Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese recipe. Perfect for fall, the creamy tomato soup is rich in flavor, while the crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly for dipping. This simple dish is not only quick to prepare but also warms the soul on chilly days. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a cozy meal that’s sure to bring back fond memories!
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream optional, for creaminess
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- 4 slices of your favorite bread sourdough, whole wheat, or white
- 4 slices of cheese cheddar, American, or a blend
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Soup
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
-
Season the Soup: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
-
Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream if you want a creamier texture. Adjust seasoning as needed and keep warm on low heat.
Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
-
Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of the sandwich.
-
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat. Layer two slices of cheese on top, then add the remaining two slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
-
Cook the Sandwich: Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down slightly with a spatula for an even melt.
-
Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool for a minute, then cut them in half.
Step 3: Serve
-
Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches on the side. Garnish the soup with fresh basil if desired.
