Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A timeless comfort food classic made from scratch. Velvety, rich tomato soup from fresh tomatoes, paired with a perfectly golden, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The ultimate cozy meal, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the fresh tomatoes
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato.
- c.Carefully place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, until the skins start to peel back.
- d.Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water to cool.
- e.Peel the skins off, remove the core, and roughly chop the tomatoes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the soup
- b.Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 cups of water, and sugar to the pot. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Blend and finish the soup
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- c.Alternatively, let it cool slightly and blend in batches in a regular blender.
- d.Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Keep warm.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the grilled cheese sandwiches
- b.Lay out the 8 slices of sourdough bread.
- c.Spread the softened salted butter on one side of each slice.
- d.Flip 4 slices over (butter-side down) and top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- e.Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Grill the sandwiches
- b.Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- c.Place the sandwiches in the skillet, working in batches if needed.
- d.Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve
- b.Slice the grilled cheese sandwiches in half diagonally.
- c.Ladle the hot tomato soup into four bowls.
- d.Serve immediately with the grilled cheese halves for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer tomato flavor, roast the fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion before blending.
- 2Use a mix of cheeses like provolone and gruyere along with cheddar for a more complex flavor and better cheese pull.
- 3Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for an extra crispy, golden-brown crust.
- 4Don't rush the grilling. Low and slow heat is the key to a perfectly melted inside and a non-burnt outside.
- 5If the soup is too acidic for your taste, a tiny pinch of baking soda can help neutralize it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter, a plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut cream), and vegan cheese slices for the sandwich.
gluten freeGluten free
Simply swap the sourdough bread for your favorite gluten-free bread to make the entire meal gluten-free.
healthyHealthy
Replace the heavy cream with evaporated milk or a swirl of plain yogurt for less fat. Use whole wheat bread for the sandwich.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use a 28-ounce can of high-quality crushed tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes to skip the blanching and peeling step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Source of Calcium
The cheddar cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Comforting and Hydrating
This warm, soupy meal is not only comforting but also contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping you stay hydrated.
Frequently asked questions
It can be a balanced meal. The soup provides vitamins from tomatoes, especially lycopene. The sandwich offers carbohydrates and protein. To make it healthier, use whole wheat bread, reduce butter, and opt for a lighter cream substitute like milk or yogurt in the soup.