Description
A timeless American comfort food duo, grilled cheese and tomato soup bring warmth, nostalgia, and pure satisfaction to the table. Crisp, golden sandwiches with gooey cheese are the perfect match for a rich, savory tomato soup—perfect for cozy lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Cheese:
8 slices of sourdough or white sandwich bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 slices of American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese
For the Tomato Soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for creamier soup)
Instructions
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Prepare the Soup: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
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Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky for texture. Stir in cream or milk if desired. Keep warm.
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Make the Grilled Cheese: While soup simmers, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
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Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on the skillet. Add 2 slices of cheese to each. Top with remaining bread, butter-side up.
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Cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even grilling.
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Serve hot grilled cheese sandwiches with bowls of warm tomato soup.
Notes
Add herbs like thyme or oregano to the soup for a deeper flavor.
Use different cheeses such as brie, gruyère, or gouda for a gourmet twist.
Tomato soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and milk, and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich + 1 cup soup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: easy grilled cheese recipe, classic tomato soup, comfort food, American lunch ideas, kid-friendly recipes, quick grilled cheese and soup