When the chill of fall settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of grilled cheese and tomato soup to warm your soul. The buttery crunch of a perfectly toasted sandwich, with gooey melted cheese oozing from the sides, paired with a bowl of rich, tangy tomato soup creates a nostalgic hug in food form. I discovered this dish as a child, eagerly waiting for my mom to serve it on those rainy afternoons, and it has since remained my go-to comfort meal.
This delightful duo not only brings endless warmth but is also unbelievably easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. The beauty of grilled cheese and tomato soup lies in their versatility, making them perfect for anyone—whether you’re a busy professional seeking a quick meal or a parent looking to please picky eaters. Plus, with options for vegan and dairy-free substitutions, everyone can join in on this timeless American classic. So grab your spices and let’s dive into this comforting recipe that promises smiles all around!
Why is Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Perfect?
Nostalgic Comfort: This dish evokes warm memories, combining flavors that feel like a hug from your childhood.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or cozy weekends.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up flavors with different cheeses or add herbs for a twist!
Kid-Friendly: Kids love it, making family meals hassle-free and enjoyable for everyone.
Dietary Options: Easily adaptable for vegan and dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone can savor it!
Indulge in this delicious duo for a comforting meal that warms both the heart and belly.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Ingredients
For the Grilled Cheese
- Bread – Use sturdy varieties like white, sourdough, or multigrain for the perfect crunch.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create that irresistible crispy crust; swap for vegan butter if needed.
- Cheese – Gooey and melty, you can choose sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or American for delightful flavor.
For the Tomato Soup
- Olive Oil or Butter – Used to sauté aromatics; olive oil provides a lighter option.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup; shallots can provide a milder flavor.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup; essential for a delicious taste.
- Canned Whole Peeled Tomatoes – The base of the soup, yielding tangy and sweet notes; fresh tomatoes can be substituted if preferred.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Provides liquid and added flavor to the soup; water can be used in a pinch, but flavor will be less intense.
- Sugar (optional) – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; feel free to omit for a sugar-free version.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream (optional) – Adds creaminess to the soup; coconut milk works well for dairy-free alternatives.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – A wonderful garnish that adds freshness; thyme or parsley can be used as substitutes.
Dive into this delightful grilled cheese and tomato soup recipe with all the essential ingredients ready to go!
How to Make Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic goodness.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up a bit. Pour in the broth and sprinkle in the optional sugar to balance acidity. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until perfectly smooth, or blend in a regular blender in batches. Enjoy those kitchen aromas filling your home!
- Season and Finish: Stir in heavy cream, if desired, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese: While the soup simmers, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sandwich two slices of cheese between the bread, ensuring the buttered sides are facing out for that golden crust.
- Cook Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Press down slightly to ensure the cheese melts perfectly inside.
Optional: Serve with fresh basil sprinkled on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can make the tomato soup up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain its creamy texture, add the heavy cream just before serving. For the grilled cheese, you can pre-assemble the sandwiches without cooking them; just layer the butter and cheese between the bread and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting meal, simply grill the sandwiches on medium heat and heat the soup on the stove. You’ll have a delicious, cozy dinner in no time!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these enjoyable twists on a classic that are sure to excite your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese and use coconut milk instead of cream for a plant-based delight. Enjoy the same creamy texture and flavor, but without the dairy!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the tomato soup for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. This will invigorate your taste buds and transform your comforting bowl into a zesty experience.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano into the soup while it simmers to enhance its aromatic flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate any dish to new heights!
- Fancy Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese by adding sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even caramelized onions for a gourmet touch. Each bite becomes a delightful adventure with new flavors and textures.
- Roasted Vegetable Soup: Toss in roasted bell peppers or zucchini along with the tomatoes for an added richness in flavor and texture. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a delicious harmony.
- Chunky Tomato Style: Similar to a rustic tomato soup, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest chunky for a fun texture contrast. This playful approach will satisfy both creamy and chunky soup lovers!
- Cheesy Variations: Swap the cheese for blue cheese or pepper jack for a bold twist that adds tanginess and a kick of heat. Adventurous cheese lovers will appreciate this flavorful upgrade.
- Classic Italian: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your soup for an Italian flair. It’s like enjoying a mini vacation to Italy with every sip!
Expert Tips for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Choose the Right Bread: Sturdy options like sourdough or multigrain create a perfect crunch. Avoid flimsy bread that can become soggy.
- Perfect Heat Control: Cook the grilled cheese on low to medium heat for even melting. High heat might brown the bread without melting the cheese properly.
- Creamy Consistency: For a creamier soup, add heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end. Avoid over-blending, which can make it too thin.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment by adding spices or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the tomato soup. This elevates the overall taste.
- Avoid Freezing Sandwiches: Assembling and freezing grilled cheese is a no-go. Instead, prepare them fresh to maintain crispy texture and melty cheese.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup?
Creating a comforting meal is easy when pairing this classic duo with delightful sides that enhance the experience.
- Light Salad: A fresh mixed green salad adds a crisp contrast to the creamy soup, brightening the meal with tangy vinaigrette.
- Pickles: The crunch and acidity of tangy pickles cut through the richness, making them the perfect crunchy companion for both grilled cheese and soup.
- Fresh Fruit: Slices of crisp apples or juicy pears offer a refreshing sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Chips: Crunchy, salty potato chips add a satisfying texture to your meal. Dip them into your soup for a playful twist!
- Basil Pesto: A dollop of homemade or store-bought basil pesto on top of your soup brightens up the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Cold Beverage: Pair with an iced herbal tea or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast to this warm comfort food.
These side options can elevate your grilled cheese and tomato soup experience, making it a delightful meal for all occasions!
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Fridge: Keep the tomato soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Freezer: You can freeze the tomato soup for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Grilled Cheese: Best made fresh; however, you can pre-assemble sandwiches and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, grill in a skillet on low heat until crispy and cheese is melted.
Reheating Tips: If you have leftover grilled cheese, reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat for a few minutes per side for that delightful crispy crust and gooey inside.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of bread should I use for grilled cheese?
Absolutely! Sturdy breads like sourdough, multigrain, or even white bread are best for grilled cheese. They hold up well to grilling and provide that perfect crispy texture without becoming soggy.
How long can I store leftover tomato soup?
Very! You can keep tomato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth to restore its lovely texture.
Can I freeze tomato soup?
Certainly! Tomato soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. To thaw, simply leave it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if my grilled cheese sandwich is soggy?
No worries! If your grilled cheese turns out soggy, it might be due to too much moisture in the bread or using high heat. To avoid this, use less butter on the outside of the bread and cook on low to medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt gradually while the bread gets crispy.
Are there vegan options for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based options like vegan cheddar or mozzarella, and use vegan butter or olive oil for grilling. For the soup, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it delightful and creamy.
How should I reheat leftover grilled cheese?
Great question! To reheat leftover grilled cheese, place it in a skillet over low to medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method ensures you retain that delightful crispy crust while melting the cheese evenly inside. Enjoy every bite!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic goodness.
- Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up a bit. Pour in the broth and sprinkle in the optional sugar to balance acidity. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until perfectly smooth, or blend in a regular blender in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream, if desired, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sandwich two slices of cheese between the bread, ensuring the buttered sides are facing out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh basil sprinkled on top for an extra touch of flavor.
