Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
The timeless appeal of a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich paired with a bowl of smoky, tasty tomato soup. If it’s a cold winter day, a leisurely lunch, or just an essential evening meal, Grilled cheese and tomato Soup is the ideal combination to add warmth and sweetness to your food.
In this article, we’ll explain how to create the perfect cheese sandwich grilled with a crispy gold-coloured exterior, perfectly melting cheese in the middle, and a delicious tomato soup made from scratch that’s quick to make and packed with flavour. With step-by-step instructions and tips to achieve the most delightful texture and taste and options to make the dish unique, you’ll be able to have your delicious meal ready in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
This recipe is suitable for four people. Adjust quantities if serving more or fewer people.
Ingredient | Amount |
Bread slices (sourdough white or sourdough) | 8 slices |
Butter (softened) | 4 tablespoons |
Cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice) | Eight slices (about 4 8 ounces) |
Optional: Gruyere or mozzarella | 4 Ounces grated |
Optional: Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
Tip: Sourdough or thickly cut white bread creates a crisp gold crust best.
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
Ingredient | Amount |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Onion cut into pieces | 1 medium |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Canned tomatoes crushed | 28 pounds (1 can) |
Chicken or vegetable broth | 2 cups |
Milk or heavy cream (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Fresh fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) | 1/4 cup chopped |
Optional: Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Tip: Adding just a tiny amount of sugar to the soup can help neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, giving it a smoother taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The secret to a flawless grill cheese sandwich is the crispy, golden crust and melting cheese. Follow these tips to ensure the perfect result every time.
Step | Instructions |
1. Prepare the Bread | Spread butter that has been softened evenly over the other side of each slice of bread. |
2. Assemble the Sandwiches | Place a cheese slice on the unbuttered side the bread slice. Add a second slices of bread. Spread the butter the other side. |
3. Optional: Add Dijon Mustard | To enhance the flavor, spread a thin layer Dijon mustard over the bread before putting in the cheese. |
4. Heat the Skillet | Set a nonstick skillet or griddle in a medium-low temperature. Allow it to warm up for just a few minutes. |
5. Grill the Sandwiches | Place your sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 mins per side. lightly pressing down using a spatula. |
6. Check for Crispiness | Sandwiches are served when bread has turned golden brown and the cheese has completely melt. Change the temperature as needed. |
7. Slice and Serve | Remove from the heat, allow to cool slightly, then cut in half, and serve along with the soup. |
Pro Tip: Cooking at a moderately low heat will prevent the bread from burning before the cheese has had an opportunity to fully melt.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tomato Soup
Making your tomato soup is easy, and the results are significantly more flavorful than a canned version. Here’s how to make it:
Step | Instructions |
1. Saute the Onion and Garlic | In a large pan cook olive oil over moderate temperature. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes. |
2. Add Garlic and Cook | Add the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid burning. |
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth | Pour into the can of tomatoes as well as the broth. Stir until the ingredients are combined and reduce the heat to a simmer. |
4. Season the Soup | Include salt, pepper and sugar (if you wish) to reduce acidity. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. |
5. Simmer the Soup | Allow the soup to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes so that the flavors can mix. |
6. Blend the Soup (Optional) | For a smooth texture employ an immersion blender right within the pot or transfer it to a blender in small portions. |
7. Add Cream (Optional) | Incorporate heavy cream or milk to create an even creamier consistency. |
8. Garnish and Serve | Ladle soup into bowls and add fresh parsley, basil or even fresh basil and serve it with cheese sandwiches grilled. |
Pro Tip: If you’re using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before mixing it to prevent hot splashes.
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Selecting the Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and has a distinct taste, but you are at ease mixing in other cheeses, such as Gruyere and mozzarella, to add flavour and melting.
- Bread Choice: Sourdough bread holds well and gives an underlying tang that goes well with cheese. However, thick slices of whole-grain or white bread can also be used.
- Creamy or chunky soup? For a smooth, velvety soup, mix thoroughly. For those who prefer a more chunky texture, you can leave it unblended or blend a tiny portion.
- Modify the soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to add spice or some fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme for added flavour.
Suggested Variations
There are numerous ways to personalize this classic dish to meet your preferences. Here are some variations to think about:
Variation | Description |
Spicy Grilled Cheese | Include a small amount of red pepper flakes in the cheese to add a touch of spice, or you can use pepperjack cheese. |
Basil Pesto Grilled Cheese | Apply a thin layer of pesto made of basil on bread to give it a refreshing herbaceous flavor that goes well with tomatoes. |
Roasted Red Pepper Soup | Mix in roasted red peppers along with the tomatoes for a spicy variation on the traditional tomato soup. |
Gourmet Grilled Cheese | Make a mixture of cheeses such as Brie, Gruyere, and fontina. Add caramelized onions for a great flavor. |
Herbed Tomato Soup | Include fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary to make an even more aromatic and delicious soup. |
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Complete Meal
Although Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup are both delicious, adding extra ingredients can make the meal more satisfying. Here are a few options:
- Aside Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette that adds freshness and perfectly balances the richness of the soup and cheese you grill.
- Pickles or Olives: The acidity in olives or pickles adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup of cheese and tomatoes.
- Garlic Breadsticks If you want to indulge in garlic breadsticks, you can serve them to dip into soup with your cheese grilled.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a sweet and crunchy flavour that perfectly matches the meal’s other savoury ingredients.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, which includes one grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of soup.
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 560 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Fat | 28 g |
Carbohydrates | 52 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Sugar | 10 g |
Notice: The nutritional value could differ depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup are classic combinations that have many benefits. It’s simple to prepare: tasty, cosy, and comforting. This is why this combination is so delicious:
- Warm and cosy: The warmness of the soup and melty cheese makes this an ideal dinner for cold winter nights or cosy dinners in the comfort of your home.
- Perfect for All Ages: This combination is appealing to adults and kids alike, making it ideal for family meals.
- Flexible: The grilled cheese and soup can be customized with various cheeses, spices and even add-ins to personalize it.
- Simple and Quick: This meal is prepared in just 30 minutes with essential ingredients and a few steps.
Conclusion
Grilled cheese with tomato soup is a tried-and-true classic always in fashion. Crispy, toasty bread, buttery and moist, melty cheese and tangy tomato soup made from scratch,