Imagine the comforting aroma of grilled cheese and tomato soup wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about this classic pairing that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
Simple to prepare, yet indulgent in flavor, it’s a favorite for all ages.
Watch as the ingredients transform into a velvety soup and crispy, gooey sandwiches.
Let’s bring this warm, nostalgic dish to life and enjoy the simple pleasure it offers.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 saucepan
- 1 frying pan
- 1 blender or immersion blender
- 1 spatula
- 1 ladle
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment (2 minutes).
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic (3 minutes).
- Butter the bread slices (3 minutes).
- Set up your cooking station with the saucepan and frying pan (2 minutes).
- Cooking (25 minutes):
- Heat olive oil in the saucepan over medium heat (1 minute).
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the saucepan, sauté until softened (3 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper (1 minute).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer (15 minutes).
- During the simmering time, prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches:
- Start heating a frying pan over medium heat (2 minutes).
- Place bread butter-side-down in the frying pan, top with cheese, and another slice of bread (3 minutes).
- Cook until golden brown and cheese has melted, flipping once (5 minutes).
- Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth (2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and allow to heat through (2 minutes).
- Resting (5 minutes):
- Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes to let flavors meld together.
- Serving:
- Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches hot with the tomato soup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in heavy cream and allow to heat through.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place bread butter-side-down in a frying pan over medium heat.
Top each slice with a slice of cheddar cheese and another slice of bread, butter-side-up.
Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, flipping once.
Serve grilled cheese sandwiches hot with the tomato soup.
Serving Tips
- Fresh Basil Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil on top of the tomato soup for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons to the soup for extra texture and a satisfying crunch.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the soup for a tangy contrast that enhances the tomato flavor.
- Pickles: Serve with a side of pickles to cut through the richness of the grilled cheese and add a revitalizing tang.
- Chili Flakes: Sprinkle chili flakes on the soup for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meal.
Storage
To store leftover grilled cheese tomato soup, refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to three days.
Reheat the soup on the stovetop and the sandwiches in a skillet for best results.
Freezing
To freeze grilled cheese tomato soup, let it cool completely.
Store the soup and sandwiches separately in airtight containers.
Reheat the soup on the stove and toast the sandwiches in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat grilled cheese tomato soup, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
For sandwiches, reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
This method prevents them from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup is a classic comfort food combination that never fails to satisfy.
The creamy, rich tomato soup pairs perfectly with the crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
It’s a simple yet delicious meal that can be customized to your liking.
Whether you choose to add fresh herbs, try different cheeses, or experiment with unique bread options, the possibilities are endless.
Remember to keep a close eye on the sandwiches to guarantee they achieve the perfect golden brown crust.
Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives for Heavy Cream?
You can definitely use non-dairy alternatives for heavy cream. Try coconut cream for a rich texture, or almond milk for a lighter option. Both will add a delicious twist while keeping the dish creamy and satisfying.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth, beef broth, or even water mixed with herbs for flavor. Homemade broth using leftover vegetables also works well. Make certain your substitute complements the dish’s flavors harmoniously.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
You can spice up the soup by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Sautéing a chopped jalapeño with the onions will also give it a fiery kick, ensuring a zesty, flavorful experience.
Is It Possible to Make the Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! Simply prepare it, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat it gently. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
What Are Some Gluten-Free Bread Options for the Sandwiches?
You can try gluten-free bread options like almond flour bread, rice bread, or a gluten-free multigrain loaf. These choices offer great texture and taste, ensuring your sandwiches remain delicious while accommodating dietary needs seamlessly.
Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Blender or immersion blender
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bread
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and allow to heat through.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place bread butter-side-down in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Top each slice with a slice of cheddar cheese and another slice of bread, butter-side-up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, flipping once.
- Serve grilled cheese sandwiches hot with the tomato soup.
Notes
