Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about a bowl of Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese—it might be the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, tangy soup paired with that gooey, golden sandwich is cozy, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying, whether you’re warming up on a chilly afternoon or craving a quick, delicious dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The true beauty of Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is how just a handful of quality ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Every element matters—from ripe tomatoes and fresh basil to the perfect melting cheese—and each one adds its own character to the final dish.

• Tomatoes (1½ kg/3 lbs): Use vibrant, ripe seasonal tomatoes for the richest flavor, or reach for quality whole canned tomatoes (like San Marzano) when fresh aren’t at their peak.
• Balsamic Vinegar (2 tbsp): Gives the soup that tangy-sweet je ne sais quoi—absolutely worth it for depth!
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps roast and caramelize the tomatoes, bringing their natural sweetness forward.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Smooths out the tomatoes’ acidity—totally optional, but a splash can make a difference.
• Salt (1 tsp): Draws out the flavors at every stage, so don’t be shy.
• Red Onions (2, finely chopped): Add gentle sweetness and a beautiful color base—swap with yellow onions if needed.
• Garlic Cloves (2, finely chopped): Just enough to accentuate the tomatoes without overpowering.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (½ cup plus more to serve): The signature herbal lift—no need to chop, just toss them in!
• Tomato Paste (2 tsp): Intensifies the tomato richness and deepens color.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth (8 cups): Adds body and savory backbone, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Cream (½ cup): For that silky, luxurious finish (you can substitute with a dairy-free option if you like).
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Bring every element into perfect harmony at the end.
• Bread (2 slices per person): Use your favorite—sturdy sourdough or classic white both work beautifully for grilled cheese.
• Grated Mozzarella (2 cups): The mozzarella melts into those epic, stretchy cheese pulls we all dream of.
• Grated Mature Cheddar (2 cups): For extra depth and a little sharpness—such a tasty combo with mozzarella.
• Butter: Don’t skimp! It’s key for an irresistibly golden, crispy crust on your sandwiches.

Variations

No two bowls of Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese have to be the same—think of this as your customizable comfort canvas! Tweak the flavors, swap in your favorite cheeses, or make it lighter or more decadent to suit anyone around your table.

• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream in the soup and a vegan cheese blend in your sandwich for all the comfort, minus the dairy.
• Spiced-Up Soup: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to your onions and garlic for a warming, slightly spicy kick.
• Garlicky Grilled Cheese: Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the bread before grilling for an extra pop of flavor.
• Add Greens: Toss a handful of baby spinach or kale into the soup while it simmers, sneaking in extra nutrients without anyone noticing.
• Cheese Remix: Try gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack in your sandwich for a new cheesy twist!

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Roast Those Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. Spread your tomatoes (fresh or canned, juice and all!) on a large roasting tray. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a sprinkle of sugar, and salt. Toss well so every tomato gets a glossy coat, then roast for 25–30 minutes, until they’re softened and caramelized at the edges. This step is a game changer — the flavor intensifies and becomes so much more than just ‘tomato.’

Step 2: Start the Soup Base

While your tomatoes roast, heat a splash of olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Sauté the finely chopped onions until soft, translucent, and fragrant—about 5 minutes is perfect. Add the garlic and basil next, gently frying for just a minute to build a bold aromatic base.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Tip in your beautifully roasted tomatoes (scrape in all the pan juices!), add tomato paste, and an extra dash of sugar if you like. Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, bring everything together, and give it a good stir. Lower the heat, cover, and let it gently bubble away for 10 minutes, so all those flavors meld.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Take the pot off the heat and either use an immersion blender right in the pot (less mess!) or carefully transfer in batches to a blender. Purée until totally smooth and velvety. Stir in the cream and taste for seasoning—add more salt or black pepper as needed. Now your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is nearly ready to shine!

Step 5: Make the Grilled Cheese

In a small bowl, mix your grated mozzarella and cheddar. Sprinkle a generous ½ cup of cheese on half of your bread slices, then top each with the remaining bread to make sandwiches. Butter both sides well—don’t be shy! Fry in a non-stick pan over medium heat, pressing gently, until golden on both sides and the cheese is irresistibly melty (about 3 minutes per side).

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls, topping each with a swirl of extra cream and a shower of fresh basil leaves. Cut your sandwiches on the diagonal for a classic look, and dive right in—a warm hug in every bite and sip!

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Dress up your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese with a swirl of cream for indulgence, a handful of torn fresh basil for color and zing, and maybe a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or chili flakes for some heat. If you love a crunch, homemade croutons or even a handful of toasted seeds are fabulous for texture.

Side Dishes

Honestly, a cheesy grilled sandwich is the soup’s best friend, but you could add a simple green salad, a tangy pickled veggie plate, or even crispy potato wedges to round out the meal. For brunch, serve with a soft-boiled egg or a handful of olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Treat your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese like the star it is by ladling it into mugs for dunking, serving mini grilled cheese soldiers for dipping fun, or even setting up a DIY garnish bar (basil, cheese, chili oil) so everyone can “decorate” their bowl. It’s a playful, crowd-pleasing way to make even a simple dinner feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra soup (lucky you!), let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better by day two! It’s perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners on repeat.

Freezing

This tomato soup freezes beautifully! Cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in a pot from frozen. Grilled cheese are best made fresh, but you can freeze the bread and cheese as pre-assembled sandwiches, too.

Reheating

To reheat this soup, simply warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally; avoid boiling once the cream is added to keep it silky. For grilled cheese, refresh on a skillet or toaster oven for that just-crisped, melty vibe—almost as delicious as the first time around!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need a little lift or a cozy meal to share, Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is always a winning move. I hope you try this recipe soon—once you taste that spoonful of creamy soup and bite into the perfect cheesy sandwich, you’ll know exactly why it’s a forever favorite. Enjoy!

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