Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: A Classic Timeless Comfort Meal
The Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup is the perfect combination of a golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwich paired with a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup. This timeless duo has been a go-to comfort meal for generations, and it’s easy to see why!
In this recipe, we’re taking the timeless favorite to new heights with perfectly golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and a rich, flavorful tomato soup that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready to dive into a meal that’s as satisfying as it is soul-soothing! Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup is another great option to go with grilled cheese.
Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!
This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead option. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Recipe
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are completely tender.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, and blend the soup in batches.
- Stir in the lemon juice and sugar, and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tips & Tricks
- Sweat the Onions and Carrots: Take your time when cooking the onions and carrots. Letting them soften fully brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to your soup. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the extra few minutes.
- Use Quality Crushed Tomatoes: Since the tomatoes are the star of the show, opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice for their rich flavor and natural sweetness.
- Blending Safely: If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending, and always blend in batches to avoid hot splatters. Cover the blender with a kitchen towel to further prevent any accidents.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly or let the soup simmer longer to evaporate some of the liquid. For a thinner soup, add a bit more stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Balancing Flavors: The teaspoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, so feel free to add a bit more if you like a tangier flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add a burst of flavor and texture that elevates the entire dish. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Grilled Cheese Perfection: For the best-grilled cheese sandwiches, use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for a melty, flavorful result. Butter the outside of the bread generously and cook on medium-low heat to achieve that perfect golden crust without burning the bread.
FAQs about Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Yield:
1
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
The Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup is the perfect combination of a golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwich paired with a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup. This timeless duo has been a go-to comfort meal for generations, and it’s easy to see why!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are completely tender.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, blending the soup in batches.
- Stir in the lemon juice and sugar, and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside grilled cheese sandwiches.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 252Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 489mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 8g
