Grilled cheese and tomato soup is one of those classic comfort food combinations that bring back memories of childhood and provide a sense of warmth and satisfaction. The crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich with melted cheese paired with a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy tomato soup is a combination that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying it on a rainy day, at lunchtime, or for a quick dinner, this meal is always a crowd-pleaser.
Both parts of this dish – the grilled cheese and the tomato soup – can be made from scratch to enhance the flavor and elevate the experience. Here’s how to make both a homemade grilled cheese sandwich and a delicious tomato soup from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if preferred)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or any bread of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your choice of melty cheese like Gruyère or Swiss)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
- A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Soup
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter and sauté the finely chopped onion for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, add the two cans of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces before adding them to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the tomatoes are mixed with the onions and garlic.
- Season the soup: Add 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, along with the dried basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the tomatoes time to break down.
- Blend the soup: Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering hot liquid.
- Add cream or milk: After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a regular blender) and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or whole milk. This step adds richness and a creamy texture to the soup. Continue to cook the soup on low heat for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a little sugar if the soup tastes too acidic.
- Serve the soup: Once your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, or a drizzle of cream for an extra touch of elegance. Set aside while you prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches.
Step 2: Making the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Prepare the bread and butter: Start by buttering the slices of bread. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you prefer an extra rich grilled cheese, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the other side as well. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Place two slices of cheese on each slice of bread. If you prefer more cheese, you can add an additional slice or even combine different types of cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Grill the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches, buttered side down, into the pan. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling. Once the first side is golden brown and crispy, flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is crispy and golden.
- Slice and serve: Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute before slicing them diagonally for that classic look. Serve immediately alongside your freshly made tomato soup.
Step 3: Serving the Dish
- Presentation: Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside a bowl of tomato soup. For a classic touch, you can dip your sandwich into the soup, enjoying the contrast of the hot, creamy soup with the warm, cheesy, and crispy sandwich.
- Garnishes: If you want to elevate the dish, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the soup, or even a swirl of cream for a more luxurious look. You can also add extra herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to the soup for added freshness.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Bread Choice: The type of bread you choose can make a big difference. For a more traditional grilled cheese, use a soft white bread or whole wheat. For a more decadent experience, try sourdough or a hearty multigrain bread, which will add texture and flavor.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese, feel free to get creative with other cheeses. Gruyère or Swiss cheese will melt beautifully and add a nutty, rich flavor. You can even combine different cheeses for more depth.
- Tomato Soup Variations: If you prefer a chunkier tomato soup, you can leave it unblended, or simply use a hand blender for a more rustic texture. You can also roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
- Adding Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil are wonderful in tomato soup. If you have fresh basil on hand, chop it up and sprinkle it over the soup just before serving for added freshness.
- Spicing It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup as it simmers. You can also mix a little bit of hot sauce into the soup or on top of the grilled cheese for a spicy kick.
- Make-Ahead Tips: The soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best made fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time (buttering the bread and slicing the cheese) to make the process quicker.
Conclusion
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of crispy, cheesy grilled sandwiches with rich, velvety tomato soup is unbeatable. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, this dish is guaranteed to bring joy and warmth to any table. The homemade tomato soup adds a level of depth and richness that store-bought versions simply can’t match, while the grilled cheese sandwiches provide the perfect crispy, cheesy accompaniment. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy winter night to a quick and easy weekday dinner.