If you’re craving a classic comfort food combo that never fails to warm the heart, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. This dish brings together a luscious, velvety tomato soup that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and herbaceous notes, paired with a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich oozing with melted cheddar. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is incredibly satisfying any time you want something simple yet spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the ripe tomatoes to the rich cream and melty cheese, every component enhances the dish in its own special way.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing onions, adding a subtle fruity flavor and smooth texture to the soup.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses an aromatic warmth that elevates the entire soup.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient providing rich, tangy tomato flavor and a vibrant red color.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the soup for creaminess.
- Vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Brings savory flavor and helps to balance the soup’s texture.
- Heavy cream (or milk): Adds luscious creaminess, smoothness, and a gentle sweetness.
- Sugar: Optional but handy for cutting acidity and rounding out flavors.
- Dried basil: Imparts herbal notes that complement the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional touch of heat for those who love a bit of spice.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Brightens the finished soup with fresh herb garnish.
- Slices of bread (your choice): The sturdy but soft foundation for the grilled cheese.
- Butter, softened: Perfect for achieving that golden, crispy crust on the sandwich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for that classic cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder and parsley (optional): Extra flavor boosters for the sandwich crust.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook just long enough until fragrant, about one minute. This simple step helps build the flavor base for your soup, creating a sweet and savory canvas.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. Bringing this to a boil before reducing the heat allows the flavors to meld during the simmer. Give it about 10 to 15 minutes on low heat — this is when the soup begins to develop that deep, comforting tomato taste you crave.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender right in the pot is easiest and minimizes cleanup, but you can also carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until silky smooth, then pour it back into your pot. This step transforms chunky stew-like soup to the signature creamy texture that makes this recipe so beloved.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup its creamy consistency and subtly rich flavor. If the tomatoes are a bit too tangy for your taste, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Season with dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you want to kick things up. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes so the flavors settle beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Butter one side of each bread slice and sprinkle garlic powder and parsley if desired for an extra punch of flavor. Place shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, then top with the second slice, buttered side out. Heat a skillet and grill your sandwich until it’s golden brown and the cheese inside is melted perfectly, flipping carefully. The contrast between the crispy bread and gooey cheese complements the soup splendidly.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing the soup with fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a burst of freshness and a pop of green that makes the dish even more inviting. A little drizzle of cream or a touch of olive oil on top can elevate the presentation, making your bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
While this duo is perfect on its own, consider serving alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some crunchy pickles to add brightness and contrast. Roasted vegetables or a handful of crispy kale chips also bring delightful textures that play well with the rich soup and sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in small ramekins alongside bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches cut into fun shapes. You can even turn the sandwich halves into dippers by slicing them into strips so everyone can dunk and savor every spoonful together. Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated to impress — the warmth and nostalgia this combo brings are what truly shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for a day or two if wrapped tightly.
Freezing
You can freeze the creamy tomato soup for up to 3 months by transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Avoid freezing the grilled cheese sandwich, as the bread tends to become soggy and the cheese loses its perfect melt after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much during storage. For the grilled cheese, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back that crispy crust and melty center.
FAQs
Can I make the soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based cream alternatives like coconut or cashew cream and opt for vegetable broth. Choose vegan cheese slices or nutritional yeast for your grilled cheese sandwich to keep it fully vegan while still delicious.
What type of bread works best for the grilled cheese?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, white sandwich bread, or even artisan bread provide great texture and soak up the butter nicely without falling apart. Choose what you love most!
How can I make the soup spicier?
Adding a pinch or two of red pepper flakes during cooking or serving with hot sauce on the side will give the creamy tomato soup a nice kick without overpowering its comforting character.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can be used but will require roasting or cooking down longer to develop that deep tomato flavor. Canned crushed tomatoes are great for convenience and consistency but fresh can add a delightful homemade touch.
Is it possible to make the sandwich gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap for your favorite gluten-free bread. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as some gluten-free breads brown faster or need a little extra butter for crispness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe soon because it really is one of those timeless, soul-soothing meals that everyone deserves to enjoy. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy lunch, nothing beats the comfort and joy packed into each spoonful and bite. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to savor something truly special!
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Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup and Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic combination of creamy tomato soup paired with crispy, cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe features a rich tomato soup made with olive oil, garlic, onion, crushed tomatoes, and a touch of cream for smoothness. Served with golden grilled cheese sandwiches featuring melted cheddar, this meal is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Garlic powder and parsley (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend. Return the soup to the pot after blending.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and sugar if using. Season with dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally drizzle some extra cream or olive oil on top for presentation.
- Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle garlic powder and parsley onto the buttered side if you prefer extra flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place half of the shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Top with the other slice, buttered side up.
- Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, around 2-3 minutes per side. Flip carefully and cook the other side until cheese is fully melted and the bread is crisp.
- Serve: Slice the grilled cheese sandwich in half and serve alongside the creamy tomato soup for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a richer soup or substitute with milk for a lighter version.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the soup.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, fresh note to the soup.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella in the grilled cheese for gooey melting texture with sharp flavor.
