheese is best eaten fresh.
Can I make grilled cheese tomato soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free grilled cheese tomato soup, use a plant-based butter for the grilled cheese and a dairy-free cheese alternative. For the soup, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream.
What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese tomato soup?
The best cheese for grilled cheese tomato soup depends on your preference! Classic choices include American for meltiness and sharp cheddar for flavor. Provolone and Gruyere also make excellent, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
The classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is deeply rooted in American cuisine as a beloved comfort food pairing. This iconic duo is often cherished for its nostalgic appeal and the perfect balance it strikes between the crispy, savory sandwich and the warm, tangy soup.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Estimates based on 1 cup soup, 1 sandwich with 2 slices bread, 2 slices cheese)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 50-70mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40-50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-6g |
| Sugars | 10-15g |
| Protein | 15-20g |