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Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

grilled cheese with tomato soup - featured image

This classic comfort meal pairs gooey, golden grilled cheese sandwiches with velvety homemade tomato soup. Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights or rainy-day lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices thick-sliced sourdough bread (about 10 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes (or use fresh if in season)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Chop the onion, carrot, and garlic. Slice the bread into thick pieces if not already pre-sliced.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the canned tomatoes (with juice), chicken or veggie broth, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully ladle soup into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return to pot, stir in heavy cream, and keep warm on low.
  5. Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread mayonnaise on the other side if desired. On unbuttered side, layer cheddar and mozzarella generously.
  6. Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Place sandwich, buttered side down, and press lightly. Cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side. Flip carefully using spatula.
  7. Slice sandwiches diagonally. Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF bread. For vegan, use plant-based cheese and coconut cream. Mayo on bread gives extra crispness. Start soup first, then prep and cook sandwiches while it simmers. Cover pan for better cheese melt. Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheese, tomato soup, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, classic, kid-friendly, vegetarian option, cozy meal