If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Blending the rich, velvety texture of tomato soup with the golden, melty comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich, this duo is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The soup balances tangy tomatoes and smooth creaminess, while the grilled cheese offers that irresistible crispy crust and gooey center. Together, they create a timeless classic that’s easy to make but endlessly satisfying, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures without fuss. From the natural sweetness of sautéed onions to the creamy richness of heavy cream, these components come together to create a meal that’s bright, indulgent, and downright delicious.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base essential for flavor layering.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a gentle kick.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient, offering robust tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness for a deeper taste.
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Creates the perfect broth base, enhancing the soup’s depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter option): Provides luscious creaminess that smooths out the soup’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a mellow finish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish): Offers an aromatic herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of heat, perfect if you like a little spice.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Brings a fresh, vibrant touch when serving.
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or your choice): The foundation for the grilled cheese, choose your favorite for best results.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened: For that golden, crispy crust on the sandwich.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend): Melts perfectly to create a gooey, satisfying filling.
- Garlic powder and parsley (optional): Sprinkled on buttered bread to elevate flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, usually around 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the savory foundation of your soup. Then toss in the minced garlic, letting it cook for another minute until fragrant—careful not to burn it, as that can bring bitterness.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and your chosen vegetable or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 to 15 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Once the soup has cooked through, it’s time to achieve that unmistakably smooth texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully work in batches with a regular blender. Blending until perfectly smooth is key to capturing the “creamy” in Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning
Return your blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (or milk if you prefer a lighter touch). Add the optional sugar to balance acidity and season generously with dried basil, salt, and pepper. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
While the soup is finishing up, spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the buttered sides with garlic powder and parsley for an extra hit of flavor. Place half of your shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, then top it with the second slice, buttered side facing out.
Step 6: Cook the Sandwich
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and gently place your sandwich inside. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese has melted into a gooey delight. Flip carefully to keep everything intact. This grilled cheese is a vital partner to your creamy tomato soup, providing a perfect textural contrast.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your creamy tomato soup with fresh parsley or basil not only lightens its appearance but also adds a fresh burst of flavor. A drizzle of heavy cream or a bit of olive oil creates a pretty swirl that makes each bowl Insta-worthy. These finishing touches make the dish feel a little more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
While the grilled cheese sandwich is the classic companion, you could serve this soup with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal. Crunchy croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the soup add texture and extra flavor layers that make every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, cut the grilled cheese into bite-sized squares and use toothpicks for dipping into the soup—perfect for sharing or as a party appetizer. Serving the soup in rustic bowls with a side plate for the sandwich elevates the experience, turning a humble meal into a cozy, restaurant-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, you can easily store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your grilled cheese sandwiches separate if you plan to eat them later to prevent sogginess. This makes weekday lunches both quick and delicious.
Freezing
Creamy tomato soup freezes well, so make a bigger batch if you like! Cool it completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that cream-based soups sometimes separate when frozen, so give it a good stir upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the cream and soup smoothly combined. For the grilled cheese, pop the sandwich back into a skillet or toaster oven to regain that golden crunch and warm melted cheese—microwaving tends to make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Using fresh tomatoes can give your soup a lighter, fresher flavor. Just peel and crush ripe tomatoes before cooking and adjust the simmer time to ensure they break down properly.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based milk like almond or cashew milk to keep the soup creamy without dairy. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor.
What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup?
Classic cheddar is fantastic for its sharp flavor and melting qualities. Mixing cheddar with mozzarella adds extra stretchiness. Feel free to experiment with gouda, fontina, or even a bit of pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Can I make the soup spicier?
Definitely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the soup. You could also include a small diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions for added heat from the start.
How can I make the grilled cheese sandwich extra crispy?
Use softened butter generously on the outside of your bread and cook over medium heat slowly to allow the bread to brown evenly without burning. A cast iron skillet also helps achieve that perfect crust.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is one of those faithful meals that never fails to delight, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day. The harmony between silky, tangy soup and crispy, melted cheese sandwiches is pure comfort in every bite. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor a bowl (and sandwich) full of joy!
Print
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
Description
A comforting and classic meal featuring a rich, creamy tomato soup paired perfectly with a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe blends the freshness of tomatoes with soothing cream, balanced with herbs and spices, and pairs beautifully with crispy, buttery bread loaded with melted cheddar cheese.
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. Then 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 gently for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if necessary.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and sugar, if using, to balance acidity. Season with dried basil, salt, pepper, and optionally red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve Soup: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and optionally drizzle some extra cream or olive oil for a pretty finish.
- Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle garlic powder and parsley on the buttered sides if you’d like extra flavor enhancement.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place half of the shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts melting, about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip carefully and cook the other side until cheese is fully melted and bread is crisp.
- Serve: Slice the grilled cheese sandwich in half and serve it alongside the creamy tomato soup for a satisfying and classic pairing.
Notes
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for garnish if available for a burst of fresh flavor.
- The soup can be made lighter by substituting milk for heavy cream.
- For a richer grilled cheese, combine cheddar with mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit completely.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of the grilled cheese.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make vegetarian, ensure broth is vegetable-based and cheese is suitable for vegetarian diets.
