Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

If there’s ever a pairing that defines cozy comfort, it’s definitely Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. This recipe layers luscious roasted tomato flavor with fragrant basil, creamy goodness, and a crunchy, gooey grilled cheese that transforms simple ingredients into an experience—one that’s as lovely to share as it is quick to make on any weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese leans into basic, vibrant ingredients that work magic together. Each item brings its own touch—sweetness, creaminess, tang, or crunch—building a soup-and-sandwich combo that’s both rich and beautifully balanced.

• Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh tomatoes deliver the brightest flavor, but high-quality canned whole tomatoes are a fabulous substitute in the off-season.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Gives a subtle sweetness and tang that elevates the tomato base—don’t skip it!
• Olive Oil: Helps the tomatoes roast to caramelized, savory perfection.
• Sugar: Just a tablespoon to smooth out the tomatoes’ acidity, keeping the soup beautifully mellow.
• Salt: The foundation of flavor! Adds depth and brings out sweetness in the tomatoes.
• Red Onions: Softer, sweeter, and perfect for sautéing into the flavor base.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with a gentle aromatic kick—just two cloves do the trick.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For brightness; they’ll blend right in, so no chopping needed.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated, deeper tomato note.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Use whichever you love; it builds the soup’s body and savory backbone.
• Cream: Swirled in at the end for luxurious texture and flavor.
• Black Pepper: Just a bit, freshly ground, for gentle heat.
• Bread: Thick and hearty is best for holding up all that melted cheese.
• Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese: This dream duo melts beautifully and brings both gooeyness and tang to your grilled cheese.
• Butter: To slather those sandwiches before grilling—essential for a golden, crisp finish.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese, it’s so much fun to make it your own! Small tweaks create big flavor changes and let you adapt the recipe for taste, dietary needs, or simply whatever’s hanging around in your pantry or fridge.

• Spicy Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick that warms each bite.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream in the soup and vegan cheeses for your sandwich to keep things deliciously creamy but completely vegan or lactose-free.
• Herby Twist: Try a sprinkle of oregano or thyme in the soup for a Mediterranean vibe, or mix fresh herbs into the cheese before grilling it for extra flavor bursts.
• Loaded Grilled Cheese: Layer in slices of tomato, caramelized onions, or even a swipe of pesto inside your sandwich before grilling for a savory surprise.
• Fun Cheeses: Swap one or both cheeses for pepper jack, provolone, or fontina—each brings its own melty magic.

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/390°F. Lay the tomatoes (if using fresh, halve them; if canned, pour in all the juices) in a roasting tray and toss with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Slide the tray into the oven and let the tomatoes roast for 25–30 minutes, until softened and just beginning to caramelize—a little golden color means big, concentrated flavor.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In a thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high. Sauté your chopped red onion until translucent and fragrant, stirring so they sweat and sweeten without burning. Add the garlic and fresh basil. Stir for another minute, letting the kitchen fill with their irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Into the pot go your caramelized roasted tomatoes (juices and all!), a squeeze of tomato paste, and the sautéed aromatics. Pour in the broth—chicken or vegetable both work gorgeously. Give everything a good stir, then cover and let it all simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Take the pot off the heat and use an immersion blender, or carefully ladle the soup into a countertop blender. Purée until smooth and velvety. Now swirl in the cream and give it a taste—add salt and black pepper as needed. The color becomes beautifully creamy and the aroma is simply irresistible.

Step 5: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella with sharp cheddar. Pile a generous amount on half your bread slices, topping with their partners to make sandwiches. Butter the outsides until glossy. Warm a skillet over medium heat, and grill the sandwiches until golden and crisp on both sides with molten cheese inside. Resist biting in immediately (though I never can!).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your Easy Tomato Soup into bowls and drizzle a little extra cream or olive oil over the top. Sprinkle with torn fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy, and bring the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside—ideally for dunking. Dig in while everything’s hot and melty!

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Take your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese up a notch with a simple garnish: a swirl of cream or good olive oil, fresh basil leaves (whole or torn), and a crack of black pepper. For a little sparkle, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or even crunchy croutons on top of the soup before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the table, think crisp green salads with a light vinaigrette, a small bowl of olives, or even some quick-pickled veggies for tang and crunch. And of course, more grilled cheese never hurt anyone!

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-festive touch, serve your soup in big mugs (easier for dipping!), or cut the grilled cheese into strips or cubes for dunking fun. Hosting a crowd? Set up a “DIY grilled cheese” bar with a few bread and cheese choices, so everyone can make their own perfect melt alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Grilled cheese is best fresh off the pan, but if you have extras, keep them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 24 hours and reheat for a quick snack.

Freezing

Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is perfect for batch cooking! The soup (without the cream) freezes beautifully—just cool it fully and portion into containers for up to 2–3 months. Add the cream after thawing and reheating for the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over low heat until steaming (add a splash of broth if it’s thickened). For leftover grilled cheese, toast in a hot pan or oven for a few minutes to revive that crisp, melty perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try making this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese the next time you crave a little comfort. Each bite is cozy, satisfying, and just playful enough to bring a smile—share it with loved ones or savor that classic combo all to yourself!