If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy meal that hugs you from the inside out, look no further because this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the rich, caramelized flavors of roasted tomatoes blended into a silky, creamy soup with the nostalgia and melty goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches. Perfect for chilly afternoons or anytime you crave comfort food with a gourmet twist, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this warm and inviting dish, you’ll use a handful of simple but vibrant ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl and sandwich. From ripe tomatoes that give the soup its natural sweetness and color, to fresh basil that adds aromatic freshness, each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- 1½ kg (3lbs) Tomatoes: Choose ripe, seasonal tomatoes or whole canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best sweet and tangy tomato base.
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle depth and slight sweetness that enhances the tomato roast.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps caramelize the tomatoes and adds richness to the soup.
- 1 tbsp Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process to bring out natural flavors.
- 2 Red Onions, finely chopped: Provide a mild sweetness and body to the soup’s texture.
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped: Infuse the soup with warm, aromatic undertones.
- ½ cup Fresh Basil Leaves: Gives a fragrant herbal brightness—no need to chop as they blend smoothly.
- 2 tsp Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a rich color.
- 8 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Builds the soup’s liquid base, adding savory depth.
- ½ cup Cream: Creates a luxurious smooth texture and a lovely balance to the acidity.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, for final seasoning adjustment.
- Bread (2 slices per person): Choose a sturdy yet tender loaf that grills nicely for the sandwich.
- 2 cups Grated Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and adds stretchiness to the grilled cheese.
- 2 cups Grated Mature Cheddar: Brings a sharp, tangy bite to the sandwich’s flavor profile.
- Butter: For grilling bread to a golden, crispy perfection.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the tomatoes in a roasting tray, then drizzle them with balsamic vinegar and olive oil before sprinkling sugar and salt on top. Roast these until they caramelize beautifully, about 25-30 minutes. This roasting step is what unlocks the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor that makes this soup spectacular.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
While the tomatoes roast, gently sauté your finely chopped red onions in a large pot until they turn translucent and tender. Add the minced garlic and fresh basil leaves to the pot, stirring just enough to wake up their flavors without burning the garlic. This foundation lays a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the roasted tomatoes, along with their juices, into the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. This step lets the acidity of the tomatoes mellow and the broth carry all those wonderful tastes.
Step 4: Blend and Finish the Soup
Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender or a standard blender, puree the soup until it is perfectly smooth and velvety. Return to low heat, stir in the cream, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for that rich, balanced flavor you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer the unbuttered sides with a generous mix of grated mozzarella and mature cheddar. Assemble the sandwiches with the cheese inside, buttered side facing out. Grill on a hot pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted into ooey-gooey perfection, flipping carefully to toast both sides evenly.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls, drizzle with a little cream and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Place the grilled cheese sandwiches alongside for dipping and indulgence. This combination elevates the classic comfort food duo to something truly special.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves on the soup bring that burst of herbal freshness, while an extra swirl of cream adds an inviting, silky look that whets the appetite. You can also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch that complements the roasted tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own but if you want to add more, consider a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A handful of crunchy carrot sticks or a simple cucumber salad also provide a refreshing bite alongside the warmth of the soup and sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized fingers for easy dunking. Serve the soup in small mugs for a casual, cozy vibe at a gathering. You can also top the soup with a crispy parmesan crouton or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an extra crunch and gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This soup actually tastes even better after resting, as the flavors deepen overnight. Keep grilled cheese sandwiches separate and reheat just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe’s soup component freezes beautifully. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze grilled cheese sandwiches fresh, as they don’t reheat well from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat the tomato soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water. Toast fresh grilled cheese sandwiches or reheat them in a pan until golden and melty again for the perfect hot, fresh meal.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Good quality canned whole tomatoes, like San Marzano, work wonderfully in this recipe and make it convenient year-round without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of bread is best for the grilled cheese?
Choose a sturdy but soft bread, such as sourdough or a classic white sandwich bread, so it grills up golden and holds the melty cheese perfectly without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese options to accommodate dietary preferences.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is naturally mild and focuses on the sweet, savory tomato flavors, making it perfect for all ages. You can add a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat.
Can I add other herbs or flavors?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, oregano, or a bay leaf simmered with the soup can add lovely earthiness. Just be sure to balance the herbs so the tomato flavor shines through.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe a try—it’s one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a meal that’s rich in flavor, nostalgia, and comfort food magic. Invite your loved ones, dip generously, and savor every bite!
Print
Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese recipe features a rich, flavorful roasted tomato soup blended with fresh basil and cream, paired with crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwiches using mozzarella and mature cheddar. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this dish is warm, hearty, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup
- 1½ kg (3 lbs) ripe, seasonal tomatoes (or whole canned tomatoes, San Marzano or good quality Italian tomatoes preferred)
- 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 (whole, unchopped)
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup cream
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for serving
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 2 slices bread per person
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated mature cheddar cheese
- Butter (for spreading on bread and cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes, which will enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Roast Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a roasting tray and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sprinkle sugar and salt evenly. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are caramelized and fragrant, developing a rich, roasted flavor base for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté the finely chopped red onions over medium heat until translucent and soft, then add the garlic and fresh basil leaves, cooking briefly to release their aromas.
- Add Ingredients and Simmer: Add the roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from the heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches. Return to heat, stir in the cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Grilled Cheese: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer grated mozzarella and mature cheddar cheese. Assemble the sandwiches with the buttered sides facing out.
- Cook Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve alongside the hot grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping and enjoying together.
Notes
- Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust cream quantity or omit for a lighter, dairy-free option.
- Basil can be added fresh as garnish or blended into the soup for herbaceous notes.
- You can substitute bread types such as sourdough or rustic country bread for the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
