There is just something pure and nostalgic about a bowl of Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. This timeless pairing delivers the perfect balance of tangy, creamy tomato soup and crispy, melty sandwiches—the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon or a cozy pick-me-up whenever you need a little extra comfort. I can’t wait to walk you through all the tips and steps to make this soul-soothing classic at home. Trust me, it’s so simple, yet the flavors are deeply satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese recipe earns its place—each one doing a job, whether that’s giving body to the soup, infusing bold flavor, or creating that dreamy, gooey sandwich crunch. These pantry-friendly basics come together to make a meal that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: The rich base for sauteing your veggies, adding depth and silkiness to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Chopped and sautéed for sweetness—don’t skip this, it builds the soup’s backbone.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for punchy flavor; fresh garlic adds the most aromatic zing.
- Tomato paste: Just a spoonful intensifies the tomato flavor to new heights.
- Sugar: Balances out acidity from canned tomatoes and ties everything together.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that sneaks savory, Italian-style notes into your pot.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick; use as much or as little as you like.
- Canned whole peeled tomatoes: The heart and soul of the soup—choose a good quality brand for the brightest flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Thins the soup to your preferred consistency while boosting natural savoriness.
- Salt and black pepper: For perfect seasoning—start light and taste as you go.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (optional): Stirred in at the end for a luxuriously creamy finish.
- Sandwich bread: Go classic with a soft white or change it up—what matters is a golden, crispy exterior.
- Butter (softened): Essential for getting that picture-perfect, crackly grilled cheese crust.
- Cheddar cheese or cheese of choice: Cheddar is a crowd-pleaser, but feel free to play with other melty cheeses.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sweat until it turns gloriously soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and let its fragrance bloom, no more than a minute. This is your soup’s flavor foundation—you’ll taste the difference!
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Spoon in the tomato paste, sprinkle over the sugar and oregano, and if you’re craving a little heat, the red pepper flakes too. Let everything sizzle and meld together for a couple of minutes—this quick step unlocks flavor and warms up those spices.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Next, pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon to break them up a bit—it doesn’t need to be perfect. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for about 20 minutes; this is where all those flavors flirt and deepen.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Once the simmering is done, either blend the soup right in the pot with an immersion blender or carefully transfer it in batches to a blender. You want the soup smooth and creamy—watch it transform! Pour the soup back into the pot and, if you love a touch of richness, now’s the time to stir in the heavy cream or milk. Taste, then season with salt and pepper until every spoonful is just right.
Step 5: Make the Grilled Cheese
Nothing beats making these golden sandwiches fresh. Butter one side of each slice of bread generously—this is your key to crisp perfection. Place half the slices in a skillet, butter-side down, pile on those irresistible cheese slices, then top each with the other bread slice, butter-side up. Cook over medium heat until each side turns beautifully golden and the cheese inside melts into gooey bliss, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the steaming Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese into bowls and serve each alongside a freshly made sandwich. Dip, savor, and enjoy—the ultimate comfort duo, ready for you to devour.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, top your soup with torn fresh basil leaves, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil, or freshly cracked black pepper. A sprinkle of Parmesan or swirl of cream can make your bowl feel restaurant-worthy, too. These little extras add aroma and elevate both the look and flavor of your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese.
Side Dishes
While this combo is honestly a meal in itself, you can take things further! Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette, a handful of kettle-cooked chips for crunch, or even some briny pickles to cut the creaminess. This is your comfort canvas—paint it any way you like.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the basics is half the fun. Cut your grilled cheese sandwiches into strips for fun dipping, or use a big cookie cutter for playful shapes (kids love this!). You can also layer up mini grilled cheese “croutons” on the soup for double the comfort, double the crunch. No matter how you serve it, Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is guaranteed to draw smiles at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; the flavor actually gets even better overnight. Keep any extra grilled cheese sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge as well, though they’re best enjoyed freshly made.
Freezing
The tomato soup freezes like a dream! Just cool it completely, pour into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Hold off on adding any cream or milk before freezing—just stir that in after reheating. Grilled cheese is best enjoyed the day it’s made, as bread loses its crunch when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese, warm the soup gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot; add your cream or milk at this stage if you skipped it earlier. To bring back grilled cheese sandwiches, pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy glory—just avoid the microwave, which tends to make bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! When tomatoes are in season, you can swap in about four pounds of ripe, peeled tomatoes for the canned. Just chop them and use as directed—your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese will taste even more vibrant and summery.
What’s the best bread for grilled cheese sandwiches?
Classic soft sandwich bread always hits the nostalgia button, but you can switch it up with sourdough, whole grain, or even thick-cut brioche for a richer bite. The most important factor is a bread that crisps up golden and holds the melty cheese perfectly in your Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Totally simple! Omit any cream in the soup and use your favorite dairy-free butter and cheese for the sandwiches. The soup itself shines with just the essentials—no dairy needed for a delicious bowl.
Can I add extra veggies to the soup?
Definitely! Toss in a diced carrot or celery stalk with the onion to add more flavor and nutrition. Blending at the end ensures a velvety-smooth texture, no matter what veggies you sneak in.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
This Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese is always a hit with kids, especially if you let them help butter the bread or cut sandwiches into fun shapes. You can skip the red pepper flakes and serve the soup plain or with a dollop of cream for extra kid appeal.
Final Thoughts
Making Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese at home is a surefire way to bring comfort, flavor, and smiles to your table—no fuss required. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to lunch or dinner. There’s just nothing quite like this classic combination!
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Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and classic duo of Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomato soup with the gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a perfect choice for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices of sandwich bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
Instructions
- Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Add tomatoes, broth, simmer for 20 minutes. Puree and return to pot. Stir in cream or milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grilled Cheese: Butter one side of bread slices. Place 4 slices butter-side down in a skillet. Add cheese and top with remaining bread slices. Grill until golden and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and use dairy-free cheese and butter.
- Add fresh basil to the soup for extra flavor before blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with 1 grilled cheese sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
