Experience the ultimate comfort duo with our Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe! Indulge in the classic combination of gooey melted cheese sandwiched between perfectly grilled bread, paired with a velvety-smooth tomato soup bursting with rich flavors. This iconic comfort food duo is a symphony of warmth and nostalgia, promising to transport you to a cozy haven with every savory bite. Embrace the timeless harmony of flavors and let your taste buds dance with delight!
When you are looking for a comforting dish to either help you feel better or warm you up on a chilly day, then Tomato Soup And Grilled Cheese should be up there.
This dish is even better because it consists of very healthy ingredients. Thus, not only does it taste amazing, but it is also really nutritious and beneficial for you.
No longer should you be reheating soup from a can, as this recipe is incredibly easy to recreate. While any grilled sandwich works well with tomato soup, you cannot go wrong with the classic and tangy cheese.
We have all the steps you need to follow to make this delicious grilled cheese and tomato soup recipe. Read on to learn how you can make this dish yourself!
What Is Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup?
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food pairing, adored for its simple yet rich flavors. The grilled cheese sandwich typically consists of slices of bread filled with cheese, grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
Its crispy, gooey allure is the perfect counterpoint to tomato soup, a creamy or broth-based blend of tomatoes, spices, and sometimes cream.
Together, they form a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—crunchy and smooth, savory and tangy—offering a complete, comforting meal experience.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Keto Use low-carb bread for the grilled cheese and replace the honey in the soup with a keto-friendly sweetener. Opt for heavy cream instead of coconut milk.
- Paleo Ensure your canned tomatoes are free from added sugar or preservatives. Use almond flour bread for the grilled cheese and ghee for the grilling.
- Gluten-Free Use gluten-free bread for the grilled cheese, and ensure your broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free.
- Whole30 Omit the cheese and honey. Replace the bread with a Whole30-compliant version, and use coconut cream in the soup.
- Vegetarian Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup.
- Vegan Replace the cheese with a vegan alternative and use vegetable broth. Opt for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup, and use coconut or almond milk instead of dairy.
Recipe Directions
- Step 1: Sauté onions in hot olive oil for 5 minutes in a Dutch oven. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 2: Stir in coconut milk, tomatoes, and broth. Add seasonings like red pepper flakes, honey, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Blend the soup to the desired consistency and set aside.
- Step 4: Prepare grilled cheese by buttering bread and layering cheese between slices. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes in a skillet.
- Step 5: Serve soup and sandwich together, optionally garnishing soup with grated Parmesan.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or sharp cheddar.
- Pesto Swirl: For an Italian twist, spread a layer of pesto on the bread before adding the cheese.
- Bacon Bits: Add crispy bacon bits to the soup or sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Avocado Slices: Add slices of avocado to your grilled cheese sandwich for a healthier twist.
- Spicy Drizzle: A drizzle of Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper can add heat to the soup and the sandwich.
- Herbed Croutons: Top your tomato soup with homemade croutons seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Caramelized Onions: Enhance the soup or sandwich with caramelized onions for sweetness.
Can I Make Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- For the soup, combine all the ingredients except for the coconut milk and set the cooker low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add coconut milk near the end and blend.
- The grilled cheese, however, would still require a stovetop or griddle for that crispy texture.
Instant Pot
- Use the sauté function to cook the onions and garlic, add other ingredients, and then pressure cook for about 10 minutes.
- Quickly release the pressure, add coconut milk, and blend.
- The sauté setting can also crisp up the sandwich in a pinch.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
- Convenience: Store-bought broth is quick and easy, especially if you’re short on time. Opt for a high-quality, organic brand with minimal additives.
- Flavor Control: Making your broth allows you to control the flavors and salt content, making your soup more personalized and healthier.
- Sodium: Store-bought versions can be high in sodium, so look for low-sodium options if this concerns you.
- Cost: Homemade is usually more cost-effective if you make large quantities, especially using vegetable scraps or leftover chicken bones.
- Texture: Homemade broths can offer a richer texture and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the soup.
How To Serve ?Â
- Temperature: Serve the soup piping hot; reheating before serving ensures maximum flavor. The grilled cheese should be warm and crispy, not soggy.
- Pairing: Cut the grilled cheese into manageable slices or triangles and place them artfully next to or partially submerged in the soup bowl for visual appeal.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan on the soup can elevate its appearance and taste.
- Serving Ware: Use warm bowls for the soup and a separate plate or board for the grilled cheese, allowing guests to enjoy each component individually or together.
- Accompaniments: Offer some simple sides like pickles or a green salad to balance the richness of the soup and sandwich.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Green Salad: A simple leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the grilled cheese and soup.
- Pickles: The tanginess of pickles can cut through the richness of the cheese and add a different texture.
- Fruit Slices: Fresh apple or pear slices can provide a crisp and sweet contrast.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These can add a touch of sweetness and are a healthier alternative to regular fries.
- Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower can be lightly seasoned and served as a nutritious side.
- Garlic Bread: For those who want an even heartier meal, garlic bread can complement the flavors in the soup.
- Coleslaw: A lightly dressed coleslaw can provide both crunch and tang, enhancing the overall meal.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Cool Separately: After preparation, allow the grilled cheese and tomato soup to cool separately to room temperature before storing.
- Store in Airtight Containers: Transfer the grilled cheese and soup into separate airtight containers to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Promptly refrigerate both the grilled cheese and tomato soup to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Consume Within 2-3 Days: Enjoy within 2-3 days of refrigeration for optimal taste and quality.
- Make Ahead: Prepare components of the meal in advance and store them separately. Reheat when ready to serve for a convenient and satisfying meal.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Tomato Soup Risotto: Use the leftover tomato soup as the liquid base for a risotto, adding extra richness and flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice and chopped-up grilled cheese, then bake until soft.
- Pasta Sauce: Reduce the leftover tomato soup to a thicker consistency and use it as a pasta sauce. Add some veggies for extra nutrition.
- Soup Dumplings: Thicken the soup with a bit of cornstarch and use it as a filling for homemade dumplings.
- Grilled Cheese Croutons: Cut the leftover grilled cheese into cubes and toast them in the oven. Use these as croutons for salads or to top another soup.
- Frittata: Crumble the grilled cheese and mix it into a frittata batter and some veggies for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Quesadilla: Open the grilled cheese, add extra fillings like cooked chicken or vegetables, and re-grill as a quesadilla.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Opt for a combination of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere for a flavorful and melty grilled cheese.
- Butter vs. Mayonnaise: Experiment with spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for grilling—each adds a unique flavor and texture.
- Bread Choice: Choose sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta to hold up to the cheese and grilling process without becoming soggy.
- Soup Seasoning: Enhance the tomato soup’s flavor with herbs like basil or oregano, and consider adding a splash of cream for richness.
- Grill on Low Heat: Grill the sandwich over low heat to ensure the bread crisps up evenly without burning while the cheese melts to perfection.
30-Minutes Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup Recipe (Rich And Velvety)
Course: BisqueServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
200
kcalSavor the ultimate comfort duo: a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of rich, velvety tomato soup. This combo warms the soul and delights the palate in every bite.
Ingredients
1 Cup 1 Broth
1 1 Diced Medium Onion
56 Ounce 56 Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
4 4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
½ Cup ½ Coconut Milk
2 Tablespoons 2 Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon 1 Honey
¼ Cup ¼ Fresh Basil
1 Teaspoon 1 Dried Oregano
2 Teaspoons 2 Salt
¼ Teaspoon ¼ Red Pepper Flakes
½ Teaspoon ½ Pepper
Parmesan Cheese (optional) (To Taste)
Step-By-Step Directions
- Create Your Soup Base
Warm up the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. The onions should be added once the oil is hot. Then, cook the onions for about five minutes while stirring occasionally.
After this point, add your minced garlic and cook for a further minute. - Make The Soup Creamy
Now that the base is created, you can add coconut milk, tomatoes, and broth to the Dutch oven. Stir everything together until it is all blended.
Then, you can season the soup to your taste by adding red pepper flakes, honey, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Once again, mix everything and give the soup the taste. You can add more or less of these seasonings until you are happy with how the soup is tasting. - Â Bring To The Boil And Simmer
With all the ingredients added, it is time to bring the soup up to the boil. Once you have reached a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a low and gentle simmer.
Simmer your soup for around 20 minutes. After this time, turn the heat off and allow your soup to rest for up to 10 minutes. - Â Blend The Soup
Use any blender you have, whether an immersion, food processor, or regular blender. Blend your soup until it has a smooth consistency.
While we recommend a smooth consistency, if you like your soup to be more lumpy, you must stop blending sooner.
Once you are happy with the consistency of the soup, you need to pour it back into your pot. This soup is ready to be served. - Create Your Grilled Cheese
Now that your soup is complete, you create your grilled cheese sandwiches.
Butter one side of each slice of bread for the grilled cheese sandwich.
A skillet should be heated to medium-high. Then, place the cheese on top of the un-buttered side of your bread. Put your bread butter inside the heated skillet and add a lid to the pan.
Add the second piece of bread and butter to the cheese after about two minutes. Put the lid back on the skillet and cook for two more minutes.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the opposite side until both sides are golden brown. - Â Serve
Once both sides of the grilled cheese are brown, please remove it from the pan, slice it in half, and serve.
When serving your tomato soup, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a tangy flavor. - Equipment List
- Dutch Oven or Large Saucepan
- Skillet or Griddle
- Immersion Blender or Stand Blender
- Cheese Grater
- Ladle
- Kitchen Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- Wooden Spoon
Notes
- Opt for whole-grain bread for extra fiber.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Fresh basil enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
- For a dairy-free version, switch to plant-based cheese and milk.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving; individual preferences vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan for added flair.
Nutrition Table
