If you have a craving for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. This classic pairing brings together a luscious, velvety tomato soup with that satisfying crunch and gooey cheese of a perfectly toasted sandwich. Every spoonful of the soup bursts with rich tomato flavor softened by a touch of cream, while the grilled cheese offers just the right amount of buttery crispness and melty cheddar goodness. It’s a cozy duo that’s simple to make yet incredibly rewarding, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together to create big flavors. Each element has a special role, whether it’s building the soup’s depth, creating a perfect texture, or adding a golden crust to the sandwich.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the onions and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a savory aroma that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor with a concentrated punch.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a harmonious taste.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds an aromatic herbaceous note reminiscent of classic Italian flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients for a well-rounded soup.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle peppery warmth without overpowering.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The star of the soup, providing a rich and tangy tomato base.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Creates the perfect consistency and adds savory undertones.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silky richness to both the soup and the sandwich.
- 8 slices sandwich bread: Choose your favorite sturdy bread that crisps up nicely.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into that irresistible grilled cheese texture.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter (for bread): Ensures the bread toasts to a gorgeous golden brown with a buttery finish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This slow sautéing unlocks their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then mix in the tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring everything together until well combined. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering step deepens the tomato flavor and lets the liquid reduce slightly, concentrating the taste. It’s the heart of the soup where all your aromatics create magic.
Step 3: Blend the Soup Until Smooth
Once the simmering is done, remove the pot from heat and blend the soup to a silky smooth texture. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. This step transforms the chunky tomato mixture into that velvety texture that makes this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe so comforting.
Step 4: Add Cream and Butter
Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter. These ingredients add a luscious creaminess and a bit of indulgence that elevate the entire bowl. Warm the soup gently until everything is heated through, but avoid boiling once the cream is added to keep it perfectly smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
While the soup warms, prepare the sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise or softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread. This trick ensures a golden, equally crisp result. Layer cheddar cheese between two slices with the buttered sides facing out. Place each sandwich in a medium-heat skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely until the bread is wonderfully golden and crunchy, and the cheese inside has melted to gooey perfection.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve them piping hot alongside your creamy, dreamy tomato soup. The combination of textures and flavors in this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is absolutely unbeatable!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can take your presentation up a notch and introduce bursts of flavor. For this soup, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a swirl of extra cream adds a pretty touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes on the soup can add a mild kick if you like a little heat. For your grilled cheese, a dusting of finely chopped chives or a small side of pickles offers a delightful fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
This meal holds its own wonderfully, but if you want to add more variety, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crunchy carrot and celery sticks with hummus provide a refreshing, healthy side that complements the creamy soup and buttery sandwich perfectly. For a heartier option, roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a cozy addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and edible twist. You can also cut your grilled cheese sandwiches into fun shapes for kids or guests using cookie cutters. Layering the soup with a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan and crispy croutons adds textural contrast. For a party, offer a grilled cheese sandwich bar with different cheeses and breads so everyone can customize their own version alongside the classic soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Keep grilled cheese sandwiches separate if you want to preserve their crispiness.
Freezing
The Creamy Tomato Soup component freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best made fresh, as freezing tends to affect their texture and crispness.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating. For grilled cheese, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to regain the crunch rather than using a microwave, which can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese for the sandwich to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.
What type of bread works best for grilled cheese?
Sturdy sandwich bread like sourdough, white, or country loaf works wonderfully, as they crisp up nicely and hold the melted cheese well without becoming soggy.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Yes! Adding diced carrots or bell peppers when sautéing the onions can add sweetness and depth. Just cook them until soft before moving on to the next step.
Is it possible to make the soup spicy?
Definitely. Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the sautéing stage for a subtle heat that complements the rich tomato flavors.
How do I prevent the grilled cheese from burning before the cheese melts?
Cook the sandwiches on medium to medium-low heat, allowing the bread to brown slowly while giving the cheese enough time to melt inside without burning the outside.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is a true culinary comfort classic that’s incredibly easy to make but delivers joy in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal after a long day or want to impress family with a timeless favorite, this pairing hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the heartwarming flavors that feel like home.
Print
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and classic American meal featuring a rich and creamy tomato soup paired perfectly with a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich. This easy stovetop recipe combines simple ingredients for a delicious, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter (for bread)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and butter. Return the pot to low heat and warm through, but do not boil to keep the cream from curdling.
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise or butter on the outsides of each bread slice. Layer cheddar cheese between two slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outwards.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve alongside the hot creamy tomato soup for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Use any melty cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for variation.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- For a vegan option, use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and vegan cheese alternatives.
