Picture the comforting aroma of melted cheese and the rich, tangy scent of tomato soup wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about this classic pairing that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Easy to whip up, this delightful duo promises simplicity and indulgence in every bite and sip.
Watch as the cheese bubbles and the soup simmers, transforming simple ingredients into a heartwarming feast.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 saucepan
- 1 skillet
- 1 blender or immersion blender
- 1 ladle
- 1 spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 slices bread
- 8 slices cheese, such as cheddar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, follow this timeline:
Preparation Time (10 minutes):
- 0-2 minutes: Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- 2-4 minutes: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- 4-6 minutes: Assemble the sandwiches by placing cheese between slices of bread.
- 6-8 minutes: Measure out the olive oil, butter, and other ingredients.
- 8-10 minutes: Verify everything is ready and within reach before cooking starts.
Cooking Time (30 minutes):
- 0-2 minutes: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- 2-6 minutes: Add chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan, cooking until soft.
- 6-8 minutes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- 8-28 minutes: Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.
- 28-30 minutes: Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and stir in heavy cream.
Sandwich Preparation (Concurrent with Soup):
- 10-18 minutes: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt remaining butter.
- 18-28 minutes: Cook assembled sandwiches in the skillet, flipping each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Resting Time (5 minutes):
– 30-35 minutes: Let the soup rest briefly to allow the flavors to meld.
Final Steps:
– 35-40 minutes: Serve grilled cheese sandwiches alongside the tomato soup. Garnish soup with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Additional Time:
Allocate extra time at the beginning to read through the entire recipe and instructions before starting, facilitating a smooth cooking process.
Recipe Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan, cooking until soft.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.
Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt remaining butter.
Assemble sandwiches by placing cheese between slices of bread.
Place sandwiches in the skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve grilled cheese sandwiches alongside the tomato soup.
Garnish soup with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serving Tips
- Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons to the soup for an extra crunch.
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the grilled cheese and soup.
- Pickles: Pair the meal with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A light and invigorating fruit salad can complement the savory dish well.
- Chips: Add a serving of crispy potato chips for a classic and satisfying side.
Storage
Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Grilled cheese should be stored separately.
Ideally, reheat grilled cheese in a skillet for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze tomato soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Freeze grilled cheese separately.
Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat grilled cheese and tomato soup, warm the soup gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
For sandwiches, use a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.
Avoid microwaves to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the quintessential comfort food.
The combination of crispy, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese paired with a rich, creamy tomato soup is hard to resist.
This classic American dish isn’t only satisfying but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a casual meal with friends.
With ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations like adding sliced tomatoes or bacon, the possibilities are endless.
And remember, the key to a perfect grilled cheese is to cook it slowly on medium heat to guarantee the bread is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Enjoy this timeless pairing, and don’t forget to garnish your soup with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth in the Soup?
You can definitely swap vegetable broth for chicken broth. It maintains the rich history of this comforting dish while offering a vegetarian twist. The flavors blend beautifully, highlighting the soup’s heritage as a beloved classic in American cuisine.
What’s the Best Type of Cheese for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
You should opt for cheddar. Its origins trace back to England, offering a rich, sharp flavor that melts beautifully. Its creamy texture and robust taste can elevate your sandwich, creating a timeless pairing that’s deeply satisfying.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
Spice up your soup by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can also toss in chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick, balancing heat with the creamy richness.
Is It Possible to Make the Soup Vegan?
You can make the soup vegan by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth, omitting heavy cream, and using a plant-based alternative like coconut milk. This change aligns with historical plant-based traditions, enhancing depth without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Prepare the Soup and Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup in advance, letting its flavors deepen overnight. Refrigerate and reheat gently. Sandwiches are best made fresh for crispiness, but you can pre-assemble them and grill just before serving.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Blender or immersion blender
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon butter divided
- 8 slice bread
- 8 slice cheese such as cheddar
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan, cooking until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt remaining butter.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing cheese between slices of bread.
- Place sandwiches in the skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve grilled cheese sandwiches alongside the tomato soup.
- Garnish soup with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
