Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo, and this recipe is all about big flavor with minimal fuss. Roasted ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy grilled cheese sandwiches come together for a cozy meal that tastes nostalgic—but with a rich, modern twist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese serves a purpose: from juicy tomatoes that create a rich base, to a duo of cheeses for the ultimate sandwich melt. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to a vibrant, silky soup and a perfectly crisped grilled cheese that’ll warm your soul.

• Tomatoes (1½ kg or 3 lbs): The star! Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the fullest flavor, or choose high-quality canned whole tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
• Balsamic Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds sweet-tangy depth to the roasted tomatoes—don’t skip it!
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps caramelize the tomatoes in the oven and adds fruity richness.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the tomatoes’ natural acidity for a smooth, well-rounded taste.
• Salt (1 tsp, plus to taste): Brings out and intensifies all the flavors throughout the recipe.
• Red Onions (2, finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
• Garlic Cloves (2, finely chopped): For aromatic richness and that signature Italian vibe.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (½ cup, plus more to serve): Infuses the soup with herby brightness and looks beautiful swirled on top.
• Tomato Paste (2 tsp): Boosts the umami and tomato intensity.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth (8 cups): Forms the soup’s body—choose veggie for vegetarian, or chicken for deeper flavor.
• Cream (½ cup): Stirred in at the end for a velvety finish. Leave out for dairy-free, or use a vegan alternative.
• Black Pepper (to taste): Rounds out the soup with subtle warmth.
• Bread Slices (2 per person): Go for your favorite sturdy sandwich bread—it’ll hold all the gooey cheese.
• Grated Mozzarella (2 cups): Melty, stretchy, and perfect for grilled cheese pulls.
• Grated Mature Cheddar (2 cups): For sharpness and that classic, savory grilled cheese bite.
• Butter: Essential for golden, crispy sandwiches with a hint of richness.

Variations

This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is your blank canvas! Feel free to swap in what you have on hand, or tweak to match your craving—whether you want it spicier, heartier, or totally dairy-free.

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for subtle, soothing heat.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Skip the cream or use coconut cream in the soup, and try vegan butter and plant-based cheese for your sandwich.
• Use Different Herbs: Sub in fresh thyme or parsley instead of—or in addition to—basil for a new flavor twist.
• Upgrade Your Cheese: Add a swipe of pesto to your sandwich, swap in Gruyère, or sneak in some sliced fresh tomatoes for even more melty magic.

How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. Arrange your tomatoes (halved or whole, depending on size), in a roasting tray. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sprinkle with sugar and salt, then toss everything together. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are collapsing and caramelized, with some delicious brown bits for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Basil

While the tomatoes roast, set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a swirl of olive oil, then toss in your finely chopped red onions. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, then add chopped garlic and basil, and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add the roasted tomatoes (with all their juices!), tomato paste, and a little more sugar if you like it sweeter. Pour in the broth—vegetable or chicken both work beautifully—and stir to combine. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Take the pot off the heat and blend the soup until completely smooth. An immersion blender is easiest, but a regular blender gives a super-satin finish (just be careful with hot liquids!). Stir in the cream, season with salt and black pepper, and adjust to taste.

Step 5: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Combine grated mozzarella and cheddar. Pile about ½ cup of the cheese blend onto half your bread slices, then top with remaining bread. Generously butter both sides. Fry sandwiches in a nonstick pan over medium heat, pressing lightly to get that golden, crispy crust. Flip once, and cook until both sides are deliciously browned and the cheese is melty.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Ladle your Easy Tomato Soup into bowls, add a swirl of cream and scatter fresh basil on top. Slice your grilled cheese sandwiches into dippable strips, and serve everything immediately while piping hot and comforting.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Add a drizzle of cream or swirl of Greek yogurt atop each bowl for a pretty finish, then scatter extra fresh basil or cracked black pepper. Croutons or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan give a little crunch and savory oomph if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is hearty on its own, but a tangy green salad, a batch of oven fries, or even pickles are fun additions when you want a well-rounded lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the grilled cheese into strips or fun shapes for dunking—kids love it! Serve soup in mugs for cozy sipping, or pour into tiny cups for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature first, and keep any extra grilled cheese wrapped separately so it stays fresh.

Freezing

Tomato soup freezes beautifully! Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding cream and stir it in when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring now and then till hot. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Grilled cheese is best made fresh, but you can crisp it up in a skillet or the toaster oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for pure coziness, you can’t go wrong with Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. This recipe is warm, soulful, and sure to spark memories—plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Treat yourself (or someone you love) to this delicious duo soon!

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