Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is one of those timeless combinations that brings comfort and joy to anyone who enjoys a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a chilly winter day or you’re simply craving a nostalgic dish, this classic duo never fails to deliver. The warm, creamy tomato soup paired with the crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy, savory soup contrasts beautifully with the rich, gooey cheese and crispy, buttery bread. While the combination is simple, its flavors are deeply satisfying, making it a go-to meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack. This article will walk you through every detail of making Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from scratch, ensuring that your dish is as delicious as possible.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or a blend)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups canned whole tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the soup. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is melted, add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor to the soup, so be careful not to burn it.
Step 2:
Next, add the canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) to the pot along with the dried basil. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you may want to cook them longer to allow them to break down into a softer, saucier consistency. Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3:
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Pureeing the soup creates a smooth, velvety texture that complements the grilled cheese. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it for a shorter amount of time or leave it as is. After blending, return the soup to low heat and add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional depending on your preference.
Step 4:
If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point. The cream adds richness and smoothness to the soup, making it more indulgent and comforting. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through, and then remove from heat.
Step 5:
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches. Start by buttering one side of each slice of bread. The buttered side will be the outer layer of the sandwich, giving it a crispy, golden finish when grilled. On the unbuttered side, place a slice of cheese (or more, if you like it extra cheesy) and top with another slice of bread, buttered side up. You can use your choice of cheese for this sandwich, but cheddar, American, and a mix of both are classic choices. The cheese should melt beautifully and provide a creamy, gooey texture inside the sandwich.
Step 6:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwiches over and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
Step 7:
Once the sandwiches are ready, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing. Cutting them diagonally gives the sandwiches a more traditional look, and it makes dipping them into the tomato soup easier.
Variation:
- Add-ins for the Soup: You can enhance the flavor of the tomato soup by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes for a kick, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Herbed Grilled Cheese: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the butter before spreading it on the bread for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. You could even use a combination of cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Veggie-packed Tomato Soup: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor. These veggies will blend nicely into the soup when pureed.
Cooking Notes:
- Use a Good Quality Bread: The bread you choose for your grilled cheese plays a significant role in the final taste and texture. Opt for thick slices of a hearty bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or a rustic country bread to give the sandwich a satisfying crunch and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Gruyère, provolone, or brie can bring new dimensions to the classic grilled cheese.
- Adjust the Soup Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or let the soup simmer longer to evaporate some liquid. For a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is a meal on its own, but it can also be complemented with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a simple salad, such as a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup and sandwich. A side of crispy chips, roasted potatoes, or even a pickle can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of sweet potato fries or onion rings. A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay also pairs wonderfully with this dish. For dessert, a simple chocolate chip cookie or a slice of apple pie can add a sweet ending to this comforting meal.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Tomato Soup: The soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving.
- Grilled Cheese for Kids: If you’re making this meal for kids, consider cutting the sandwiches into smaller, more manageable pieces. You can also make the grilled cheese sandwich with less cheese for a lighter version.
- Customization: If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you can use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese to make this meal gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Prep Time:
15 minutes (if using pre-canned tomatoes)
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 1 bowl of soup and 1 sandwich):
Calories: 600-700 kcal
Protein: 20-25g
Sodium: 1000-1200mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the tomato soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: Yes, tomato soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: How can I make my grilled cheese extra crispy?
A: For an extra crispy sandwich, make sure your skillet is hot enough before placing the sandwich in it. You can also add a little olive oil along with butter for an added crispness.
Q: What are the best cheeses for grilled cheese?
A: Cheddar, American, Gruyère, and mozzarella are all great options for grilled cheese. For more complex flavors, try combining different cheeses.
Conclusion:
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is the ultimate comfort food combination, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite. The crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich paired with the creamy, savory tomato soup is the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a simple lunch, a cozy dinner, or a comforting snack. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and seasonings. It’s a meal that’s easy to make yet full of rich flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you stick to the classic version or make some creative adjustments, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup will never go out of style.