There is something irresistibly cozy about a warm bowl of soup paired with a gooey sandwich, which is exactly why I’m so excited to share this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe with you. This dish is a perfect blend of velvety tomato richness and crispy, cheesy bread that feels like a hug in food form. Whether you’re battling a chilly day or simply craving that satisfying comfort meal, this classic combo never disappoints. The soup’s smooth texture, balanced flavors, and the sandwich’s golden crispiness work together like best friends, making every bite simply delightful.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to creating this fabulous Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness of caramelized onions to the creamy indulgence of melted cheese, ensuring every spoonful and bite bursts with flavor and texture.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sauté the onions and garlic perfectly.
1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base to the soup.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, savory depth.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient offering vibrant color and intense tomato flavor.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato taste and adds a hint of sweetness.
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Thins the soup to the perfect consistency while enhancing overall flavor.
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option): Creates that luscious, velvety texture in the soup.
1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances out the acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish): Introduces a fragrant herbal note to the soup.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh aroma before serving.
4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or your choice): The crispy, buttery base for the grilled cheese sandwiches.
2 tablespoons butter, softened: Ensures perfectly golden brown bread with a rich flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella): Melts beautifully to ooze out of the sandwich.
Garlic powder and parsley (optional): Sprinkle this on the buttered bread for an extra flavorful kick.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is important because it brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which pairs beautifully with the acidity of tomatoes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making the base of your soup utterly aromatic.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering allows all those flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory foundation that’s the hallmark of this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Once simmered, it’s time to blend. Using an immersion blender right in the pot makes this step super easy, but transferring the soup in batches to a countertop blender works just as well. Blend until smooth and creamy. The smooth texture truly sets this soup apart, giving it that iconic comforting feel that’s just perfect alongside a grilled cheese.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning

Return the blended soup back to the pot, stir in the heavy cream along with the optional sugar to balance the acidity. Season generously with dried basil, salt, pepper, and if you like it spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the creaminess can fully develop and all the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some garlic powder and parsley on the buttered sides. Then, layer half the shredded cheese onto the unbuttered side of one slice of bread and cover it with the other slice, ensuring the buttered side faces outwards. This prep ensures that every bite has that perfect golden crust with melted cheese inside.

Step 6: Cook the Sandwich

Warm a skillet over medium heat and place your sandwich in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts deliciously. Flip carefully to avoid losing any cheesy goodness. Once done, slice the sandwich in half, and get ready to enjoy one of the best comfort food combos ever!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

For a pretty presentation and fresh burst of flavor, top your tomato soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A small drizzle of cream or olive oil swirled on top adds a lovely visual touch that makes the soup feel extra special.

Side Dishes

While the grilled cheese sandwich itself is the perfect partner, consider adding a crisp green salad or some crunchy pickles on the side to balance the creamy richness. A handful of your favorite chips or vegetable sticks also pairs wonderfully and rounds out the meal with texture variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in individual mini bowls or mugs for casual gatherings, and cut your sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters if you want to impress kids or guests. This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is not just tasty but also versatile enough to fit any occasion or presentation style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover tomato soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep your grilled cheese sandwiches fresh, it’s best to store them separately wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain their crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the cream may separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir while reheating will restore the texture. Grilled cheese sandwiches don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make them fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For grilled cheese sandwiches, warm them in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crisp crust and melted cheese sensation.

FAQs

Can I make the soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the soup creamy but suitable for dairy-free diets.

What bread works best for the grilled cheese?

Sourdough or any sturdy bread that crisps nicely while holding the cheese is ideal. But don’t hesitate to use your favorite bread – the choice really personalizes the sandwich.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes during the seasoning step or a dash of hot sauce just before serving for a spicy kick that balances the creaminess.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes work wonderfully. You’ll want to peel and crush them before cooking. Fresh tomatoes may require a little longer simmering to reach the same depth of flavor.

Is there a way to make the grilled cheese healthier?

Try using whole grain bread and reducing the amount of butter, or swap the cheese for a lower-fat option. You can still keep that melty deliciousness with these tweaks.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a meal that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds all at once, this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy solo night. Give it a try soon and watch it become a beloved classic in your home, just like it is in mine.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.2 from 54 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a comforting classic, perfect for a cozy meal. The smooth, rich tomato soup is enhanced with a touch of cream and aromatic herbs, paired perfectly with a crispy, cheesy grilled sandwich made with golden toasted bread and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Tomato Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or your choice)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella)
Garlic powder and parsley (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and sugar if using. Season with dried basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Garnish and Serve Soup: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, drizzle extra cream or olive oil on top for a decorative touch.
Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder and parsley on the buttered side if desired for added flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place half of the shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice. Top with the second slice, buttered side facing out.
Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy.
Serve: Slice the grilled cheese sandwich in half and serve immediately alongside the creamy tomato soup for a warm, satisfying meal.

Notes

For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with milk or a milk alternative.
If using chicken broth, the soup will have a richer flavor; vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a subtle heat.
Use your preferred bread for the grilled cheese sandwich for different textures and flavors.
To enhance flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and parsley on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
Use an immersion blender for easier blending directly in the pot without transferring hot soup.
Serve with extra fresh herbs or a swirl of cream for a beautiful presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup with Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American