Nothing beats the cozy, nostalgic comfort of an Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe. I swear, whenever the weather turns cool or I’m craving something soothing, this pairing hits the spot every single time. The creamy, luscious tomato soup coupled with that golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate hug in a meal—comfort food at its finest.
What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly everything comes together, yet the flavor feels so rich and satisfying. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull this off—just a little patience with roasting the tomatoes really elevates the soup. Trust me, once you try this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasted Tomato Depth: Roasting brings out a wonderful caramelized sweetness that makes the soup anything but ordinary.
- Quick & Easy Assembly: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe is straightforward and perfect on busy weeknights.
- Classic Comfort Combo: Grilled cheese sandwiches baked with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar create melty, crispy perfection alongside the soup.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—kids and adults alike ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe has a purpose to bring out a harmonious flavor, balancing sweetness, acidity, and richness. I always recommend using the freshest tomatoes you can find or good-quality canned if out of season—it really makes a difference.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for that perfect base; San Marzano or any quality Italian variety works beautifully.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the tomato flavors when roasted together.
- Olive oil: For roasting and sautéing, bringing richness and enhancing the overall texture.
- Sugar: Helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, but feel free to adjust to taste.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- Red onions: Provide a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Adds that irresistible garlicky warmth.
- Fresh basil leaves: Stirred in and also used for garnish, they give a fresh herbal punch.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the soup.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Forms the soup’s liquid body; use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Cream: For that silky finish and beautiful richness.
- Bread: Your favorite sandwich bread works—country or sourdough are fantastic.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness in the grilled cheese.
- Mature cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness that balances the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Butter: To get that golden, crispy crust on the sandwiches.
Variations
I love to play around with this recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. It’s quite forgiving, so feel free to tweak it and make it your own—you’ll find that even small changes can add new layers of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red chili flakes to the soup for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese for a comforting plant-based version.
- Herb Variations: Thyme or oregano can be added along with basil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with gouda or fontina in the grilled cheese for a different melt and taste.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Tomatoes for Maximum Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place your tomatoes in a roasting dish along with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure the tomatoes are coated well. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they’re softened, broken down, and just beginning to caramelize. This roasting step is what truly builds the depth of flavor in your soup, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Onion, Garlic, and Basil
While the tomatoes roast, sauté finely chopped red onions in olive oil on medium heat until they’re translucent and smell fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and fresh basil leaves and cook for another minute to make sure those aromas really wake up your kitchen. This simple step layers your soup with inviting warmth and herbal notes.
Step 3: Combine Roasted Tomatoes and Simmer
Add the roasted tomatoes (including all those delicious juices), tomato paste, and a little extra sugar if needed. Stir to combine, then pour in the broth of your choice. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors marry beautifully before blending.
Step 4: Blend and Finish the Soup
Remove the soup from heat and blend it until silky smooth using either an immersion blender or transfer it carefully to a blender. Once smooth, stir in the cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. I love the cream’s richness here—it rounds out the acidity perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble and Cook Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mix together grated mozzarella and mature cheddar. Spread half of your bread slices generously with the cheese mixture, then top with remaining slices to form sandwiches. Butter both sides well. Cook them in a non-stick pan over medium heat—press gently and flip until they’re golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted inside. This melty, crispy texture pairs so amazingly with the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Pour the soup into bowls with a little drizzle of cream and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Plate the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside, and you’ve got a meal that’s way better than takeout—and definitely more satisfying.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Roast Tomatoes Thoroughly: Don’t rush the roasting—allow those tomatoes to caramelize properly for intense flavor.
- Use a Mix of Cheeses: Combining mozzarella and mature cheddar gives the perfect melt and boldness in your grilled cheese.
- Butter Your Bread Well: Butter both sides evenly and cook on medium heat so the sandwiches turn golden without burning.
- Blend Carefully: When blending hot soup, do it in batches if needed and hold the lid slightly ajar to avoid splatters.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple, fresh garnishes here—adding fresh basil leaves on top not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing pop of herbal flavor. A drizzle of cream swirled into the soup just before serving makes it look restaurant-worthy and adds a silky touch that I can’t resist.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually keep it light—sometimes a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. But honestly, this soup and sandwich combo is so filling, you might not want much else!
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way I’ve served this is pouring the soup into mini bread bowls for parties, pairing with small grilled cheese “dippers” cut into fingers. It’s great for entertaining and kids love the hands-on aspect. For a cozy date night, lighting candles and plating the grilled cheese on rustic wooden boards makes it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens a bit when chilled, so just warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to get the perfect consistency again.
Freezing
This tomato soup freezes very well—just leave out the cream until reheating. Freeze in portions so you can thaw exactly what you need. When you’re ready, blend in the cream after heating for that fresh, creamy finish.
Reheating
I recommend reheating the soup gently over low to medium heat to avoid scorching, stirring occasionally. For the grilled cheese, I find reheating in a toaster oven revives the crispiness better than a microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season or you want a shortcut, whole canned tomatoes work wonderfully. Just include all their juices when roasting to keep the flavor and moisture perfect.
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What’s the best bread for making grilled cheese sandwiches?
Choose a bread with some sturdiness and a good crumb, like sourdough or a hearty country loaf. They hold up well during cooking and provide the perfect crunch when toasted.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the cream with coconut or cashew-based cream and use your favorite vegan cheese or nut-based cheese substitutes for the grilled sandwiches. The soup remains rich and satisfying even dairy-free.
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How do I prevent the grilled cheese from burning before the cheese melts?
Cook the sandwich on medium to medium-low heat and butter both sides well. This slower cooking allows the cheese to melt thoroughly while getting the bread perfectly golden without burning.
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Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the soup a day or two in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat gently and stir in the cream before serving for a fresh, creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s dependable, delicious, and perfect for sharing with people you care about. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight or a chilly weekend treat, it always comforts and satisfies. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own family’s twist—there’s something truly magical in this timeless duo.
PrintEasy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup and Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of roasted tomatoes and aromatic herbs into a creamy, comforting soup served alongside perfectly golden, cheesy grilled sandwiches. A classic, cozy meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup
- 1½ kg (3 lbs) ripe tomatoes (fresh seasonal or canned whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano or other quality Italian varieties)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 red onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 2 slices bread per person
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated mature cheddar cheese
- Butter, for spreading
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place tomatoes, including juices if canned, in a roasting tray. Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are broken down and starting to caramelize.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sauté finely chopped onions in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. Add garlic and fresh basil leaves and fry for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar to the pot. Stir well and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
- Simmer Soup: Lower heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Blend Soup: Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese: Mix mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Spread butter generously on one side of each bread slice. Place half the slices butter-side-down in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Top with ½ cup cheese mixture and then the other bread slices, butter side up, to form sandwiches.
- Cook Sandwiches: Cook sandwiches in the pan until the bread is golden brown and cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Serve: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls, drizzle with a little cream, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot alongside the grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
Notes
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances the flavor by caramelizing their natural sugars and concentrating their taste.
- Using balsamic vinegar, basil, and garlic complements the tomato’s natural acidity perfectly.
- A pinch of chili flakes can be added if you prefer a hint of heat in the soup.
- The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted according to preference.
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned whole tomatoes work very well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with 1 grilled cheese sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg